Signals & Electrical
Galvanic isolation
Electrical separation that allows information to pass without a direct conductive connection.
IN ONE SENTENCE
It helps stop unwanted currents, ground loops and faults travelling between circuits.
In normal English
Isolation can be provided by transformers, optocouplers or other techniques inside signal conditioners, interfaces and power supplies.
Why would I use it?
Use it when different grounds, noisy machinery or fault protection make direct connection undesirable.
THINK OF IT LIKE…
Passing a message across a gap without joining the two electrical worlds together.
Related terms
signal conditioner, isolator, ground loop
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