6N139 Optoisolator Darlington with Base Output

Part Overview

The 6N139 is an optoisolator with Darlington output and base connection, designed for high-voltage isolation applications. Manufactured by onsemi, this component provides 2500Vrms isolation in a through-hole 8-DIP package. The main part is classified as obsolete, making equivalent and substitute parts necessary for ongoing design support and production continuity. Substitute parts maintain functional compatibility while offering improved specifications, enhanced product status, or alternative manufacturer sourcing.

Substiute Parts

6N139

onsemiIn Stock: 812026N139 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

6N139M

onsemiIn Stock: 211196N139M Datasheet

DirectRFQ

6N139

Texas InstrumentsIn Stock: 811866N139 Datasheet

DirectRFQ

6N139

Texas InstrumentsIn Stock: 811866N139 Datasheet

DirectRFQ

6N139

Texas InstrumentsIn Stock: 811866N139 Datasheet

DirectRFQ

6N139-020E

Broadcom LimitedIn Stock: 10856N139-020E Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

HCPL-4701

Broadcom LimitedIn Stock: 1950HCPL-4701 Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

HCPL-4701-000E

Broadcom LimitedIn Stock: 5791HCPL-4701-000E Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution for the 6N139 is determined by the following critical parameters:

• Package / Case: 8-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm) — all substitutes must maintain identical physical form factor for direct PCB compatibility
• Output Type: Darlington with Base — functional output configuration must remain unchanged
• Number of Channels: 1 channel — single-channel isolation requirement
• Voltage - Isolation: Minimum 2500Vrms — substitutes must meet or exceed isolation voltage
• Current - Output / Channel: 60mA — output current capability must be maintained
• Voltage - Output (Max): 18V — maximum output voltage specification
• Input Type: DC — input signal type must remain DC
• Mounting Type: Through Hole — PCB assembly method must be compatible

Substitute parts are grouped into two categories:

Direct Substitutes (Same Base Product): Parts sharing the 6N139 base product number with enhanced isolation voltage or improved product status (6N139M, 6N139 from Texas Instruments).

Similar Substitutes (Functional Equivalents): Parts with identical electrical performance, package, and output configuration but different part numbers or manufacturers (6N139-020E, HCPL-4701, HCPL-4701-000E).

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

For Direct Replacement with Enhanced Specifications: 6N139M (onsemi) is the primary substitute. It maintains the same base product number and manufacturer, provides doubled isolation voltage (5000Vrms vs. 2500Vrms), operates across an extended temperature range (-40°C to 100°C), and holds active product status with ROHS3 compliance. Packaging and electrical output characteristics remain identical.

For Alternative Manufacturer Sourcing: 6N139 from Texas Instruments provides 5300Vrms isolation and active product status. This option supports extended temperature operation (-55°C to 100°C) but carries RoHS non-compliance and REACH-affected status, requiring compliance verification for regulated applications.

For High-Isolation Applications: 6N139-020E (Broadcom Limited) delivers 5000Vrms isolation with ROHS3 compliance and REACH unaffected status. Operating temperature range matches the original part (-40°C to 85°C). This part is suitable for applications requiring regulatory compliance without extended temperature requirements.

For Lower-Isolation, Faster-Switching Applications: HCPL-4701-000E (Broadcom Limited) provides 3750Vrms isolation with ROHS3 compliance. This substitute is appropriate only when isolation voltage requirements are lower than the original specification and operating temperature remains within 0°C to 70°C. Slower switching characteristics (3µs, 34µs) may impact timing-sensitive circuits.

Compliance Considerations: Applications requiring ROHS3 compliance should prioritize 6N139M, 6N139-020E, or HCPL-4701-000E. Applications subject to REACH regulations should avoid the Texas Instruments 6N139 variant. REACH-unaffected alternatives include all onsemi and Broadcom options except the Texas Instruments part.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I directly replace the obsolete 6N139 with 6N139M? A: Yes. Both parts share the same base product number, package (8-DIP), output configuration (Darlington with Base), and electrical output specifications (18V max, 60mA). The 6N139M provides superior isolation voltage (5000Vrms vs. 2500Vrms) and extended operating temperature range, making it a direct upgrade.

Q: What is the key difference between 6N139-020E and HCPL-4701? A: Both are 8-DIP Darlington optoisolators with identical output voltage and current ratings. The primary differences are isolation voltage (6N139-020E: 5000Vrms, HCPL-4701: 3750Vrms) and switching speed (6N139-020E: 200ns/2µs, HCPL-4701: 3µs/34µs). Select based on isolation voltage requirements and circuit timing constraints.

Q: Are all substitute parts pin-compatible with the original 6N139? A: All listed substitutes maintain the 8-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm) package format and through-hole mounting type. Pin compatibility for Darlington with Base output configuration is preserved across all substitutes. Verify specific pinout documentation for your application.

Q: Which substitute offers the best compliance profile? A: 6N139M and HCPL-4701-000E both provide ROHS3 compliance and REACH-unaffected status. 6N139M is preferred for most applications due to superior isolation voltage and extended temperature range. HCPL-4701-000E is suitable only for applications with lower isolation requirements (3750Vrms) and restricted operating temperature (0°C to 70°C).

Q: Can I use HCPL-4701 if my application requires 2500Vrms isolation? A: No. HCPL-4701 provides only 3750Vrms isolation, which exceeds the original 2500Vrms requirement. However, if your circuit design specifically requires 2500Vrms isolation as a maximum specification, HCPL-4701 is not suitable. Use 6N139M, 6N139-020E, or the Texas Instruments 6N139 instead.

Q: What are the switching speed implications of selecting HCPL-4701? A: HCPL-4701 exhibits significantly slower switching characteristics (3µs turn-on, 34µs turn-off) compared to the original 6N139 (1.5µs, 7µs). This slower response may impact high-frequency or timing-critical applications. For applications requiring faster switching, select 6N139M, 6N139-020E, or the Texas Instruments variant.

Q: Is the Texas Instruments 6N139 suitable for regulated industries? A: The Texas Instruments 6N139 carries RoHS non-compliant and REACH-affected designations. It is not suitable for applications subject to RoHS or REACH regulations. Use onsemi 6N139M or Broadcom alternatives (6N139-020E, HCPL-4701-000E) for regulated applications.

Q: What is the operating temperature impact when selecting substitutes? A: The original 6N139 operates -40°C to 85°C. 6N139M extends this to -40°C to 100°C. HCPL-4701 and HCPL-4701-000E restrict operation to 0°C to 70°C. The Texas Instruments variant supports -55°C to 100°C. Select based on your application's thermal environment.