6N137 Optoisolator Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The 6N137 is a logic output optoisolator designed for high-speed digital isolation applications. Manufactured by Broadcom Limited, this component provides galvanic isolation with a 3750Vrms rating and supports data rates up to 10MBd. The part is currently active in production and widely used in industrial control, power management, and communication interface circuits where electrical isolation between logic circuits is required.

Substitute parts become necessary when the original 6N137 is unavailable, when alternative isolation voltage ratings are required for specific application requirements, or when enhanced performance characteristics such as higher common mode transient immunity (CMTI) are needed.

Substiute Parts

6N137

Broadcom LimitedIn Stock: 1082146N137 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

6N137-000E

Broadcom LimitedIn Stock: 430756N137-000E Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

6N137M

onsemiIn Stock: 243326N137M Datasheet

DirectRFQ

6N137

onsemiIn Stock: 1082486N137 Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

6N137

onsemiIn Stock: 1082486N137 Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

FOD260L

Fairchild SemiconductorIn Stock: 5728FOD260L Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the 6N137 is determined by the following critical parameters:

Mandatory Compatibility Parameters:

• Package / Case: 8-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm) — physical and pinout compatibility
• Mounting Type: Through Hole — board assembly compatibility
• Number of Channels: 1 — functional equivalence
• Input Type: DC — signal type compatibility
• Output Type: Open Collector configuration — circuit interface compatibility
• Voltage - Supply: 4.5V ~ 5.5V — power supply compatibility
• Data Rate: 10MBd or higher — signal bandwidth compatibility

Allowable Parameter Variations:

• Voltage - Isolation: 2500Vrms or higher (3750Vrms or 5000Vrms acceptable)
• Common Mode Transient Immunity (Min): 1kV/µs or higher
• Current - Output / Channel: 50 mA or higher
• Propagation Delay: 75ns or lower (faster acceptable)
• Operating Temperature: -40°C minimum and 85°C maximum or wider range
• RoHS and REACH compliance status

The following parts meet these substitution criteria:

1. 6N137-000E (Broadcom Limited) — Direct manufacturer variant with identical electrical specifications
2. 6N137M (onsemi) — Enhanced isolation voltage (5000Vrms) and CMTI (10kV/µs typical)
3. 6N137 (onsemi) — Obsolete status but electrically compatible with lower isolation voltage (2500Vrms)
4. FOD260L (Fairchild Semiconductor) — Superior CMTI (25kV/µs) and isolation voltage (5000Vrms)

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Primary Selection (Direct Replacement): 6N137-000E from Broadcom Limited is the preferred substitute. It maintains identical electrical specifications, isolation voltage, and CMTI characteristics as the original 6N137. Both parts carry ROHS3 compliance and active product status, ensuring long-term availability and supply chain stability.

Enhanced Performance Alternative: 6N137M from onsemi provides superior isolation voltage (5000Vrms versus 3750Vrms) and significantly higher CMTI (10kV/µs typical versus 1kV/µs). This part is suitable for applications requiring enhanced noise immunity in high-speed switching environments. Extended operating temperature range (-40°C to 100°C) provides additional thermal margin. ROHS3 compliance and active status confirm regulatory alignment.

High-Performance Alternative: FOD260L from Fairchild Semiconductor delivers the highest CMTI rating (25kV/µs) and 5000Vrms isolation voltage. This part is specified for applications with severe common-mode transient conditions. Extended supply voltage range (3V to 5.5V) provides additional design flexibility. Active product status ensures availability.

Obsolete Status Consideration: The onsemi 6N137 variant carries obsolete product status and lower isolation voltage (2500Vrms). This part should not be selected for new designs or long-term production applications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can 6N137-000E be used as a direct drop-in replacement for 6N137? A: Yes. Both parts are manufactured by Broadcom Limited with identical electrical specifications, isolation voltage (3750Vrms), CMTI (1kV/µs), and package configuration (8-DIP). The only difference is packaging format (tube versus unspecified). Pinout and functional performance are equivalent.

Q: What is the difference between 6N137M and the original 6N137? A: 6N137M, manufactured by onsemi, provides higher isolation voltage (5000Vrms versus 3750Vrms) and superior CMTI (10kV/µs typical versus 1kV/µs). Both maintain identical data rate (10Mbps), output current (50 mA), and package format. 6N137M is suitable for applications requiring enhanced transient immunity.

Q: Is FOD260L compatible with 6N137 circuits? A: FOD260L is pin-compatible and functionally compatible in 8-DIP through-hole applications. It provides superior CMTI (25kV/µs) and isolation voltage (5000Vrms). The extended supply voltage range (3V to 5.5V) and Schottky clamped output are additional benefits. Propagation delay is slightly higher (90ns tpLH versus 75ns), which may affect timing-critical applications.

Q: Why is the onsemi 6N137 marked as obsolete? A: The onsemi 6N137 variant is listed with obsolete product status. This designation indicates the manufacturer has discontinued active production and support. New designs should not incorporate this part. Existing applications using this variant should transition to active alternatives such as 6N137-000E or 6N137M.

Q: What are the key parameters that determine substitution eligibility? A: Substitution eligibility is determined by: 8-DIP package compatibility, through-hole mounting, single-channel configuration, DC input type, open-collector output, 4.5V to 5.5V supply voltage, and 10Mbps or higher data rate. Isolation voltage must be 2500Vrms or higher, CMTI must be 1kV/µs or higher, and operating temperature range must include -40°C to 85°C minimum.

Q: Can these parts be used in applications requiring isolation voltages below 2500Vrms? A: Yes. All listed substitute parts exceed 2500Vrms isolation voltage. They are suitable for applications requiring lower isolation voltages. The actual isolation voltage rating of the selected part must meet or exceed the application requirement.

Q: Are all substitute parts RoHS compliant? A: 6N137 (Broadcom), 6N137-000E, and 6N137M carry ROHS3 compliance certification. FOD260L and the onsemi 6N137 do not specify RoHS status in the provided data. For applications requiring RoHS compliance, select from Broadcom or onsemi 6N137M variants.