6N136 Optoisolator Transistor with Base Output — Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The 6N136 is a single-channel optoisolator with transistor output and base connection, rated for 2500Vrms isolation voltage. This component is classified as obsolete, making equivalent and substitute parts necessary for new designs and production continuity. The 6N136 operates with DC input, delivers transistor output with base access, and is packaged in 8-DIP through-hole format. Substitution requires matching isolation voltage rating, output type, channel count, and package configuration while accounting for differences in switching speed and operating temperature range.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Manufacturer Part Number	6N136
Manufacturer	onsemi
Category	Optoisolators
Number of Channels	1
Voltage - Isolation	2500Vrms
Current Transfer Ratio (Min)	19% @ 16mA
Current Transfer Ratio (Max)	50% @ 16mA
Turn On / Turn Off Time (Typ)	450ns, 500ns
Output Type	Transistor with Base
Voltage - Output (Max)	20V
Current - Output / Channel	8mA
Voltage - Forward (Vf) (Typ)	1.45V
Current - DC Forward (If) (Max)	25mA
Operating Temperature	-55°C ~ 100°C
Mounting Type	Through Hole
Package / Case	8-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm)
Product Status	Obsolete

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the 6N136 is determined by the following critical parameters:

Primary Matching Criteria:

Number of Channels: 1 (single channel required)
Output Type: Transistor with Base (base connection access required)
Package / Case: 8-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm) (through-hole form factor)
Mounting Type: Through Hole
Voltage - Output (Max): 20V (output voltage rating)
Current - Output / Channel: 8mA (output current capability)

Secondary Matching Criteria:

Voltage - Isolation: 2500Vrms or higher (isolation voltage must meet or exceed original specification)
Current Transfer Ratio: 19% to 50% @ 16mA (transfer ratio range)
Input Type: DC (input signal type)

Performance Considerations:

Turn On / Turn Off Time: Switching speed may vary; faster alternatives available
Operating Temperature Range: May be narrower or wider than original
Voltage - Forward (Vf): Input LED forward voltage; minor variations acceptable
Current - DC Forward (If): Input current rating; must support application requirements

Substitute parts are grouped into three categories: direct equivalents (identical isolation voltage), upgraded alternatives (higher isolation voltage), and compatible variants (different manufacturer, equivalent electrical performance).

Parameter Comparison

Parameter	6N136 (Main)	6N136M	6N136-000E	6N136-020E	HCPL-4562-000E	HCPL-4562-020E
Manufacturer	onsemi	onsemi	Broadcom Limited	Broadcom Limited	Broadcom Limited	Broadcom Limited
Voltage - Isolation	2500Vrms	5000Vrms	3750Vrms	5000Vrms	3750Vrms	5000Vrms
Number of Channels	1	1	1	1	1	1
Current Transfer Ratio (Min)	19% @ 16mA	19% @ 16mA	19% @ 16mA	19% @ 16mA	—	—
Current Transfer Ratio (Max)	50% @ 16mA	50% @ 16mA	50% @ 16mA	50% @ 16mA	—	—
Turn On / Turn Off Time (Typ)	450ns, 500ns	250ns, 260ns	200ns, 600ns	200ns, 600ns	—	—
Output Type	Transistor with Base	Transistor with Base	Transistor with Base	Transistor with Base	Transistor with Base	Transistor with Base
Voltage - Output (Max)	20V	20V	20V	20V	20V	20V
Current - Output / Channel	8mA	8mA	8mA	8mA	8mA	8mA
Voltage - Forward (Vf) (Typ)	1.45V	1.45V	1.5V	1.5V	1.3V	1.3V
Current - DC Forward (If) (Max)	25mA	25mA	25mA	25mA	12mA	12mA
Operating Temperature	-55°C ~ 100°C	-40°C ~ 100°C	-55°C ~ 100°C	-55°C ~ 100°C	-40°C ~ 85°C	-40°C ~ 85°C
Package / Case	8-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm)	8-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm)	8-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm)	8-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm)	8-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm)	8-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm)
Product Status	Obsolete	Active	Active	Active	Active	Active
RoHS Status	—	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Direct Equivalent (Same Isolation Voltage): The 6N136 has no direct equivalent from active product lines. The original part is obsolete and no longer manufactured by onsemi.

Upgraded Alternatives (Higher Isolation Voltage):

6N136M (onsemi) — 5000Vrms isolation voltage. Active product status. ROHS3 compliant. Faster switching performance (250ns/260ns turn-on/turn-off versus 450ns/500ns). Narrower operating temperature range (-40°C to 100°C versus -55°C to 100°C). Suitable for applications requiring enhanced isolation margin and improved switching speed.

