4N38ASM Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The 4N38ASM 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 part is currently active in production and widely used in applications requiring DC input signal isolation with transistor-based output control. Alternative part numbers within the same series are available to support supply chain flexibility and inventory optimization.

Substiute Parts

4N38ASM
Isocom Components 2004 LTDIn Stock: 8424N38ASM Datasheet
4N38ASM
Current Part
4N38AXSM
Isocom Components 2004 LTDIn Stock: 11264N38AXSM Datasheet
4N38AXSM
Parametric Equivalent
4N38XSM
Isocom Components 2004 LTDIn Stock: 10214N38XSM Datasheet
4N38XSM
Parametric Equivalent

Key Parameters

Parameter Value
Manufacturer Part Number 4N38ASM
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 -55°C ~ 100°C
Mounting Type Surface Mount
Package / Case 6-SMD, Gull Wing
RoHS Status ROHS3 Compliant
Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL) 1 (Unlimited)
REACH Status REACH Unaffected

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

The 4N38ASM has two parametric equivalents within the 4N38 series: 4N38AXSM and 4N38XSM. These parts are classified as substitutes based on identical electrical and mechanical specifications across all critical parameters that define functional compatibility:

Key Parameters for Substitution Equivalence:

  • Single-channel configuration with transistor output and base connection
  • Isolation voltage: 7.5Vpk
  • Current transfer ratio minimum: 20% @ 10mA
  • Maximum output voltage: 80V
  • Maximum output current per channel: 50mA
  • Forward voltage (Typ): 1.2V
  • Maximum DC forward current: 60mA
  • Vce saturation (Max): 1V
  • Rise and fall time: 2µs each
  • Operating temperature range: -55°C ~ 100°C
  • Surface mount package: 6-SMD, Gull Wing
  • Compliance certifications: ROHS3 Compliant, REACH Unaffected

All three part numbers share identical electrical performance characteristics and mechanical form factors, making them direct functional equivalents for circuit design and PCB layout purposes.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter 4N38ASM 4N38AXSM 4N38XSM
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 -55°C ~ 100°C -55°C ~ 100°C -55°C ~ 100°C
Mounting Type Surface Mount Surface Mount Surface Mount
Package / Case 6-SMD, Gull Wing 6-SMD, Gull Wing 6-SMD, Gull Wing
RoHS Status ROHS3 Compliant ROHS3 Compliant ROHS3 Compliant
Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL) 1 (Unlimited) 1 (Unlimited) 1 (Unlimited)
REACH Status REACH Unaffected REACH Unaffected REACH Unaffected
Product Status Active Active Active
Inventory (Pcs) 820 1105 984

Engineering Selection Recommendations

All three part numbers—4N38ASM, 4N38AXSM, and 4N38XSM—are active production components from Isocom Components 2004 LTD with identical electrical specifications and mechanical packaging. Selection between these equivalents should be based on supply chain availability and inventory status rather than technical performance differences.

Both 4N38AXSM and 4N38XSM are direct functional replacements for 4N38ASM in any circuit application. All parts maintain ROHS3 compliance and REACH unaffected status, supporting regulatory requirements for industrial and commercial applications. The 6-SMD Gull Wing package format is consistent across all variants, ensuring PCB layout compatibility without design modification.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can 4N38AXSM and 4N38XSM be used interchangeably with 4N38ASM?

A: Yes. All three part numbers share identical electrical characteristics, isolation voltage, output current ratings, and mechanical packaging. They are direct functional equivalents and can be substituted without circuit redesign or PCB layout changes.

Q: Are there any differences in isolation voltage or output current between these parts?

A: No. All three variants maintain 7.5Vpk isolation voltage and 50mA maximum output current per channel. Current transfer ratio, forward voltage, and saturation characteristics are identical across all part numbers.

Q: Do all three parts meet the same compliance standards?

A: Yes. 4N38ASM, 4N38AXSM, and 4N38XSM are all ROHS3 compliant and REACH unaffected. Moisture sensitivity level is 1 (Unlimited) for all variants.

Q: Is the 6-SMD Gull Wing package identical for all three parts?

A: Yes. Package and case specifications are identical, ensuring direct PCB compatibility without layout modifications.

Q: What is the operating temperature range for these optoisolators?

A: All three parts operate across -55°C to 100°C, supporting industrial and extended temperature applications.

Q: Can these parts be used in high-speed switching applications?

A: Yes. Rise and fall times of 2µs for all variants support switching applications within this timing specification.

Request Quote (Ships tomorrow)