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PS8501L3-E3-AX Equivalent & Substitute Parts
Part Overview
The PS8501L3-E3-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 operates across an extended temperature range of -55°C to 100°C. The part is discontinued at DiGi Electronics but remains available in inventory. Due to its discontinued status, equivalent and substitute parts from active manufacturers are necessary for ongoing production and design continuity.
Substiute Parts
Key Parameters
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer Part Number | PS8501L3-E3-AX |
| Manufacturer | CEL |
| Category | Optoisolators |
| Number of Channels | 1 |
| Voltage - Isolation | 5000Vrms |
| Current Transfer Ratio (Min) | 15% @ 16mA |
| Turn On / Turn Off Time (Typ) | 220ns, 350ns |
| Input Type | DC |
| Output Type | Transistor with Base |
| Voltage - Output (Max) | 35V |
| Current - Output / Channel | 8mA |
| Voltage - Forward (Vf) (Typ) | 1.7V |
| Current - DC Forward (If) (Max) | 25mA |
| Operating Temperature | -55°C ~ 100°C |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Package / Case | 8-SMD, Gull Wing |
| RoHS Status | ROHS3 Compliant |
| Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL) | 1 (Unlimited) |
| Product Status | Discontinued at DiGi Electronics |
Substitute Part Grouping Explanation
Substitution of the PS8501L3-E3-AX is determined by the following critical parameters:
Primary Isolation Requirement: 5000Vrms isolation voltage is the fundamental specification. Substitute parts must maintain this isolation level or higher.
Output Configuration: Transistor with base output is mandatory. The base connection enables specific circuit topologies and cannot be substituted with open-collector or other output types.
Single Channel Operation: All substitutes must provide exactly one isolated channel.
DC Input Type: Input signal conditioning must support DC input signals.
Current and Voltage Ratings: Output current of 8mA and maximum output voltage of 35V define the load-driving capability. Substitutes must support these specifications.
Switching Speed: Turn-on and turn-off times of 220ns and 350ns respectively establish the frequency response envelope for signal integrity.
Temperature Range: Operating temperature from -55°C to 100°C specifies the thermal operating window.
Package Compatibility: 8-SMD Gull Wing surface mount package ensures mechanical and electrical compatibility with existing PCB layouts.
Compliance Standards: RoHS3 compliance and MSL Level 1 are mandatory for supply chain and manufacturing requirements.
Substitute parts are grouped into two categories: parametric equivalents (identical specifications from active manufacturers) and functional substitutes (alternative designs meeting core isolation and output requirements with acceptable parameter variations).
Parameter Comparison
| Parameter | PS8501L3-E3-AX (CEL) | PS8501L3-E3-AX (Renesas) | PS8501L2-E3-AX (Renesas) | PS8501L2-V-E3-AX (Renesas) | PS8501L3-V-E3-AX (Renesas) | PS8502L3-V-E3-AX (Renesas) | 6N136SDVM (onsemi) | HCPL-4562-500E (Broadcom) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Voltage - Isolation | 5000Vrms | 5000Vrms | 5000Vrms | 5000Vrms | 5000Vrms | 5000Vrms | 5000Vrms | 3750Vrms |
| Number of Channels | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Current Transfer Ratio (Min) | 15% @ 16mA | 15% @ 16mA | 15% @ 16mA | 15% @ 16mA | 15% @ 16mA | 15% @ 16mA | 19% @ 16mA | Not specified |
| Turn On / Turn Off Time (Typ) | 220ns, 350ns | 220ns, 350ns | 220ns, 350ns | 220ns, 350ns | Not specified | Not specified | 250ns, 260ns | Not specified |
| Output Type | Transistor with Base | Transistor with Base | Transistor with Base | Transistor with Base | Transistor with Base | Transistor with Base | Transistor with Base | Transistor with Base |
| Voltage - Output (Max) | 35V | 35V | 35V | 35V | 35V | 35V | 20V | 20V |
| Current - Output / Channel | 8mA | 8mA | 8mA | 8mA | 8mA | 8mA | 8mA | 8mA |
| Voltage - Forward (Vf) (Typ) | 1.7V | 1.7V | 1.7V | 1.7V | 1.7V | 1.7V | 1.45V | 1.3V |
| Current - DC Forward (If) (Max) | 25mA | 25mA | 25mA | 25mA | 25mA | 25mA | 25mA | 12mA |
| Operating Temperature | -55°C ~ 100°C | -55°C ~ 100°C | -55°C ~ 100°C | -55°C ~ 100°C | -55°C ~ 100°C | -55°C ~ 100°C | -40°C ~ 100°C | -40°C ~ 85°C |
| Package / Case | 8-SMD, Gull Wing | 8-SMD, Gull Wing | 8-SMD, Gull Wing | 8-SMD, Gull Wing | 8-SMD, Gull Wing | 8-SMD, Gull Wing | 8-SMD, Gull Wing | 8-SMD, Gull Wing |
| Product Status | Discontinued | Active | Active | Active | Active | Active | Active | Active |
| RoHS Status | ROHS3 Compliant | ROHS3 Compliant | ROHS3 Compliant | ROHS3 Compliant | ROHS3 Compliant | ROHS3 Compliant | ROHS3 Compliant | ROHS3 Compliant |
Engineering Selection Recommendations
Tier 1 - Direct Parametric Equivalents (Recommended Primary Substitutes):
The Renesas Electronics Corporation PS8501 series parts (PS8501L3-E3-AX, PS8501L2-E3-AX, PS8501L2-V-E3-AX, PS8501L3-V-E3-AX, and PS8502L3-V-E3-AX) are active products with identical or equivalent electrical specifications to the discontinued CEL PS8501L3-E3-AX. These parts maintain 5000Vrms isolation, 35V maximum output voltage, 8mA output current, and -55°C to 100°C operating temperature range. All are ROHS3 compliant with MSL Level 1 rating. The PS8501L3-E3-AX and PS8501L2-E3-AX from Renesas provide the closest match with specified turn-on/turn-off times of 220ns and 350ns. These substitutes are suitable for direct replacement in existing designs without circuit modification.
