4N253S Optoisolator Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The 4N253S is a single-channel optoisolator transistor with base output manufactured by onsemi, rated for 5300Vrms isolation voltage in a 6-SMD surface mount package. This component is classified as obsolete, making equivalent and substitute parts necessary for ongoing design support and procurement.

The 4N253S operates with a 20% minimum current transfer ratio at 10mA input, 2µs switching speed, and supports operating temperatures from -55°C to 100°C. Its primary function is to provide galvanic isolation in signal transmission applications requiring high voltage isolation with transistor output capability.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Manufacturer Part Number	4N253S
Manufacturer	onsemi
Category	Optoisolators
Number of Channels	1
Voltage - Isolation	5300Vrms
Current Transfer Ratio (Min)	20% @ 10mA
Turn On / Turn Off Time (Typ)	2µs, 2µs
Output Type	Transistor with Base
Voltage - Output (Max)	30V
Voltage - Forward (Vf) (Typ)	1.18V
Current - DC Forward (If) (Max)	100 mA
Vce Saturation (Max)	500mV
Operating Temperature	-55°C ~ 100°C
Mounting Type	Surface Mount
Package / Case	6-SMD, Gull Wing
Product Status	Obsolete

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the 4N253S is determined by the following critical parameters:

Isolation Voltage Compatibility: The 4N253S operates at 5300Vrms isolation. Substitute parts must maintain isolation voltage at or above this level to ensure equivalent electrical safety and performance.

Output Configuration: All substitutes must feature transistor output with base connection, matching the 4N253S output topology.

Switching Characteristics: Turn-on and turn-off times of 2µs define the speed class. Substitutes with equivalent or faster switching performance (2µs or less) maintain functional compatibility.

Current Transfer Ratio: Minimum 20% @ 10mA is the baseline performance specification across all candidates.

Package and Mounting: 6-SMD surface mount in gull wing configuration ensures mechanical and electrical compatibility with existing PCB layouts.

Operating Temperature Range: -55°C to 100°C defines the thermal operating envelope.

Substitute parts are grouped into two categories based on isolation voltage:

Group A (5000Vrms - 5300Vrms): Direct functional equivalents with isolation voltage matching or exceeding the 4N253S specification. These include 4N25-X007T, 4N25-X009T, 4N25-X017, and 4N25XSM.

Group B (2500Vrms): Lower isolation voltage alternatives suitable for applications not requiring the full 5300Vrms isolation rating. These include 4N25-300E, 4N25-500E, 4N25S-TA, and 4N25S-TA1.

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Isolation Voltage	CTR Min @ 10mA	Switching Time (On/Off)	Output Voltage Max	Forward Voltage (Typ)	Forward Current Max	Vce Saturation Max	Operating Temp	Product Status
4N253S	onsemi	5300Vrms	20%	2µs, 2µs	30V	1.18V	100 mA	500mV	-55°C ~ 100°C	Obsolete
4N25-X007T	Vishay Semiconductor Opto Division	5000Vrms	20%	2µs, 2µs	70V	1.36V	60 mA	500mV	-55°C ~ 100°C	Active
4N25-X009T	Vishay Semiconductor Opto Division	5000Vrms	20%	2µs, 2µs	70V	1.36V	60 mA	500mV	-55°C ~ 100°C	Active
4N25-X017	Vishay Semiconductor Opto Division	5000Vrms	20%	2µs, 2µs	70V	1.36V	60 mA	500mV	-55°C ~ 100°C	Active
4N25XSM	Isocom Components	5300Vrms	20%	2µs, 2µs	30V	1.2V	60 mA	500mV	-55°C ~ 100°C	Active
4N25S	onsemi	5300Vrms	20%	2µs, 2µs	30V	1.18V	100 mA	500mV	-55°C ~ 100°C	Obsolete
4N25-300E	Broadcom Limited	2500Vrms	20%	—	30V	1.2V	80 mA	500mV	-55°C ~ 100°C	Active
4N25-500E	Broadcom Limited	2500Vrms	20%	—	30V	1.2V	80 mA	500mV	-55°C ~ 100°C	Active
4N25S-TA	Lite-On Inc.	2500Vrms	20%	—	30V	1.2V	80 mA	500mV	-55°C ~ 100°C	Active
4N25S-TA1	Lite-On Inc.	2500Vrms	20%	—	30V	1.2V	80 mA	500mV	-55°C ~ 100°C	Active
4N25SMT&R	Isocom Components 2004 LTD	7.5Vpk	20%	2µs, 2µs	30V	1.2V	60 mA	500mV	-55°C ~ 100°C	Active

