4N36S Optoisolator Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The 4N36S is an optoisolator transistor with base output manufactured by onsemi, rated for 5300Vrms isolation voltage in a 6-SMD surface mount package. This component provides galvanic isolation for DC input signals with transistor output capability. The 4N36S is classified as obsolete, making equivalent and substitute parts necessary for ongoing design support and procurement.

Substiute Parts

4N36S

onsemiIn Stock: 30034N36S Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

4N36SM

onsemiIn Stock: 221424N36SM Datasheet

DirectRFQ

4N36SM

onsemiIn Stock: 221424N36SM Datasheet

DirectRFQ

4N36-X007

Vishay Semiconductor Opto DivisionIn Stock: 11294N36-X007 Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

4N36-X009

Vishay Semiconductor Opto DivisionIn Stock: 9354N36-X009 Datasheet

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4N36-X009T

Vishay Semiconductor Opto DivisionIn Stock: 28324N36-X009T Datasheet

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4N36SMT&R

Isocom Components 2004 LTDIn Stock: 8964N36SMT&R Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution for the 4N36S is determined by the following critical parameters:

• Isolation Voltage: Minimum 5000Vrms to maintain equivalent or superior isolation performance
• Output Type: Transistor with base configuration required for functional compatibility
• Package / Case: 6-SMD, Gull Wing surface mount package
• Number of Channels: Single channel configuration
• Current Transfer Ratio: Minimum 100% @ 10mA
• Operating Temperature Range: Must support -55°C to 100°C or equivalent
• Mounting Type: Surface mount only

Substitute parts are grouped into two categories:

Direct Substitutes (onsemi 4N36SM): Same manufacturer, identical package, compatible electrical specifications with minor isolation voltage reduction (4170Vrms vs 5300Vrms).

Similar Substitutes (Vishay 4N36-X007, 4N36-X009, 4N36-X009T; Isocom 4N36SMT&R): Alternative manufacturers offering equivalent isolation voltage (5000Vrms or higher), identical package configuration, and compatible output characteristics. These parts maintain functional equivalence within specified parameter tolerances.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Primary Substitute: 4N36SM (onsemi)

The 4N36SM is the recommended direct substitute for the obsolete 4N36S. Both components are manufactured by onsemi, share identical package configuration (6-SMD, Gull Wing), and maintain equivalent electrical performance. The 4N36SM features active product status with ROHS3 compliance and unlimited moisture sensitivity rating. The isolation voltage reduction from 5300Vrms to 4170Vrms is acceptable for applications not requiring the maximum isolation specification of the original part. Current inventory of 22,100 units ensures supply continuity.

Secondary Substitutes: Vishay 4N36-X007, 4N36-X009, 4N36-X009T

These Vishay Semiconductor Opto Division parts provide isolation voltage of 5000Vrms, closely matching the 4N36S specification. All three variants maintain the 6-SMD, Gull Wing package and transistor with base output configuration. The 4N36-X009T offers tape and reel packaging for automated assembly. Switching time is extended to 10µs compared to the 4N36S at 2µs. All variants carry ROHS3 compliance and active product status.

Tertiary Substitute: 4N36SMT&R (Isocom Components 2004 LTD)

The 4N36SMT&R provides isolation voltage of 7.5Vpk with tape and reel packaging. This part maintains the 6-SMD, Gull Wing package and transistor with base output. ROHS3 compliance and active product status are confirmed. The isolation voltage specification differs significantly from the 4N36S, requiring application-level verification before selection.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the 4N36SM replace the 4N36S directly?

A: Yes. The 4N36SM is functionally equivalent for most applications. Both components share identical package geometry, output configuration, and operating temperature range. The isolation voltage is reduced from 5300Vrms to 4170Vrms; applications requiring the full 5300Vrms specification should select Vishay alternatives instead.

Q: What is the difference between 4N36-X009 and 4N36-X009T?

A: Both parts are electrically identical. The primary difference is packaging: 4N36-X009 is supplied in tube format, while 4N36-X009T is supplied in tape and reel (TR) format. Tape and reel packaging is standard for automated pick-and-place assembly.

Q: Why does the 4N36SMT&R have a different isolation voltage specification?

A: The 4N36SMT&R is manufactured by Isocom Components and specifies isolation voltage as 7.5Vpk rather than Vrms. This represents a different measurement methodology. Direct voltage comparison requires conversion between peak and RMS values. Applications should verify compatibility with circuit requirements before substitution.

Q: Are all substitute parts RoHS compliant?

A: Yes. All active substitute parts (4N36SM, 4N36-X007, 4N36-X009, 4N36-X009T, 4N36SMT&R) carry ROHS3 compliance certification. The original 4N36S does not specify RoHS status.

Q: What is the impact of switching time differences?

A: The 4N36S specifies 2µs turn-on and turn-off time. Vishay alternatives (4N36-X007, 4N36-X009, 4N36-X009T) specify 10µs switching time. Applications with timing-critical requirements must account for this 5x increase in switching delay.

Q: Can I use these parts interchangeably in existing designs?

A: Package and pinout compatibility is confirmed across all substitute parts. Electrical parameter differences (isolation voltage, switching time, forward current) must be evaluated against circuit requirements. Thermal and mechanical compatibility should be verified for the specific application.