PS8501L3-AX Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The PS8501L3-AX is an optoisolator transistor with base output manufactured by CEL, designed for high-voltage isolation applications. This component provides 5000Vrms isolation with a single channel, transistor output with base connection, and 8-SMD surface mount packaging. The part is currently discontinued at DiGi Electronics, necessitating identification of equivalent and substitute components for ongoing design requirements and procurement needs.

Substiute Parts

PS8501L3-AX

CELIn Stock: 1120PS8501L3-AX Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

6N136SDVM

onsemiIn Stock: 20486N136SDVM Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

HCPL-4562-500E

Broadcom LimitedIn Stock: 6019HCPL-4562-500E Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

PS8501L2-AX

Renesas Electronics CorporationIn Stock: 1943PS8501L2-AX Datasheet

Parametric EquivalentRFQ

PS8501L2-V-AX

Renesas Electronics CorporationIn Stock: 1660PS8501L2-V-AX Datasheet

Parametric EquivalentRFQ

PS8501L3-AX

Renesas Electronics CorporationIn Stock: 1489PS8501L3-AX Datasheet

Parametric EquivalentRFQ

PS8501L3-V-AX

Renesas Electronics CorporationIn Stock: 1116PS8501L3-V-AX Datasheet

Parametric EquivalentRFQ

PS8502L2-V-AX

Renesas Electronics CorporationIn Stock: 1961PS8502L2-V-AX Datasheet

Parametric EquivalentRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitute parts for the PS8501L3-AX are classified based on strict adherence to the following critical parameters:

Primary Substitution Criteria:

• Voltage - Isolation: 5000Vrms (exact match required)
• Number of Channels: 1 (single channel)
• Output Type: Transistor with Base
• Package / Case: 8-SMD, Gull Wing
• Mounting Type: Surface Mount
• Current - Output / Channel: 8mA

Secondary Compatibility Parameters:

• Current Transfer Ratio (Min): 15% @ 16mA or higher
• Voltage - Output (Max): 35V or higher
• Current - DC Forward (If) (Max): 25mA or higher
• Operating Temperature Range: Must encompass or match -55°C ~ 100°C
• RoHS3 Compliance: Required

Substitutes are grouped into two categories:

Category 1: Parametric Equivalents - Parts with identical or superior electrical specifications and matching package specifications. These include PS8501L2-AX, PS8501L2-V-AX, PS8501L3-V-AX, and PS8502L2-V-AX from Renesas Electronics Corporation, all within the NEPOC series.

Category 2: Functional Substitutes - Parts meeting isolation voltage, channel count, output type, and package requirements but with variations in secondary parameters. This includes 6N136SDVM from onsemi and HCPL-4562-500E from Broadcom Limited.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Tier 1: Direct Parametric Equivalents (Recommended Primary Substitutes)

PS8501L2-AX, PS8501L2-V-AX, PS8501L3-V-AX, and PS8502L2-V-AX from Renesas Electronics Corporation are direct parametric equivalents to the PS8501L3-AX. These parts maintain identical isolation voltage (5000Vrms), output voltage capability (35V), current transfer ratio specifications (15% @ 16mA minimum), and operating temperature range (-55°C ~ 100°C). All are ROHS3 compliant with MSL 1 rating. These parts are currently in active production status with confirmed inventory availability. The primary distinction is REACH compliance status: PS8501L2-AX, PS8501L2-V-AX, PS8501L3-V-AX, and PS8502L2-V-AX are REACH Unaffected, whereas the original PS8501L3-AX is REACH Affected. Selection among these equivalents should be based on packaging format preference (Tube) and specific timing specifications if required.

Tier 2: Functional Substitutes with Parameter Variations

6N136SDVM from onsemi meets the core isolation voltage (5000Vrms), channel count (1), output type (Transistor with Base), and package specifications (8-SMD, Gull Wing). This part demonstrates superior current transfer ratio performance (19% minimum, 50% maximum @ 16mA) compared to the main part specification. However, the maximum output voltage is reduced to 20V versus 35V on the main part. Operating temperature range is narrower (-40°C ~ 100°C versus -55°C ~ 100°C). This substitute is suitable for applications where the 20V output voltage ceiling is acceptable and the extended low-temperature operation below -40°C is not required. The part is in active production with high inventory availability.

