6N138V Optoisolator Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The 6N138V is an optoisolator with Darlington output and base connection, manufactured by onsemi. This component provides 2500Vrms isolation in a single-channel configuration with 8-DIP through-hole packaging. The part is classified as obsolete, making identification of functionally equivalent alternatives necessary for ongoing design support and procurement planning. Substitute parts must maintain compatibility across isolation voltage, output type, channel configuration, and physical packaging while accommodating variations in electrical performance characteristics.

Substiute Parts

6N138V

onsemiIn Stock: 121076N138V Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

6N138

Fairchild SemiconductorIn Stock: 121646N138 Datasheet

DirectRFQ

6N138

Fairchild SemiconductorIn Stock: 121646N138 Datasheet

DirectRFQ

6N138-020E

Broadcom LimitedIn Stock: 8506N138-020E Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

HCPL-4701-060E

Broadcom LimitedIn Stock: 787HCPL-4701-060E Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility is determined by the following mandatory parameters:

• Package / Case: All substitutes must use 8-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm) through-hole configuration for mechanical compatibility
• Output Type: All substitutes must provide Darlington with Base output topology
• Number of Channels: All substitutes must be single-channel devices
• Input Type: All substitutes must accept DC input
• Voltage - Isolation: Substitutes must meet or exceed 2500Vrms isolation rating
• Current - Output / Channel: Substitutes must support minimum 60mA output current
• Voltage - Output (Max): Substitutes must support minimum 7V output voltage

The following parts meet these criteria:

1. 6N138 (Fairchild Semiconductor) - Direct functional equivalent with enhanced isolation rating (5000Vrms)
2. 6N138-020E (Broadcom Limited) - Similar part with higher isolation rating and active product status
3. HCPL-4701-060E (Broadcom Limited) - Similar part with different electrical characteristics but compatible package and output type

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

6N138 (Fairchild Semiconductor) provides direct functional equivalence with doubled isolation voltage (5000Vrms vs. 2500Vrms). Both the main part and this substitute are obsolete. This part is suitable for applications where the original 6N138V specification is met and higher isolation margin is acceptable. RoHS non-compliance status must be evaluated against design requirements.

6N138-020E (Broadcom Limited) is the preferred substitute for new designs. This part maintains the same isolation voltage class (5000Vrms), identical current transfer ratio minimum, and matching output voltage and current specifications. Active product status ensures ongoing availability. ROHS3 compliance supports modern manufacturing and environmental standards. Timing characteristics show minor variations (turn-on 1.6µs vs. 1.5µs, turn-off 10µs vs. 7µs) within acceptable engineering tolerance for most applications.

HCPL-4701-060E (Broadcom Limited) is compatible at the package and output-type level but exhibits different electrical characteristics. Higher current transfer ratio (600% @ 500µA vs. 300% @ 1.6mA), elevated maximum output voltage (18V vs. 7V), and slower switching times (3µs turn-on, 34µs turn-off) indicate this part is suitable only for applications where these parameter variations are acceptable. Narrower operating temperature range (0°C ~ 70°C) may restrict use in extended-temperature environments. Active product status and ROHS3 compliance are present.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can 6N138-020E directly replace 6N138V without circuit modification?

A: Yes, for most applications. The 6N138-020E maintains identical isolation voltage class (5000Vrms exceeds the 2500Vrms requirement), matching output type (Darlington with Base), identical current transfer ratio minimum (300% @ 1.6mA), and equivalent output voltage and current ratings (7V, 60mA). Minor timing variations (turn-off time 10µs vs. 7µs) are typically acceptable in isolation applications. Circuit validation is recommended for timing-critical applications.

Q: What is the key difference between 6N138 and 6N138-020E?

A: Both parts provide 5000Vrms isolation and identical electrical specifications. The primary distinction is product status: 6N138 is obsolete while 6N138-020E is active. Additionally, 6N138-020E carries ROHS3 compliance certification, making it suitable for modern manufacturing environments. For new designs, 6N138-020E is the recommended choice.

Q: Is HCPL-4701-060E suitable as a substitute?

A: HCPL-4701-060E is mechanically and functionally compatible (8-DIP package, Darlington with Base output, single channel, 60mA output current). However, it exhibits significantly different electrical characteristics: higher current transfer ratio (600% @ 500µA), elevated output voltage (18V), and slower switching times (3µs turn-on, 34µs turn-off). This part is suitable only if the application can accommodate these parameter variations and the narrower operating temperature range (0°C ~ 70°C).

Q: Are all substitute parts available in the same packaging?

A: Yes. All substitute parts use 8-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm) through-hole packaging, ensuring mechanical compatibility with existing PCB layouts and socket configurations.

Q: What compliance certifications should I consider for new designs?

A: For new designs, ROHS3 compliance is standard. Both 6N138-020E and HCPL-4701-060E carry ROHS3 certification. The original 6N138V and Fairchild 6N138 do not specify RoHS compliance status. Broadcom parts also carry REACH Unaffected and EAR99 ECCN classifications matching the original part.