3 Why ISOUSB211 Can Help

Many applications now use digital ports when connecting other devices. Digital isolation becomes a useful tool that can increase system robustness and improve signal integrity by making sure the ground loop is broken. ISOUSB211 is critical when the USB signal is the only accessible point in the system and the USB host needs protection. Typically, the ISOUSB211 is used in non-audio applications where two grounds need to be completely isolated due to the risk of electric shock or damage to sensitive electronics. However, creating two independent grounds and isolating a USB signal can be helpful in eliminating ground loop noise in audio systems.

USB enabled receivers, DACs, and audio interfaces are common in many set-ups and are often share a common ground over a length of cable and can be susceptible to noise injection from PC power supplies or wall power as shown in #GUID-01D274EB-319C-4F7F-846B-FBB1AC6C2977

After adding the ISOUSB211 to the signal chain as shown in #GUID-09036CD1-6D06-4A20-9D78-2CC16B4764C3, the ground loop is broken and the upstream and downstream ports are now separate. The grounds can now be considered to be completely independent. The ISOUSB211 also redrives the signal across the isolation barrier letting the device handle longer cable lengths while still remaining USB 2.0 compliant.