What are the two basic types of optical coupled devices?

The two basic types of optical coupled devices are optoisolators and optical interrupters.

Optoisolators, also known as optocouplers, utilize an LED that transmits light to a photodetector (like a photodiode or phototransistor) to provide isolation between its input and output. This isolation is crucial in protecting circuits from high voltages or noise, allowing signals to be transferred without direct electrical contact.

Optical interrupters function by using a light source (usually an LED) and a light detector positioned in such a way that when an object interrupts the light beam, it can trigger or switch a circuit. This type is often employed in applications such as object detection or counting mechanisms.

Understanding these two types of devices is essential in the field of biomedical equipment because they allow for signal transmission and isolation while ensuring that sensitive equipment remains protected from high voltage spikes and interference.