6N136-020E (Broadcom Limited) — 5000Vrms isolation voltage. Active product status. ROHS3 compliant. Faster switching performance (200ns/600ns turn-on/turn-off). Narrower operating temperature range (-55°C to 100°C). Lower input current requirement (25mA maximum). Suitable for applications requiring maximum isolation voltage and faster response.

Intermediate Alternative (3750Vrms Isolation Voltage):

6N136-000E (Broadcom Limited) — 3750Vrms isolation voltage. Active product status. ROHS3 compliant. Faster switching performance (200ns/600ns turn-on/turn-off). Maintains full operating temperature range (-55°C to 100°C). Lower input current requirement (25mA maximum). Suitable for applications requiring moderate isolation upgrade with extended temperature operation.

Alternative Manufacturer (HCPL-4562 Series, Broadcom Limited):

HCPL-4562-000E and HCPL-4562-020E — 3750Vrms and 5000Vrms isolation voltage respectively. Active product status. ROHS3 compliant. Lower input current requirement (12mA maximum versus 25mA). Narrower operating temperature range (-40°C to 85°C). Suitable for applications where input current budget is critical and temperature range is acceptable.

Selection Basis:

All substitute parts maintain 8-DIP through-hole package compatibility
All substitute parts maintain single-channel transistor-with-base output configuration
All substitute parts maintain 20V maximum output voltage and 8mA output current ratings
Product status: All recommended substitutes are active, addressing obsolescence of original 6N136
Compliance: All recommended substitutes are ROHS3 compliant, supporting modern manufacturing requirements
Isolation voltage: Substitutes offer equal or higher isolation ratings, providing design margin

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use 6N136M as a direct replacement for 6N136?

A: Yes, with design considerations. The 6N136M provides higher isolation voltage (5000Vrms versus 2500Vrms), faster switching (250ns/260ns versus 450ns/500ns), and is actively manufactured. The narrower operating temperature range (-40°C to 100°C versus -55°C to 100°C) must be verified against application requirements. All other electrical parameters and package format are compatible.

Q: What is the difference between 6N136-000E and 6N136-020E?

A: Both are Broadcom Limited variants of the 6N136 base product. The primary difference is isolation voltage: 6N136-000E provides 3750Vrms, while 6N136-020E provides 5000Vrms. Both maintain identical output current (8mA), output voltage (20V), and operating temperature range (-55°C to 100°C). Selection depends on isolation voltage requirement for the application.

Q: Why do HCPL-4562 parts have lower input current ratings (12mA maximum versus 25mA)?

A: The HCPL-4562 series is a different product line from Broadcom Limited with different input LED design. Lower input current requirement reduces power consumption on the input side. This is a design difference, not a limitation. Applications must verify that input drive circuitry can operate within the 12mA maximum specification.

Q: Are all substitute parts RoHS compliant?

A: Yes. All recommended substitute parts are ROHS3 compliant. The original 6N136 does not specify RoHS status. This compliance upgrade supports modern manufacturing and environmental requirements.

Q: Can I use a substitute part with higher isolation voltage in a design rated for 2500Vrms?

A: Yes. Higher isolation voltage provides additional safety margin and is backward compatible. A 5000Vrms part (6N136M or 6N136-020E) can be used in applications designed for 2500Vrms isolation. The higher rating does not degrade performance; it enhances isolation capability.

Q: What is the package compatibility across all substitute parts?

A: All substitute parts use 8-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm) through-hole package format. Pin-to-pin compatibility is maintained for direct socket replacement. PCB layout and footprint remain unchanged.

Q: Which substitute part offers the fastest switching performance?

A: 6N136-000E and 6N136-020E (Broadcom Limited) offer the fastest switching with 200ns turn-on time and 600ns turn-off time. 6N136M (onsemi) provides intermediate speed at 250ns turn-on and 260ns turn-off. Original 6N136 operates at 450ns turn-on and 500ns turn-off. Faster switching may require circuit design verification to prevent ringing or timing issues.

Q: Is the 6N136 still available for purchase?

A: The 6N136 is classified as obsolete. Inventory exists from legacy stock (50,100 pieces reported), but no new manufacturing occurs. For new designs and long-term production, selection of an active substitute part is required. Active alternatives include 6N136M, 6N136-000E, 6N136-020E, and HCPL-4562 variants.

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