What this I²C isolator does that a general-purpose digital isolator cannot
The ADUM2250ARIZ-RL is an Analog Devices iCoupler magnetic-coupled digital isolator purpose-built for I²C buses. Its two bidirectional channels handle the clock and data lines natively — no external direction-control logic or extra GPIO toggling, which is the trap engineers hit when they try to use a unidirectional digital isolator on an I²C link. The part integrates the open-drain bus buffers and the isolation barrier into one 16-SOIC package, rated for 5000Vrms of galvanic isolation.
The 5000Vrms isolation voltage qualifies this part for reinforced insulation in mains-connected equipment — think motor drives, industrial PLCs, and medical power supplies where the I²C bus crosses a safety barrier. The 25kV/µs common-mode transient immunity means the data stays clean when a 600V MOSFET switches next to the isolator; in a noisy inverter cabinet, that spec is what prevents bit errors on the bus.
Supply range and data rate — fits 3.3V and 5V buses
The supply range of 3V to 5.5V lets you run the isolator on either a 3.3V or 5V I²C bus without a level shifter — the side-1 and side-2 supplies are independent, so you can bridge a 3.3V controller to a 5V sensor node. The 1Mbps data rate covers standard-mode (100kHz) and fast-mode (400kHz) I²C with margin; it will not limit a typical sensor or EEPROM bus.
Temperature grade and package
The 16-SOIC-IC package is the wide-body 7.50mm width, which gives the creepage distance needed to sustain the 5000Vrms rating across the isolation barrier.
Lifecycle and sourcing
For dual-sourcing or a unidirectional variant, the ADUM2251ARWZ offers a 2/1 input split (one channel bidirectional, one unidirectional) in the same package — useful if your design only needs one bidirectional I²C channel and a general-purpose isolated signal.