PS8501L2-AX Optoisolator Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The PS8501L2-AX is a 5000Vrms optoisolator transistor with base output in 8-SMD surface mount package, manufactured by CEL. This component provides galvanic isolation for single-channel DC input applications with transistor output capability. The part is currently discontinued at DiGi Electronics, necessitating identification of equivalent and substitute components for ongoing design support and procurement.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Voltage - Isolation	5000Vrms
Number of Channels	1
Output Type	Transistor with Base
Current Transfer Ratio (Min)	15% @ 16mA
Voltage - Output (Max)	35V
Current - Output / Channel	8mA
Turn On / Turn Off Time (Typ)	220ns, 350ns
Operating Temperature	-55°C ~ 100°C
Package / Case	8-SMD, Gull Wing
Mounting Type	Surface Mount
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the PS8501L2-AX is determined by the following critical parameters:

Primary Substitution Criteria:

Voltage - Isolation: 5000Vrms (exact match required)
Output Type: Transistor with Base (functional equivalence)
Number of Channels: 1 (single channel)
Package / Case: 8-SMD, Gull Wing (mechanical compatibility)
Mounting Type: Surface Mount (assembly compatibility)

Secondary Compatibility Parameters:

Current Transfer Ratio (Min): 15% @ 16mA or higher
Voltage - Output (Max): 35V or higher
Current - Output / Channel: 8mA (minimum requirement)
Operating Temperature: -55°C ~ 100°C or wider range
Input Type: DC

Substitute parts are classified into two categories:

Parametric Equivalents: Parts matching all primary criteria with identical or superior secondary parameters. These provide direct functional replacement.

Similar Parts: Components meeting primary isolation and package requirements but with variations in secondary electrical characteristics. These require application-level verification of performance adequacy.

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Voltage - Isolation	Current Transfer Ratio (Min)	Voltage - Output (Max)	Current - Output / Channel	Operating Temperature	Product Status	Packaging
PS8501L2-AX	CEL	5000Vrms	15% @ 16mA	35V	8mA	-55°C ~ 100°C	Discontinued	Tube
PS8501L2-AX	Renesas Electronics	5000Vrms	15% @ 16mA	35V	8mA	-55°C ~ 100°C	Active	Tube
PS8501L3-AX	Renesas Electronics	5000Vrms	15% @ 16mA	35V	8mA	-55°C ~ 100°C	Active	Tube
PS8501L2-V-AX	Renesas Electronics	5000Vrms	15% @ 16mA	35V	8mA	-55°C ~ 100°C	Active	Tube
PS8501L3-V-AX	Renesas Electronics	5000Vrms	15% @ 16mA	35V	8mA	-55°C ~ 100°C	Active	Tube
PS8502L2-V-AX	Renesas Electronics	5000Vrms	15% @ 16mA	35V	8mA	-55°C ~ 100°C	Active	Tube
6N136SDVM	onsemi	5000Vrms	19% @ 16mA	20V	8mA	-40°C ~ 100°C	Active	Tape & Reel
HCNW4562-500E	Broadcom Limited	5000Vrms	Not specified	20V	8mA	-40°C ~ 85°C	Active	Tape & Reel
HCPL-4562-500E	Broadcom Limited	3750Vrms	Not specified	20V	8mA	-40°C ~ 85°C	Active	Cut Tape & Digi-Reel

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Tier 1 - Direct Parametric Equivalents (Recommended Primary Substitutes):

The Renesas Electronics PS8501L2-AX, PS8501L3-AX, PS8501L2-V-AX, PS8501L3-V-AX, and PS8502L2-V-AX provide complete parametric equivalence to the original CEL PS8501L2-AX. All maintain 5000Vrms isolation voltage, 35V maximum output voltage, and -55°C to 100°C operating temperature range. These parts are in active production status and carry ROHS3 compliance. Selection among these variants depends on packaging preference (Tube) and specific REACH compliance requirements.

Tier 2 - Functional Equivalents with Parameter Variations:

The onsemi 6N136SDVM maintains 5000Vrms isolation and 8mA output current but reduces maximum output voltage to 20V and operating temperature minimum to -40°C. Current transfer ratio is superior at 19% minimum. This part is suitable for applications where the reduced voltage and temperature specifications are acceptable.

Tier 3 - Reduced Isolation Voltage Alternative:

The Broadcom HCPL-4562-500E provides 3750Vrms isolation, which is 25% lower than the original specification. This part is not suitable for applications requiring 5000Vrms isolation rating.

Compliance Considerations:

All recommended substitutes maintain ROHS3 compliance and MSL Level 1 (Unlimited) moisture sensitivity rating. Renesas parts marked as REACH Affected require verification against specific supply chain requirements. Broadcom and onsemi parts are REACH Unaffected.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the PS8501L2-AX be directly replaced with PS8501L3-AX?

A: Yes. Both parts are manufactured by Renesas Electronics and share identical electrical specifications including 5000Vrms isolation, 15% minimum current transfer ratio, 35V maximum output voltage, and -55°C to 100°C operating temperature. The primary difference is packaging format (Tube for both) and REACH status. Verify REACH compliance requirements for your supply chain.

Q: What is the key difference between PS8501L2-AX and 6N136SDVM?

A: The 6N136SDVM reduces maximum output voltage from 35V to 20V and minimum operating temperature from -55°C to -40°C. Current transfer ratio is higher at 19% minimum versus 15%. If your circuit operates within 20V output and -40°C minimum temperature, the 6N136SDVM is functionally equivalent. Packaging differs: 6N136SDVM uses Tape & Reel format.

Q: Why is HCPL-4562-500E not recommended as a substitute?

A: The HCPL-4562-500E provides only 3750Vrms isolation voltage compared to the required 5000Vrms. This 25% reduction in isolation rating makes it unsuitable for applications requiring the full 5000Vrms specification. Use only if your application permits lower isolation voltage.

Q: Are all substitute parts available in the same package format?

A: No. The original PS8501L2-AX uses Tube packaging. Renesas equivalents also use Tube. The onsemi 6N136SDVM uses Tape & Reel format, and Broadcom HCPL-4562-500E uses Cut Tape & Digi-Reel. All maintain 8-SMD, Gull Wing mechanical compatibility for surface mount assembly.

Q: What does "Parametric Equivalent" mean in this context?

A: A parametric equivalent part matches all critical electrical specifications of the original component: isolation voltage, output type, channel count, output voltage rating, output current, and operating temperature range. These parts provide direct functional replacement without circuit modification.

Q: Can I use a part with higher current transfer ratio as a substitute?

A: Yes, if all other parameters meet or exceed the original specification. Higher current transfer ratio (e.g., 19% versus 15%) indicates improved performance. Verify that your circuit design does not depend on the specific current transfer ratio value of the original part.

Q: What compliance certifications should I verify before substitution?

A: Verify RoHS status (all listed parts are ROHS3 compliant), REACH status (critical for EU supply chains), and MSL rating (all listed parts are MSL Level 1). Confirm that your application and supply chain requirements align with the substitute part's compliance documentation.

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