4N38AG Optoisolator Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The 4N38AG is a single-channel optoisolator with transistor output and base connection, manufactured by Isocom Components 2004 LTD. This component provides galvanic isolation between input and output circuits with a 7.5Vpk isolation voltage rating. The device is classified as Active product status with full RoHS3 compliance and REACH unaffected designation. Alternative part numbers within the 4N38 series are available to support supply chain flexibility and inventory management while maintaining identical electrical and mechanical specifications.

Substiute Parts

4N38AG
Isocom Components 2004 LTDIn Stock: 11294N38AG Datasheet
4N38AG
Current Part
4N38AXG
Isocom Components 2004 LTDIn Stock: 12054N38AXG Datasheet
4N38AXG
Parametric Equivalent
4N38XG
Isocom Components 2004 LTDIn Stock: 10034N38XG Datasheet
4N38XG
Parametric Equivalent

Key Parameters

Parameter Value
Manufacturer Part Number 4N38AG
Manufacturer Isocom Components 2004 LTD
Category Optoisolators
Series 4N38
Number of Channels 1
Voltage - Isolation 7.5Vpk
Current Transfer Ratio (Min) 20% @ 10mA
Output Type Transistor with Base
Voltage - Output (Max) 80V
Current - Output / Channel 50mA
Voltage - Forward (Vf) (Typ) 1.2V
Current - DC Forward (If) (Max) 60mA
Vce Saturation (Max) 1V
Rise / Fall Time (Typ) 2µs, 2µs
Operating Temperature Range -55°C ~ 100°C
Package / Case 6-DIP (0.400", 10.16mm)
Mounting Type Through Hole
RoHS Status RoHS3 Compliant
Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL) 1 (Unlimited)

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

The 4N38 series optoisolators are parametrically equivalent within the same product line. Substitution eligibility is determined by matching the following critical parameters:

  • Single-channel configuration
  • 7.5Vpk isolation voltage
  • Transistor output with base connection
  • 20% minimum current transfer ratio at 10mA input
  • 80V maximum output voltage
  • 50mA maximum output current per channel
  • 6-DIP through-hole package (0.400", 10.16mm)
  • Operating temperature range -55°C to 100°C
  • RoHS3 compliance and REACH unaffected status

All substitute parts listed maintain identical electrical performance characteristics and mechanical compatibility with the 4N38AG.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter 4N38AG 4N38AXG 4N38XG
Manufacturer Isocom Components 2004 LTD Isocom Components 2004 LTD Isocom Components 2004 LTD
Series 4N38 4N38 4N38
Number of Channels 1 1 1
Voltage - Isolation 7.5Vpk 7.5Vpk 7.5Vpk
Current Transfer Ratio (Min) 20% @ 10mA 20% @ 10mA 20% @ 10mA
Output Type Transistor with Base Transistor with Base Transistor with Base
Voltage - Output (Max) 80V 80V 80V
Current - Output / Channel 50mA 50mA 50mA
Voltage - Forward (Vf) (Typ) 1.2V 1.2V 1.2V
Current - DC Forward (If) (Max) 60mA 60mA 60mA
Vce Saturation (Max) 1V 1V 1V
Rise / Fall Time (Typ) 2µs, 2µs 2µs, 2µs 2µs, 2µs
Operating Temperature Range -55°C ~ 100°C -55°C ~ 100°C -55°C ~ 100°C
Package / Case 6-DIP (0.400", 10.16mm) 6-DIP (0.400", 10.16mm) 6-DIP (0.400", 10.16mm)
Mounting Type Through Hole Through Hole Through Hole
RoHS Status RoHS3 Compliant RoHS3 Compliant RoHS3 Compliant
Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL) 1 (Unlimited) 1 (Unlimited) 1 (Unlimited)
Product Status Active Active Active

Engineering Selection Recommendations

All three part numbers—4N38AG, 4N38AXG, and 4N38XG—are Active status products manufactured by Isocom Components 2004 LTD with full RoHS3 compliance and REACH unaffected designation. Selection between these equivalent parts may be based on inventory availability and supply chain considerations. Current inventory levels are: 4N38AG (1027 pcs), 4N38AXG (1101 pcs), and 4N38XG (925 pcs). All parts are supplied in tube packaging and are suitable for through-hole PCB assembly applications requiring single-channel galvanic isolation with transistor output configuration.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Are 4N38AG, 4N38AXG, and 4N38XG fully interchangeable?

A: Yes. All three part numbers share identical electrical specifications, output characteristics, isolation voltage, current transfer ratio, and 6-DIP package dimensions. Direct substitution is supported without circuit modification.

Q: What determines if a part can substitute for the 4N38AG?

A: Substitute parts must maintain: single-channel configuration, 7.5Vpk isolation voltage, transistor output with base connection, 20% minimum current transfer ratio, 80V maximum output voltage, 50mA output current rating, 6-DIP through-hole package, and -55°C to 100°C operating temperature range.

Q: Are there any compliance differences between the substitute parts?

A: No. All three parts carry identical RoHS3 compliance status, REACH unaffected designation, and Moisture Sensitivity Level 1 (Unlimited) rating.

Q: Can these parts be used in surface-mount applications?

A: No. All parts in this group are specified for through-hole mounting only with 6-DIP package configuration (0.400", 10.16mm).

Q: What is the isolation voltage specification?

A: The isolation voltage is 7.5Vpk for all equivalent parts in this substitution group.

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