4N38SM Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The 4N38SM is a single-channel optoisolator with transistor output and base connection, manufactured by Isocom Components 2004 LTD. This surface-mount 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 same series are available to support supply chain flexibility and inventory management across equivalent performance specifications.

Substiute Parts

4N38SM
Isocom Components 2004 LTDIn Stock: 125874N38SM Datasheet
4N38SM
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 4N38SM
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
Vce Saturation (Max) 1V
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)

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitute parts for the 4N38SM are identified based on strict electrical and mechanical parameter equivalence within the 4N38 series. The substitution criteria are:

  • Same manufacturer (Isocom Components 2004 LTD)
  • Identical series designation (4N38)
  • Matching isolation voltage (7.5Vpk)
  • Identical current transfer ratio specification (20% @ 10mA minimum)
  • Same output type (Transistor with Base)
  • Matching maximum output voltage (80V)
  • Identical maximum output current per channel (50mA)
  • Same Vce saturation maximum (1V)
  • Identical operating temperature range (-55°C ~ 100°C)
  • Same mounting type and package (6-SMD, Gull Wing)
  • Equivalent compliance status (ROHS3 Compliant, REACH Unaffected)

All substitute parts listed maintain full parametric equivalence and are suitable for direct replacement in applications designed for the 4N38SM.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter 4N38SM 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) 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
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)
Product Status Active Active Active

Engineering Selection Recommendations

All three part numbers (4N38SM, 4N38AXSM, 4N38XSM) are Active products with identical electrical and mechanical specifications. Selection between these equivalents should be based on:

  • Inventory availability and lead time requirements
  • Supply chain sourcing preferences
  • Cost considerations where applicable
  • Packaging and tube quantity requirements

All substitute parts maintain ROHS3 compliance and REACH unaffected status, ensuring regulatory equivalence for applications subject to environmental and hazardous substance restrictions. The MSL rating of 1 (Unlimited) applies uniformly across all variants, indicating no moisture sensitivity constraints during storage and handling.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can 4N38AXSM and 4N38XSM be used interchangeably with 4N38SM?

A: Yes. All three part numbers are parametric equivalents within the 4N38 series with identical electrical performance, isolation voltage, output current rating, and operating temperature range. They share the same 6-SMD Gull Wing package and mounting type.

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

A: No. All variants maintain 7.5Vpk isolation voltage specification.

Q: Do all substitute parts have the same current transfer ratio?

A: Yes. The minimum current transfer ratio is 20% @ 10mA across all three part numbers.

Q: What is the maximum output current for each variant?

A: All parts support 50mA maximum output current per channel.

Q: Are compliance certifications identical across all variants?

A: Yes. All three parts are ROHS3 compliant and REACH unaffected with MSL rating of 1 (Unlimited).

Q: Can these parts be used in applications requiring -55°C to 100°C operation?

A: Yes. The operating temperature range is identical across all variants.

Q: Are there package differences between 4N38SM, 4N38AXSM, and 4N38XSM?

A: No. All three use the same 6-SMD Gull Wing surface-mount package.

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