MCA231 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The MCA231 is an optoisolator with Darlington output and base connection, rated for 5300Vrms isolation voltage in a 6-DIP package. This component is classified as obsolete, making identification of equivalent and substitute parts essential for design continuity and procurement planning. The MCA231 serves applications requiring galvanic isolation with Darlington transistor output configuration and integrated base access for circuit flexibility.

Substiute Parts

MCA231

Vishay Semiconductor Opto DivisionIn Stock: 1799MCA231 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

MCA230

Isocom Components 2004 LTDIn Stock: 4291MCA230 Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

MCA231

onsemiIn Stock: 1811MCA231 Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution for the MCA231 is determined by the following critical parameters:

• Package compatibility: 6-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm) form factor for direct board-level replacement
• Isolation voltage: Minimum 5300Vrms to maintain galvanic isolation specifications
• Output configuration: Darlington with Base output for circuit interface compatibility
• Number of channels: Single channel (1) configuration
• Voltage and current ratings: Output voltage maximum 30V and saturation characteristics
• Operating temperature range: -55°C ~ 100°C
• Compliance: ROHS3 and REACH requirements for regulatory alignment

Based on these criteria, the MCA230 (Isocom Components 2004 LTD) qualifies as a direct substitute. The onsemi MCA231 variant does not meet substitution requirements due to reduced isolation voltage (4400Vrms versus 5300Vrms) and absence of base connection on the Darlington output.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Primary Substitute: MCA230 (Isocom Components 2004 LTD)

The MCA230 is the qualified substitute for the obsolete MCA231 (Vishay). Both components meet the critical isolation voltage requirement of 5300Vrms, share identical package geometry (6-DIP), and provide Darlington output with base connection. The MCA230 maintains active product status, ensuring ongoing availability and supply chain continuity. Both parts are ROHS3 compliant and REACH unaffected, satisfying regulatory requirements.

Not Recommended: MCA231 (onsemi)

The onsemi MCA231 variant does not qualify as a substitute despite sharing the same part number designation. The isolation voltage is reduced to 4400Vrms, which falls below the 5300Vrms specification of the original Vishay MCA231. Additionally, the onsemi variant lacks the base connection on the Darlington output, eliminating circuit interface compatibility. This part is also classified as obsolete.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the MCA230 be used as a direct replacement for the MCA231?

A: Yes. The MCA230 (Isocom) meets all critical substitution parameters: 5300Vrms isolation voltage, 6-DIP package, Darlington with base output, and identical operating temperature range. Pin-for-pin compatibility is maintained.

Q: Why is the onsemi MCA231 not a suitable substitute?

A: The onsemi variant has reduced isolation voltage (4400Vrms versus 5300Vrms) and lacks the base connection on the Darlington output. These differences make it incompatible with circuits designed for the original MCA231 specification.

Q: What is the significance of the base connection on the Darlington output?

A: The base connection allows external circuit control of the Darlington transistor saturation and switching characteristics. Circuits designed around this feature require a substitute with identical base access.

Q: Are there any differences in switching speed between the MCA231 and MCA230?

A: The MCA231 has turn-off time of 30µs, while the MCA230 has 100µs. Both maintain 10µs turn-on time. Applications sensitive to switching speed should account for this difference.

Q: What is the current transfer ratio difference between these parts?

A: The MCA231 specifies 200% minimum current transfer ratio at 10mA, while the MCA230 specifies 100% minimum at the same current. The MCA231 provides higher gain, which may affect circuit biasing requirements when substituting.

Q: Are both parts compliant with modern regulatory standards?

A: Yes. Both the MCA231 (Vishay) and MCA230 (Isocom) are ROHS3 compliant and REACH unaffected, meeting current regulatory requirements for electronic components.