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Primary Substitutes (Group A - 5000Vrms to 5300Vrms Isolation):

The 4N25-X009T and 4N25-X007T from Vishay Semiconductor Opto Division are direct functional equivalents with 5000Vrms isolation voltage, matching the critical isolation specification of the 4N253S. Both parts are active products with ROHS3 compliance and identical switching characteristics (2µs on/off time). The 4N25-X009T offers higher inventory availability (12,880 pcs) and is supplied in Tape & Reel packaging suitable for automated assembly.

The 4N25XSM from Isocom Components matches the 4N253S isolation voltage at 5300Vrms and maintains identical switching speed. This part is active and ROHS3 compliant, with 1,181 pcs in stock.

The 4N25S from onsemi provides identical electrical specifications to the 4N253S but carries obsolete product status, limiting its suitability for new designs despite 3,317 pcs available inventory.

Secondary Substitutes (Group B - 2500Vrms Isolation):

The 4N25-300E, 4N25-500E, 4N25S-TA, and 4N25S-TA1 operate at 2500Vrms isolation voltage, representing a 50% reduction from the 4N253S specification. These parts are suitable only for applications where the full 5300Vrms isolation is not required. All four are active products with ROHS3 compliance. The 4N25S-TA1 offers the highest inventory (10,300 pcs) and is available in Cut Tape & Digi-Reel packaging.

Not Recommended:

The 4N25SMT&R from Isocom Components 2004 LTD specifies 7.5Vpk isolation voltage, which is insufficient for applications requiring the 5300Vrms isolation rating of the 4N253S and should not be considered a functional equivalent.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use a 2500Vrms optoisolator as a substitute for the 4N253S in my application?

A: Only if your circuit design does not require the full 5300Vrms isolation voltage specified by the 4N253S. The 4N25-300E, 4N25-500E, 4N25S-TA, and 4N25S-TA1 are electrically compatible in terms of current transfer ratio, switching speed, and output configuration, but provide lower isolation voltage. Verify your isolation requirements before substitution.

Q: What is the difference between 4N25-X009T and 4N25-X007T?

A: Both parts are manufactured by Vishay Semiconductor Opto Division with identical electrical specifications: 5000Vrms isolation, 20% minimum CTR, and 2µs switching time. The primary difference is packaging and availability. The 4N25-X009T is supplied in Tape & Reel with 12,880 pcs in stock, while 4N25-X007T is also Tape & Reel with 12,570 pcs available. Both are suitable direct substitutes for the 4N253S.

Q: Why is the 4N253S listed as obsolete?

A: The 4N253S is an obsolete product from onsemi. The active equivalent from the same manufacturer is the 4N25S, though it also carries obsolete status. For new designs, active products such as the Vishay 4N25-X009T or Isocom 4N25XSM are recommended to ensure long-term supply availability and manufacturer support.

Q: Are all substitute parts RoHS compliant?

A: Most active substitutes carry ROHS3 compliance certification. The 4N25-X009T, 4N25-X007T, 4N25-X017, 4N25XSM, 4N25-300E, 4N25-500E, 4N25S-TA, 4N25S-TA1, and 4N25SMT&R are all ROHS3 compliant. Verify compliance documentation for your specific application requirements.

Q: Can I interchange 4N25-X009T and 4N25XSM in the same circuit?

A: Both parts maintain the same isolation voltage (5000Vrms vs 5300Vrms), current transfer ratio (20%), and switching characteristics (2µs). However, the 4N25-X009T specifies maximum output voltage of 70V compared to 30V for 4N25XSM, and forward current ratings differ (60mA vs 60mA). Verify your circuit's voltage and current requirements before substitution. Both are mechanically compatible in 6-SMD gull wing packages.

Q: What packaging options are available for high-volume production?

A: For automated assembly, Tape & Reel packaging is preferred. The 4N25-X009T, 4N25-X017, and 4N25-500E are available in Tape & Reel. The 4N25S-TA1 is supplied in Cut Tape & Digi-Reel format. Tube packaging is available for 4N25-X017, 4N25-300E, and 4N25XSM. Verify packaging compatibility with your assembly process.

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