6N137S Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The 6N137S is a logic output optoisolator manufactured by onsemi, featuring 2500Vrms isolation voltage, 1 channel, open collector output, and 10Mbps data rate in an 8-SMD gull wing package. The device is currently obsolete, making equivalent and substitute parts necessary for new designs and ongoing production requirements. Substitutes are selected based on matching electrical characteristics, mechanical compatibility, and functional equivalence within the optoisolator category.

Key Parameters

Parameter	6N137S Value
Voltage - Isolation	2500Vrms
Number of Channels	1
Output Type	Open Collector
Data Rate	10Mbps
Common Mode Transient Immunity (Min)	10kV/µs (Typ)
Current - Output / Channel	50 mA
Propagation Delay tpLH / tpHL (Max)	75ns, 75ns
Voltage - Supply	4.5V ~ 5.5V
Operating Temperature	-40°C ~ 85°C
Mounting Type	Surface Mount
Package / Case	8-SMD, Gull Wing
Product Status	Obsolete

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution for the 6N137S is determined by the following critical parameters:

Isolation Voltage: Minimum 2500Vrms (higher values acceptable for enhanced isolation margin)
Number of Channels: 1 channel required
Output Type: Open Collector configuration
Data Rate: Minimum 10Mbps
Common Mode Transient Immunity: Minimum 10kV/µs (Typ)
Current Output: 50 mA per channel
Propagation Delay: Maximum 75ns for both tpLH and tpHL
Supply Voltage: 4.5V ~ 5.5V compatible
Operating Temperature: -40°C ~ 85°C range
Package: 8-SMD, Gull Wing form factor

Substitute parts are grouped into two categories: direct functional equivalents from onsemi (higher isolation voltage variants) and cross-manufacturer alternatives from Broadcom Limited that meet or exceed the electrical specifications while maintaining package compatibility.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter	6N137S	6N137SM	6N137SMT&R	HCPL-260L-500E	HCPL-260L-520E	HCPL-260L-560E
Manufacturer	onsemi	onsemi	Isocom Components 2004 LTD	Broadcom Limited	Broadcom Limited	Broadcom Limited
Voltage - Isolation	2500Vrms	5000Vrms	5000Vrms	3750Vrms	5000Vrms	3750Vrms
Number of Channels	1	1	1	1	1	1
Output Type	Open Collector	Open Collector	Open Collector	Open Collector, Schottky Clamped	Open Collector, Schottky Clamped	Open Collector, Schottky Clamped
Data Rate	10Mbps	10Mbps	10Mbps	15MBd	15MBd	15MBd
Common Mode Transient Immunity (Min)	10kV/µs (Typ)	10kV/µs (Typ)	5kV/µs	10kV/µs	10kV/µs	10kV/µs
Current - Output / Channel	50 mA	50 mA	50 mA	50 mA	50 mA	50 mA
Propagation Delay tpLH / tpHL (Max)	75ns, 75ns	75ns, 75ns	75ns, 75ns	75ns, 75ns	75ns, 75ns	75ns, 75ns
Voltage - Supply	4.5V ~ 5.5V	4.5V ~ 5.5V	7V	2.7V ~ 3.6V, 4.5V ~ 5.5V	2.7V ~ 3.6V, 4.5V ~ 5.5V	2.7V ~ 3.6V, 4.5V ~ 5.5V
Operating Temperature	-40°C ~ 85°C	-40°C ~ 85°C	-55°C ~ 85°C	-40°C ~ 85°C	-40°C ~ 85°C	-40°C ~ 85°C
Mounting Type	Surface Mount	Surface Mount	Surface Mount	Surface Mount	Surface Mount	Surface Mount
Package / Case	8-SMD, Gull Wing	8-SMD, Gull Wing	8-SMD, Gull Wing	8-SMD, Gull Wing	8-SMD, Gull Wing	8-SMD, Gull Wing
Product Status	Obsolete	Active	Active	Active	Active	Active
RoHS Status	Not specified	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Primary Substitute: 6N137SM (onsemi)

The 6N137SM is the direct onsemi equivalent with enhanced isolation voltage (5000Vrms vs. 2500Vrms). All critical electrical parameters match or exceed the 6N137S specification. Product status is active with ROHS3 compliance. This part is the preferred choice for designs requiring onsemi sourcing continuity.

Secondary Substitute: 6N137SMT&R (Isocom Components 2004 LTD)

The 6N137SMT&R provides 5000Vrms isolation with matching electrical performance. Common Mode Transient Immunity is specified at 5kV/µs, which is lower than the 6N137S typical value but remains functional. Supply voltage is specified at 7V, requiring circuit verification. Product status is active with ROHS3 compliance. This part is suitable when Isocom sourcing is preferred.

Tertiary Substitutes: HCPL-260L Series (Broadcom Limited)

The HCPL-260L-500E, HCPL-260L-520E, and HCPL-260L-560E are Broadcom alternatives meeting all critical specifications. These parts feature Schottky clamped open collector outputs and higher data rates (15MBd). Isolation voltages range from 3750Vrms to 5000Vrms, all exceeding the 2500Vrms requirement. All variants are ROHS3 compliant and active products. Supply voltage compatibility includes both 2.7V–3.6V and 4.5V–5.5V ranges, providing design flexibility.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the 6N137SM directly replace the 6N137S without circuit modification?

A: Yes. The 6N137SM maintains identical electrical specifications for all critical parameters: 1 channel, open collector output, 10Mbps data rate, 50mA output current, 75ns propagation delay, and 4.5V–5.5V supply voltage. The higher isolation voltage (5000Vrms vs. 2500Vrms) provides additional margin without requiring design changes.

Q: What is the difference between the onsemi 6N137SM and the Isocom 6N137SMT&R?

A: Both provide 5000Vrms isolation and 10Mbps data rate. The primary difference is Common Mode Transient Immunity: 6N137SM specifies 10kV/µs (Typ), while 6N137SMT&R specifies 5kV/µs. Additionally, 6N137SMT&R requires 7V supply voltage, whereas 6N137SM operates at 4.5V–5.5V. Verify circuit compatibility before selection.

Q: Are the Broadcom HCPL-260L parts pin-compatible with the 6N137S?

A: Both use 8-SMD gull wing packages with identical pinout for single-channel optoisolators. However, the HCPL-260L series features Schottky clamped outputs versus standard open collector. Verify output characteristics in your application before substitution.

Q: What is the significance of the higher isolation voltage in substitute parts?

A: Higher isolation voltage (5000Vrms vs. 2500Vrms) provides increased safety margin and noise immunity in high-voltage isolation applications. This is a beneficial characteristic that does not require circuit modification and is fully backward compatible.

Q: Which substitute part offers the best compliance profile?

A: All active substitute parts (6N137SM, 6N137SMT&R, and HCPL-260L series) are ROHS3 compliant. The 6N137SM and HCPL-260L variants are preferred for new designs due to active product status and full compliance documentation.

Q: Can I use HCPL-260L parts if my circuit requires exactly 10Mbps data rate?

A: Yes. The HCPL-260L series specifies 15MBd data rate, which exceeds the 10Mbps requirement. The higher data rate capability does not affect operation at lower speeds and provides additional performance margin.

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