4N36 Optoisolator Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The 4N36 is an optoisolator transistor detector manufactured by Isocom Components 2004 LTD, designed for single-channel isolation applications. This Active product features a 6-pin DIP package with transistor output and base connection, providing 7.5Vpk isolation voltage and 50mA output current capability. The 4N36 is widely used in industrial control, signal isolation, and power management circuits where galvanic isolation between input and output stages is required. Substitute parts are identified when equivalent electrical performance, package compatibility, and isolation specifications can be maintained across different manufacturers.

Substiute Parts

4N36

Isocom Components 2004 LTDIn Stock: 1004594N36 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

4N35-000E

Broadcom LimitedIn Stock: 39614N35-000E Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the 4N36 is determined by the following critical parameters:

Electrical Compatibility Criteria:

• Single-channel configuration (1 Channel)
• Transistor output with base connection
• Maximum output voltage rating of 30V or greater
• Output current capability of 50mA or greater
• Current transfer ratio minimum of 100% @ 10mA
• Forward voltage (Vf) of 1.2V typical
• Vce saturation maximum of 300mV

Physical & Environmental Criteria:

• 6-DIP package format (0.300", 7.62mm pitch)
• Through-hole mounting compatibility
• Operating temperature range of -55°C to 100°C or wider
• RoHS3 compliance
• REACH unaffected status

Isolation Specification: The 4N36 specifies 7.5Vpk isolation voltage. Substitute parts with equal or higher isolation voltage ratings maintain functional equivalence for the intended application.

The 4N35-000E meets all substitution criteria through matching package geometry, output configuration, electrical performance envelope, and regulatory compliance.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

4N35-000E as Direct Substitute:

The 4N35-000E from Broadcom Limited is a qualified substitute for the 4N36. Both components maintain Active product status and full RoHS3 compliance with REACH unaffected designation, ensuring regulatory continuity in production environments.

Electrical Performance: The 4N35-000E exceeds the 4N36 specification in output current capacity (100mA vs. 50mA), providing design margin for higher-load applications. Rise and fall times are slightly longer (3µs vs. 2µs), which remains acceptable for most industrial isolation applications operating below 500kHz switching frequencies.

Isolation Voltage Advantage: The 4N35-000E provides 3550Vrms isolation, substantially exceeding the 4N36's 7.5Vpk specification. This higher isolation rating accommodates applications requiring enhanced galvanic separation without circuit redesign.

Package and Thermal Compatibility: Both components use identical 6-DIP through-hole packaging with matching 0.300" (7.62mm) pitch, enabling direct PCB footprint compatibility. Operating temperature ranges are identical (-55°C to 100°C), supporting equivalent thermal performance across industrial and commercial environments.

Substitution Feasibility: Direct substitution is feasible for applications where the 4N36 is currently specified, provided that the slightly increased propagation delay (3µs vs. 2µs) does not violate system timing requirements. No circuit modifications are required.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the 4N35-000E replace the 4N36 in existing designs?

A: Yes. The 4N35-000E is electrically and mechanically compatible with the 4N36. Both components feature identical 6-DIP packaging, matching output voltage and saturation specifications, and equivalent current transfer ratios. The 4N35-000E's higher output current (100mA vs. 50mA) and isolation voltage (3550Vrms vs. 7.5Vpk) provide design margin without requiring circuit changes.

Q: What are the key differences between these parts?

A: The primary differences are output current capacity (4N35-000E: 100mA; 4N36: 50mA), isolation voltage rating (4N35-000E: 3550Vrms; 4N36: 7.5Vpk), and propagation delay (4N35-000E: 3µs; 4N36: 2µs). All other electrical parameters, package format, and compliance certifications are equivalent.

Q: Are there any timing considerations when substituting?

A: The 4N35-000E has slightly longer rise and fall times (3µs vs. 2µs). For applications with timing-critical signal paths or high-frequency switching (>500kHz), verify that the additional 1µs propagation delay does not violate system requirements.

Q: Do both parts have the same package footprint?

A: Yes. Both the 4N36 and 4N35-000E use 6-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm) through-hole packaging. PCB layouts and footprints are directly compatible without modification.

Q: Are both parts RoHS and REACH compliant?

A: Yes. Both the 4N36 and 4N35-000E are ROHS3 compliant and REACH unaffected, meeting current regulatory requirements for industrial and commercial applications.

Q: Which part should I select for new designs?

A: Selection depends on application requirements. For applications requiring 50mA output current and 7.5Vpk isolation, either part is suitable. For applications requiring higher output current or enhanced isolation voltage, the 4N35-000E is the preferred choice. Both parts are Active products with established supply chains.