HCPL-261A Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The HCPL-261A is a logic output optoisolator manufactured by Broadcom Limited, designed for high-speed digital isolation applications. This 8-DIP through-hole component provides 3750Vrms isolation with open collector Schottky clamped output, supporting 10MBd data rates and 1kV/µs common mode transient immunity. The part is currently active in production. Substitute parts are necessary when addressing supply constraints, enhanced performance requirements, or compliance specifications that differ from the original design.

Substiute Parts

HCPL-261A

Broadcom LimitedIn Stock: 821HCPL-261A Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

HCPL2611M

onsemiIn Stock: 12713HCPL2611M Datasheet

DirectRFQ

FOD260L

Fairchild SemiconductorIn Stock: 5728FOD260L Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

HCPL2601

onsemiIn Stock: 2352HCPL2601 Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

HCPL2611

onsemiIn Stock: 2165HCPL2611 Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the HCPL-261A is determined by the following critical parameters:

• Package compatibility: 8-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm) through-hole mounting
• Functional equivalence: Single-channel logic output optoisolator with open collector output
• Electrical compatibility: 4.5V ~ 5.5V supply voltage range, 50mA output current per channel
• Data rate: 10Mbps/10MBd operation
• Isolation voltage: Minimum 3750Vrms (higher isolation ratings are acceptable)
• Common mode transient immunity: Minimum 1kV/µs (higher CMTI ratings are acceptable)
• Input/Output configuration: 1 input, 0 feedback inputs

Substitute parts must maintain these core parameters to ensure direct functional replacement without circuit redesign. Enhanced specifications (higher isolation voltage, faster propagation delay, improved CMTI) represent acceptable upgrades. Parts with obsolete status may be used where supply is available but should be evaluated for long-term availability.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

HCPL2611M (onsemi) is the primary recommended substitute for the HCPL-261A. This part maintains full functional compatibility with identical supply voltage range, output current, and data rate specifications. The HCPL2611M provides enhanced isolation voltage (5000Vrms vs. 3750Vrms) and superior common mode transient immunity (10kV/µs vs. 1kV/µs), representing a direct upgrade. The part is currently active in production with ROHS3 compliance, addressing environmental regulatory requirements where the original HCPL-261A does not.

FOD260L (Fairchild Semiconductor) is an alternative substitute offering the highest common mode transient immunity (25kV/µs) and fastest propagation delay characteristics. This part includes Schottky clamping on the output stage, matching the original design topology. The extended supply voltage range (3V ~ 5.5V) provides additional design flexibility. FOD260L is suitable for applications requiring maximum noise immunity and fastest switching performance.

HCPL2601 and HCPL2611 (onsemi) are functional substitutes with reduced isolation voltage (2500Vrms). Both parts are marked as obsolete and should be used only when supply of active alternatives is unavailable. These parts maintain the required output current, data rate, and package compatibility but offer lower isolation ratings and varying CMTI specifications. HCPL2611 provides 10kV/µs CMTI, while HCPL2601 provides 5kV/µs CMTI.

Selection should prioritize active production status parts (HCPL2611M or FOD260L) for new designs. Compliance requirements should drive selection between RoHS-compliant alternatives (HCPL2611M, HCPL2601, HCPL2611) and non-compliant options.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can HCPL2611M directly replace HCPL-261A without circuit modification?

A: Yes. HCPL2611M maintains identical package, supply voltage range, output current, and data rate specifications. The enhanced isolation voltage and CMTI represent functional improvements that do not require circuit redesign.

Q: What is the key difference between HCPL2611M and FOD260L?

A: Both are active substitutes with 5000Vrms isolation. FOD260L provides superior common mode transient immunity (25kV/µs vs. 10kV/µs) and faster propagation delay (90ns/75ns vs. 75ns/75ns). FOD260L also supports extended supply voltage range (3V ~ 5.5V). Selection depends on application noise environment and timing requirements.

Q: Why are HCPL2601 and HCPL2611 marked as obsolete?

A: These parts are no longer in active production. They are listed as substitutes based on functional compatibility but should not be selected for new designs due to long-term supply uncertainty.

Q: Does isolation voltage rating affect substitution compatibility?

A: Higher isolation voltage ratings are acceptable substitutes for lower-rated parts. HCPL2611M and FOD260L (5000Vrms) can replace HCPL-261A (3750Vrms). However, HCPL2601 and HCPL2611 (2500Vrms) have lower isolation ratings and do not meet the original specification.

Q: What is the impact of RoHS compliance on part selection?

A: HCPL-261A is RoHS non-compliant. Applications subject to RoHS regulations must use HCPL2611M, HCPL2601, or HCPL2611, which are ROHS3 compliant. FOD260L compliance status is not specified in available data.

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

A: Yes. All listed substitutes use 8-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm) through-hole packaging, ensuring direct PCB compatibility without layout modification.

Q: Which substitute offers the best performance upgrade?

A: FOD260L provides the most significant performance enhancement with 25kV/µs common mode transient immunity and fastest propagation delay characteristics (90ns/75ns). This part is optimal for high-noise industrial environments requiring maximum switching speed.