4N38G Optoisolator Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The 4N38G 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 using a light-coupled interface. The device is classified as Active product status, indicating current production and availability. Alternative part numbers within the same series are necessary when primary stock is unavailable or when specific packaging or manufacturing date code requirements must be met.

Substiute Parts

4N38G
Isocom Components 2004 LTDIn Stock: 8404N38G Datasheet
4N38G
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 4N38G
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) 60 mA
Vce Saturation (Max) 1V
Operating Temperature -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 4N38G belongs to the 4N38 series optoisolator family. Substitute parts are identified based on strict parametric equivalence across all critical electrical and mechanical specifications. The substitution logic is based on the following key parameters that must remain identical:

  • Single-channel configuration
  • 7.5Vpk isolation voltage
  • Minimum 20% current transfer ratio at 10mA input
  • Transistor with base output configuration
  • 80V maximum output voltage rating
  • 50mA maximum output current per channel
  • 1.2V typical forward voltage
  • 60mA maximum DC forward current
  • 1V maximum Vce saturation
  • Operating temperature range of -55°C to 100°C
  • 6-DIP through-hole package (0.400", 10.16mm)
  • ROHS3 compliance and MSL Level 1 rating

All substitute parts maintain identical electrical performance and physical form factor, ensuring direct interchangeability in circuit applications.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter 4N38G 4N38XG 4N38AXG
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) 60 mA 60 mA 60 mA
Vce Saturation (Max) 1V 1V 1V
Operating Temperature -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—4N38G, 4N38XG, and 4N38AXG—are parametrically equivalent and maintain Active product status from Isocom Components 2004 LTD. Each variant meets ROHS3 compliance requirements and carries MSL Level 1 rating, indicating no moisture sensitivity restrictions during storage and handling.

Selection between these part numbers should be based on inventory availability and manufacturing date code requirements specific to your procurement timeline. No electrical or mechanical performance differentiation exists between the variants. All three are suitable for direct substitution in applications requiring single-channel optoisolation with transistor output configuration.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can 4N38XG and 4N38AXG be used interchangeably with 4N38G?

A: Yes. All three part numbers are parametrically equivalent across all electrical specifications, output configuration, isolation voltage, current transfer ratio, and package dimensions. Direct substitution is supported without circuit modification.

Q: Are there any differences in the 6-DIP package dimensions between these variants?

A: No. All variants use the identical 6-DIP package with 0.400" (10.16mm) body width. Through-hole mounting compatibility is maintained across all three part numbers.

Q: Do all variants meet the same compliance standards?

A: Yes. 4N38G, 4N38XG, and 4N38AXG are all ROHS3 compliant with MSL Level 1 rating. REACH status is Unaffected for all variants, and ECCN classification is EAR99 for all three part numbers.

Q: What is the minimum current transfer ratio specification for these optoisolators?

A: The minimum current transfer ratio is 20% at 10mA input current across all three variants. This specification determines the optical coupling efficiency between the LED input stage and the transistor output stage.

Q: Are these parts suitable for high-temperature applications?

A: Yes. All variants operate across the temperature range of -55°C to 100°C, supporting both industrial and extended temperature applications within this specification window.

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