[sdiy] Silonex optocouplers

[Tim Parkhurst]

Hello All,

Has anyone tried the optocouplers available from Silonex? They have a very
wide range of parts along with some ap notes and schematics for audio
applications. Maybe a good Vactrol substitute? Maybe even a replacement for
the now defunct Burr-Brown VCA610 in powered speakers (Peter G)?

http://www.silonex.com/audiohm/index.html

The web site states
"Silonex Audiohm optocouplers are ideally suited for high performance audio
circuits. Most "design-ins" have demonstrated proven performance benefits
over silicon based audio control devices such as VCAs and FETs. Audiohm
optocouplers act in a circuit as a passive component, like a resistor, but
are very dynamic. Effectively the component is a current controlled variable
resistor."

They list Allied as a distributor. A check showed several of the items in
stock, and prices ranging from about 2 to 4 bucks a pop. The NSL-32SR3 looks
particularly interesting. It ranges from 60 Ohms to 25 Meg (!) and has a
'decay time' spec (time to 100K after removal of current through the LED) of
10msec. Might make for a fairly wide range VCADSR.

Tim Servo




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