6N136 Optoisolator Transistor with Base - Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The 6N136 is a single-channel optoisolator with transistor output and base connection, rated for 3750Vrms isolation voltage. This component is designed for applications requiring galvanic isolation in DC-coupled circuits with moderate isolation requirements. The part is currently active in production by Broadcom Limited. Substitute parts are necessary when addressing specific application requirements such as higher isolation voltage ratings, improved compliance certifications, or alternative manufacturer availability.

Substiute Parts

6N136

Broadcom LimitedIn Stock: 501276N136 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

6N136-000E

Broadcom LimitedIn Stock: 177716N136-000E Datasheet

Parametric EquivalentRFQ

6N136M

onsemiIn Stock: 890106N136M Datasheet

DirectRFQ

6N136

onsemiIn Stock: 501706N136 Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

6N136

onsemiIn Stock: 501706N136 Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

SFH6136

Vishay Semiconductor Opto DivisionIn Stock: 1237SFH6136 Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitute parts for the 6N136 are classified based on the following critical parameters that determine functional compatibility:

Isolation Voltage Rating: The primary differentiator among substitutes. The 6N136 operates at 3750Vrms. Substitutes with equal or higher isolation ratings (5000Vrms, 5300Vrms) are electrically compatible for applications requiring the base 3750Vrms specification.

Current Transfer Ratio: All listed substitutes maintain the 19% minimum and 50% maximum CTR range at 16mA input current, ensuring consistent gain characteristics.

Output Configuration: All substitutes feature transistor output with base connection, maintaining identical output topology.

Package and Mounting: All substitutes use 8-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm) through-hole packaging, ensuring mechanical and pin-compatible installation.

Operating Temperature Range: The 6N136 operates from -55°C to 100°C. Substitutes with identical or wider temperature ranges maintain thermal compatibility.

Input Type and Output Specifications: All substitutes accept DC input and provide maximum output voltage and current within compatible ranges (20V output, 8mA per channel).

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

For RoHS3 Compliance Requirements: Select 6N136-000E (Broadcom), 6N136M (onsemi), or SFH6136 (Vishay). These parts meet ROHS3 compliance standards. The original 6N136 from Broadcom is RoHS non-compliant and unsuitable for applications with regulatory compliance mandates.

For Higher Isolation Voltage Applications: 6N136M (5000Vrms) and SFH6136 (5300Vrms) provide elevated isolation ratings while maintaining all other electrical parameters within compatible ranges. These are direct upgrades for circuits requiring isolation margins beyond 3750Vrms.

For Active Production Status: 6N136-000E, 6N136M, and SFH6136 are all active products with current manufacturing support. The onsemi 6N136 variant is obsolete and should not be selected for new designs.

For Extended Temperature Range: All active substitutes except 6N136M support the full -55°C to 100°C operating range. The 6N136M operates from -40°C to 100°C, which is acceptable for most industrial applications but may not suit extreme low-temperature environments.

For Fastest Switching Performance: SFH6136 offers the fastest turn-on and turn-off times (200ns each), compared to the original 6N136 (200ns on, 600ns off). This provides improved switching speed for time-critical applications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I substitute 6N136M for the original 6N136 in my circuit?

A: Yes, 6N136M is electrically compatible. It provides higher isolation voltage (5000Vrms vs. 3750Vrms), identical current transfer ratio range, and the same 8-DIP package. The operating temperature range is -40°C to 100°C instead of -55°C to 100°C. Verify your application's minimum operating temperature requirement before selection.

Q: What is the difference between 6N136 and 6N136-000E?

A: Both are Broadcom parts with identical electrical specifications (3750Vrms isolation, 19-50% CTR). The primary difference is packaging: 6N136-000E is supplied in Tube packaging and meets ROHS3 compliance, while the original 6N136 is RoHS non-compliant. For new designs, 6N136-000E is the preferred Broadcom option.

Q: Is SFH6136 a direct replacement for 6N136?

A: SFH6136 is mechanically and functionally compatible (same 8-DIP package, same output topology, same CTR range). It offers higher isolation voltage (5300Vrms), faster switching times (200ns on/off), and higher maximum output voltage (25V vs. 20V). It is manufactured by Vishay Semiconductor Opto Division rather than Broadcom, but meets all electrical requirements for 6N136 applications.

Q: Why is the onsemi 6N136 listed as obsolete?

A: The onsemi 6N136 variant operates at 2500Vrms isolation voltage, which is below the 3750Vrms specification of the original Broadcom part. This lower rating, combined with obsolete product status, makes it unsuitable for new designs or direct substitution.

Q: Which substitute should I choose for RoHS-compliant applications?

A: Select 6N136-000E (Broadcom), 6N136M (onsemi), or SFH6136 (Vishay). All three are ROHS3 compliant. Choose based on manufacturer preference, isolation voltage requirement, and availability. 6N136M and SFH6136 offer higher isolation ratings as additional benefits.

Q: Are all substitutes pin-compatible with the original 6N136?

A: Yes. All listed substitutes use the 8-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm) through-hole package with identical pinout, ensuring direct mechanical and electrical compatibility without PCB modifications.

Q: What is the impact of different turn-on/turn-off times on my circuit?

A: Turn-on and turn-off times affect switching speed and propagation delay. SFH6136 (200ns on, 200ns off) is fastest, followed by 6N136 and 6N136-000E (200ns on, 600ns off). The onsemi 6N136 (450ns on, 500ns off) is slowest. For high-frequency switching applications, SFH6136 or the original 6N136 are preferred. For low-frequency applications, all options are functionally equivalent.