HCPL-4562-500E from Broadcom Limited provides 3750Vrms isolation, which is below the 5000Vrms specification of the main part. This represents a reduction in isolation capability and is suitable only for applications where lower isolation voltage is acceptable. Maximum output voltage is 20V, and maximum forward current is 12mA versus 25mA on the main part. Operating temperature range is -40°C ~ 85°C, which does not extend to the full -55°C ~ 100°C range. This substitute should be considered only when isolation voltage requirements can be reduced and thermal operating range can be constrained accordingly.

Compliance and Regulatory Considerations

All substitute parts maintain ROHS3 compliance and MSL 1 (Unlimited) moisture sensitivity rating, ensuring compatibility with standard manufacturing and storage practices. The transition from REACH Affected (PS8501L3-AX) to REACH Unaffected status on Renesas equivalents may provide regulatory advantages for certain supply chain and end-market requirements. ECCN classification remains EAR99 across all parts, and HTSUS code 8541.49.8000 is consistent.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can PS8501L2-AX be used as a direct replacement for PS8501L3-AX?

Yes. PS8501L2-AX is a parametric equivalent with identical isolation voltage (5000Vrms), output voltage capability (35V), current transfer ratio (15% @ 16mA minimum), and operating temperature range (-55°C ~ 100°C). Both use 8-SMD Gull Wing surface mount packaging. The primary difference is REACH compliance status. Electrical performance and mechanical compatibility are equivalent.

Q2: What is the key difference between PS8501L3-AX and 6N136SDVM?

The maximum output voltage differs: PS8501L3-AX supports 35V output while 6N136SDVM is limited to 20V. Both maintain 5000Vrms isolation and 8mA output current. The 6N136SDVM offers higher current transfer ratio (19-50% @ 16mA) but operates over a narrower temperature range (-40°C ~ 100°C versus -55°C ~ 100°C). Selection depends on whether the 20V output voltage limit is acceptable for the application.

Q3: Why is HCPL-4562-500E listed as a substitute if isolation voltage is lower?

HCPL-4562-500E is included as a functional substitute for applications where 3750Vrms isolation is sufficient. It meets the single-channel, transistor-output, 8-SMD package requirements but with reduced isolation capability and output voltage (20V maximum). This part should be selected only when design requirements permit lower isolation voltage and narrower operating temperature range (-40°C ~ 85°C).

Q4: Are all substitute parts available in the same packaging format as PS8501L3-AX?

PS8501L3-AX is supplied in Tube packaging. Renesas equivalents (PS8501L2-AX, PS8501L2-V-AX, PS8501L3-V-AX, PS8502L2-V-AX) are also supplied in Tube format. The 6N136SDVM is supplied in Tape & Reel (TR) format, and HCPL-4562-500E is supplied in Cut Tape (CT) & Digi-Reel® format. Packaging format selection may affect procurement quantities and handling procedures.

Q5: What does "REACH Affected" versus "REACH Unaffected" mean for component selection?

REACH Affected status indicates the component may contain substances of concern under EU REACH regulations, potentially requiring additional documentation and compliance measures. REACH Unaffected status indicates no such substances are present. For applications requiring REACH compliance or serving EU markets, the Renesas equivalents (REACH Unaffected) provide regulatory advantage over the original PS8501L3-AX (REACH Affected).

Q6: Can PS8501L3-AX be replaced with PS8502L2-V-AX?

Yes. PS8502L2-V-AX maintains identical electrical specifications: 5000Vrms isolation, 35V maximum output voltage, 15% minimum current transfer ratio, 8mA output current, and -55°C ~ 100°C operating temperature. The primary difference is the base product number (PS8502 versus PS8501), indicating a different product line within the NEPOC series. Both are ROHS3 compliant and in active production.

Q7: What are the timing differences between PS8501L3-AX and 6N136SDVM?

PS8501L3-AX specifies turn-on/turn-off times of 220ns and 350ns respectively. 6N136SDVM specifies 250ns and 260ns. The 6N136SDVM exhibits faster turn-off time (260ns versus 350ns) but slightly slower turn-on time (250ns versus 220ns). Applications with strict timing requirements should verify these specifications against circuit design constraints.

Q8: Is the PS8501L3-AX still available for purchase?

PS8501L3-AX is discontinued at DiGi Electronics. However, 1058 pieces are reported in stock as new original inventory. For ongoing procurement, Renesas equivalents (PS8501L2-AX, PS8501L2-V-AX, PS8501L3-V-AX, PS8502L2-V-AX) are in active production with confirmed availability, making them the recommended long-term sourcing solution.