Field-side 24V digital inputs carry noise from industrial wiring. Connecting these directly to a 3.3V MCU input would expose it to ground potential differences, common-mode noise, and transient spikes.
An optocoupler receives the 24V signal on its input LED (through a series resistor: R = (24V − 1.2V) / 10mA ≈ 2.2kΩ) and transfers the logic state to the MCU side through an isolated phototransistor output.
Go to DigiKey.com → Isolators → Optoisolators → Transistor, Photovoltaic Output
Apply these filters:
Voltage - Isolation → 3000Vrms or higher
Output Type → Transistor
Number of Channels → 1
Current Transfer Ratio (Min) → 50% or higher
Voltage - Output (Max) → 30V or higher
Package / Case → 4-DIP
Part Status → Active
Tip: The series resistor on the 24V input LED is critical. Calculate: R = (Vin − Vf) / If = (24 − 1.2) / 0.01 = 2.28kΩ. Use standard 2.2kΩ.
3. Key Specifications & What They Mean
Specification
Required
Why
Output Type
Transistor
Simple ON/OFF signal isolation.
Channels
1
Single digital input.
Isolation
≥3000Vrms
Protects MCU from field-side noise.
CTR (Min)
≥50%
Reliable signal at ~10mA LED drive.
Vout Max
≥30V
Margin for output-side voltage.
Package
4-DIP
Through hole for prototyping.
Temp Range
−40°C to +85°C
Standard industrial range.
RoHS
Yes
Compliance required.
4. Selecting a Safe, Production-Ready Part
The filtered list will show matching parts. Before you pick one, check: Is it Active? Is stock available? Is the manufacturer reputable? Is a datasheet available?