4N46#500 Optoisolator Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The 4N46#500 is a Darlington optoisolator manufactured by Broadcom Limited, designed for high-voltage isolation applications requiring 3750Vrms isolation rating. This component features a single channel with Darlington output and integrated base connection, housed in a 6-SMD gull wing package. The part is currently discontinued at DiGi Electronics, necessitating identification of equivalent alternatives for ongoing design requirements and production continuity.

Substiute Parts

4N46#500

Broadcom LimitedIn Stock: 8294N46#500 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

HCNW139-500E

Broadcom LimitedIn Stock: 40612HCNW139-500E Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

4N46-500E

Broadcom LimitedIn Stock: 138244N46-500E Datasheet

Parametric EquivalentRFQ

4N46-560E

Broadcom LimitedIn Stock: 65824N46-560E Datasheet

Parametric EquivalentRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the 4N46#500 is determined by the following critical parameters:

Isolation Voltage: The 3750Vrms isolation rating is a primary functional requirement. Substitute parts must maintain this isolation level or exceed it without introducing incompatibility.

Output Configuration: Darlington with Base output topology must be preserved to maintain circuit compatibility and control characteristics.

Single Channel Architecture: The single-channel design is fundamental to the application context.

Current Transfer Ratio Range: The 200% minimum and 1000% maximum CTR at specified test conditions define the gain characteristics required for proper circuit operation.

Output Voltage and Current Ratings: Maximum output voltage of 20V and 60mA per channel establish the load-driving capability.

Package Type: Surface mount 6-SMD gull wing packaging defines the physical and electrical interface requirements.

Substitute parts are classified into two categories:

MFR Recommended: HCNW139-500E provides enhanced isolation voltage (5000Vrms) with upgraded package (8-SMD) and active product status, suitable for applications where higher isolation margin is acceptable and package footprint can accommodate the larger form factor.

Parametric Equivalents: 4N46-500E and 4N46-560E maintain identical electrical specifications and 6-SMD packaging as the original part, differing only in packaging format (Tape & Reel) and product status (Active).

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

For Direct Replacement (Identical Specifications):

Use 4N46-500E or 4N46-560E when exact electrical and mechanical compatibility is required. Both parts maintain the 3750Vrms isolation voltage, 6-SMD package footprint, and identical performance characteristics of the original 4N46#500. Both are active products with ROHS3 compliance, providing supply continuity and regulatory alignment. Selection between these two parametric equivalents depends on packaging format availability and inventory requirements.

For Enhanced Isolation Margin:

Use HCNW139-500E when the application can accommodate a larger 8-SMD package footprint and when increased isolation voltage (5000Vrms) provides design margin benefits. This part offers the highest isolation rating among available substitutes and active product status. The maximum output voltage is reduced to 18V compared to 20V on the original part; verify this does not constrain the application circuit. The CTR minimum test condition differs (12mA versus 10mA), requiring confirmation that this specification change does not affect circuit performance.

Compliance Considerations:

All substitute parts are ROHS3 compliant, whereas the original 4N46#500 is RoHS non-compliant. This compliance upgrade is beneficial for new designs and manufacturing environments with RoHS requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can 4N46-500E and 4N46-560E be used interchangeably with 4N46#500?

A: Yes. Both parts are parametric equivalents with identical electrical specifications and 6-SMD package configuration. The primary difference is packaging format (Tape & Reel versus cut tape) and product status (both active). Circuit performance and PCB layout compatibility are equivalent.

Q: What is the key difference between 4N46-500E/4N46-560E and HCNW139-500E?

A: HCNW139-500E provides 5000Vrms isolation versus 3750Vrms on the 4N46 variants, and uses an 8-SMD package instead of 6-SMD. The maximum output voltage is 18V on HCNW139-500E compared to 20V on 4N46 parts. These differences require PCB layout modification and circuit verification before substitution.

Q: Is the 4N46#500 still available?

A: The 4N46#500 is discontinued at DiGi Electronics. Active alternatives are 4N46-500E, 4N46-560E, and HCNW139-500E, all manufactured by Broadcom Limited.

Q: Does the CTR test condition difference on HCNW139-500E affect compatibility?

A: HCNW139-500E specifies CTR minimum at 12mA versus 10mA on the original part. This represents a different test condition and does not indicate reduced performance. Circuit design must account for the specified CTR range at the actual operating current to ensure proper functionality.

Q: Are all substitute parts RoHS compliant?

A: Yes. All three substitute parts (HCNW139-500E, 4N46-500E, 4N46-560E) are ROHS3 compliant, whereas the original 4N46#500 is RoHS non-compliant. This provides regulatory alignment for new production.

Q: Can HCNW139-500E be used in the same PCB footprint as 4N46#500?

A: No. HCNW139-500E uses an 8-SMD package versus 6-SMD on the original part. PCB layout modification is required for this substitution.