6N138M Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The 6N138M is an optoisolator with Darlington output and integrated base resistor, manufactured by Lite-On Inc. This component provides 5000Vrms isolation in a single-channel configuration with 8-DIP through-hole packaging. The part is currently active in production with 15,479 units in stock. Equivalent and substitute parts are identified based on matching isolation voltage, channel configuration, output type, and package form factor to ensure functional compatibility in circuit applications.

Substiute Parts

6N138M

Lite-On Inc.In Stock: 155026N138M Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

6N139TVM

onsemiIn Stock: 10096N139TVM Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

HCNW139-000E

Broadcom LimitedIn Stock: 18908HCNW139-000E Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitute parts for the 6N138M are qualified based on the following critical parameters:

• Isolation Voltage: 5000Vrms (primary isolation specification)
• Number of Channels: 1 (single-channel configuration)
• Output Type: Darlington with Base (output stage architecture)
• Package Form Factor: 8-DIP through-hole (0.400", 10.16mm pin spacing)
• Input Type: DC (input signal type)

The identified substitutes maintain these core electrical and mechanical specifications. Variations in Current Transfer Ratio, output voltage rating, output current capability, and operating temperature range are secondary parameters that may differ between parts while preserving functional substitutability in applications where the primary isolation and switching characteristics are the design requirement.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

All three parts—6N138M, 6N139TVM, and HCNW139-000E—are active products with ROHS3 compliance and meet the core substitution criteria of 5000Vrms isolation, single-channel Darlington output, and 8-DIP package configuration.

The 6N139TVM (onsemi) offers an extended operating temperature range of -40°C to 100°C compared to the 6N138M's -20°C to 85°C, providing broader thermal operating capability. The HCNW139-000E (Broadcom) maintains the same upper temperature limit as the 6N138M (-40°C to 85°C) while extending the lower limit to -40°C.

Output voltage and current ratings differ across the three parts. The 6N138M specifies 7V maximum output voltage and 50mA per channel, while both 6N139TVM and HCNW139-000E provide 18V maximum output voltage and 60mA per channel. Current Transfer Ratio specifications vary, with the 6N139TVM showing the highest minimum ratio at 500% and the HCNW139-000E the lowest at 200%.

Selection should be based on the specific circuit requirements for output voltage swing, output current demand, and operating temperature range. All parts maintain functional compatibility for isolation and switching applications within their respective electrical specifications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the 6N139TVM directly replace the 6N138M in an existing circuit?

A: The 6N139TVM is electrically and mechanically compatible as a substitute. Both parts share 5000Vrms isolation, single-channel Darlington output, and 8-DIP package form factor. However, the 6N139TVM provides higher maximum output voltage (18V vs. 7V) and current (60mA vs. 50mA). Circuit design must account for these parameter differences to ensure proper operation.

Q: What is the primary difference between the HCNW139-000E and the 6N138M?

A: The HCNW139-000E maintains the same isolation voltage and package configuration but differs in output voltage rating (18V vs. 7V), output current (60mA vs. 50mA), and operating temperature range (-40°C to 85°C vs. -20°C to 85°C). The Current Transfer Ratio specification also differs, with the HCNW139-000E specified at 200% minimum versus 300% for the 6N138M.

Q: Are all three parts pin-compatible?

A: All three parts use the 8-DIP (0.400", 10.16mm) package with through-hole mounting. Pin compatibility is maintained across the 6N138M, 6N139TVM, and HCNW139-000E for direct socket substitution.

Q: Which substitute part offers the widest operating temperature range?

A: The 6N139TVM (onsemi) provides the widest operating temperature range at -40°C to 100°C, compared to -20°C to 85°C for the 6N138M and -40°C to 85°C for the HCNW139-000E.

Q: Do all substitute parts meet RoHS compliance?

A: Yes, all three parts—6N138M, 6N139TVM, and HCNW139-000E—are ROHS3 compliant.