6N137 High-Speed Optoisolator Link

Send 10 Mbit/s digital data across a 3 kV isolation barrier using photons instead of wires.

Difficulty: Through-hole. Estimated build time: about 30 minutes. Estimated parts cost: about US$2.50. 4-part bill of materials with live supplier pricing. A galvanically-isolated digital link built from the Lite-On 6N137, a single DIP-8 that pairs an infrared LED with a photodiode and a comparator output stage.