HCPL-261A#020 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The HCPL-261A#020 is a logic output optoisolator manufactured by Broadcom Limited, designed for high-speed digital isolation applications. This 5000Vrms isolation device features open collector output with Schottky clamping, supporting 10MBd data rates and 1kV/µs common mode transient immunity in an 8-DIP package. The part is currently discontinued at DiGi Electronics, making equivalent substitutes necessary for ongoing production and maintenance applications.

Substiute Parts

HCPL-261A#020

Broadcom LimitedIn Stock: 1029HCPL-261A#020 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

HCPL-261A-020E

Broadcom LimitedIn Stock: 997HCPL-261A-020E Datasheet

DirectRFQ

6N137M

onsemiIn Stock: 243326N137M Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the HCPL-261A#020 is determined by the following critical parameters:

• Isolation Voltage: 5000Vrms minimum (exact match required)
• Number of Channels: 1 channel (exact match required)
• Output Configuration: Open Collector topology (exact match required)
• Data Rate: 10MBd or higher (equal or superior performance acceptable)
• Common Mode Transient Immunity: 1kV/µs minimum (equal or superior performance acceptable)
• Package: 8-DIP through-hole form factor (exact match required)
• Supply Voltage: 4.5V ~ 5.5V compatibility (exact match required)
• Output Current: 50 mA per channel (exact match required)

Two substitute parts meet these criteria and are listed below.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

HCPL-261A-020E is the primary direct substitute for the HCPL-261A#020. Both parts are manufactured by Broadcom Limited and share identical electrical specifications, including isolation voltage, channel count, output configuration, data rate, and propagation delay characteristics. The HCPL-261A-020E is currently in active production status with ROHS3 compliance, addressing the discontinuation of the original part. The only difference is packaging format (tube versus unspecified for the original), which does not affect electrical compatibility.

6N137M is an alternative substitute manufactured by onsemi. This part meets all critical substitution criteria: 5000Vrms isolation, single channel, open collector output, 50mA output current, and 10Mbps data rate in an 8-DIP package. The 6N137M offers superior performance in common mode transient immunity (10kV/µs typical versus 1kV/µs minimum) and faster propagation delay (75ns versus 100ns maximum). The operating temperature range extends to 100°C, providing broader thermal coverage. Both substitute parts are ROHS3 compliant and REACH unaffected.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can HCPL-261A-020E be used as a direct replacement for HCPL-261A#020?

A: Yes. Both parts are Broadcom optoisolators with identical electrical specifications: 5000Vrms isolation, 1 channel, open collector Schottky clamped output, 50mA output current, 10MBd data rate, and 8-DIP through-hole packaging. The HCPL-261A-020E is the active production equivalent.

Q: What are the key differences between HCPL-261A-020E and 6N137M?

A: Both are functionally compatible substitutes meeting all critical parameters. The 6N137M offers faster propagation delay (75ns versus 100ns), higher common mode transient immunity (10kV/µs typical versus 1kV/µs), higher DC forward current capability (50mA versus 10mA), and extended operating temperature range (-40°C to 100°C versus -40°C to 85°C). The HCPL-261A-020E maintains exact electrical parity with the original part.

Q: Are there any compliance differences between the substitutes?

A: The original HCPL-261A#020 is RoHS non-compliant. Both substitute parts (HCPL-261A-020E and 6N137M) are ROHS3 compliant. Both are REACH unaffected. If RoHS compliance is required for your application, either substitute is acceptable.

Q: Does package format affect compatibility?

A: No. All three parts use the same 8-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm) through-hole package. Packaging format (tube, reel, or unspecified) does not affect electrical or mechanical compatibility on the PCB.

Q: Which substitute should I select for new designs?

A: Selection depends on application requirements. For exact electrical parity with the original design, use HCPL-261A-020E. For improved performance margins (faster switching, higher CMTI, extended temperature range), use 6N137M. Both are active production parts with full availability.