Tier 2 - Functional Substitutes with Parameter Variations:
The onsemi 6N136SDVM provides 5000Vrms isolation with transistor base output in 8-SMD Gull Wing package. This part differs in operating temperature range (-40°C to 100°C versus -55°C to 100°C) and current transfer ratio (19% minimum versus 15% minimum). The 6N136SDVM is suitable for applications not requiring the extended low-temperature operation below -40°C.
The Broadcom Limited HCPL-4562-500E operates at reduced isolation voltage (3750Vrms versus 5000Vrms) and lower maximum output voltage (20V versus 35V). Additionally, the maximum forward current is 12mA versus 25mA. This part is suitable only for applications where 3750Vrms isolation is sufficient and output voltage requirements do not exceed 20V. Operating temperature range is -40°C to 85°C, further limiting applicability to extended temperature designs.
Selection Criteria:
For applications requiring full 5000Vrms isolation, 35V output voltage capability, and extended temperature operation from -55°C, select from the Renesas PS8501 series. For applications with relaxed isolation requirements (3750Vrms acceptable) and lower output voltage needs (20V maximum), the HCPL-4562-500E is acceptable. The onsemi 6N136SDVM bridges these options for applications not requiring sub-40°C operation.
All recommended substitutes maintain ROHS3 compliance and MSL Level 1 rating, ensuring supply chain and manufacturing compatibility with the original PS8501L3-E3-AX specification.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can the PS8501L3-E3-AX be directly replaced with the Renesas PS8501L3-E3-AX?
A: Yes. The Renesas PS8501L3-E3-AX is a parametric equivalent with identical electrical specifications, package configuration, and compliance ratings. Direct substitution is supported without circuit modification.
Q: What is the key difference between the Renesas PS8501L2-E3-AX and PS8501L3-E3-AX?
A: Both parts are parametric equivalents with identical electrical specifications. The designation difference (L2 versus L3) reflects internal design variants within the Renesas NEPOC series. Both are suitable substitutes for the original CEL part.
Q: Why is the onsemi 6N136SDVM listed as a substitute if it has different specifications?
A: The 6N136SDVM maintains the core functional requirements: 5000Vrms isolation, single channel, transistor with base output, 8mA output current, and 8-SMD Gull Wing package. The differences in current transfer ratio (19% minimum versus 15% minimum) and operating temperature range (-40°C to 100°C versus -55°C to 100°C) are acceptable variations for applications not requiring extended low-temperature operation. The higher current transfer ratio actually provides improved performance in many circuits.
Q: Can the HCPL-4562-500E replace the PS8501L3-E3-AX in all applications?
A: No. The HCPL-4562-500E operates at 3750Vrms isolation versus the required 5000Vrms, and provides maximum output voltage of 20V versus 35V. This part is suitable only for applications where these reduced specifications are acceptable. Additionally, the operating temperature range is limited to -40°C to 85°C, excluding extended low-temperature and high-temperature operation.
Q: Are all substitute parts available in the same package configuration?
A: Yes. All listed substitutes use 8-SMD Gull Wing surface mount package, ensuring mechanical and electrical compatibility with existing PCB layouts designed for the PS8501L3-E3-AX.
Q: What compliance certifications apply to all substitute parts?
A: All substitute parts are ROHS3 compliant and carry MSL Level 1 (Unlimited) moisture sensitivity rating. These certifications match the original PS8501L3-E3-AX specification, ensuring supply chain and manufacturing process compatibility.
Q: Which substitute part has the best inventory availability?
A: The Broadcom HCPL-4562-500E has the highest reported inventory at 6000 pieces. However, inventory levels are subject to change. For applications requiring full 5000Vrms isolation and 35V output voltage, the Renesas PS8501 series parts maintain adequate inventory across multiple variants.
Q: Do the substitute parts require different PCB layout or thermal management?
A: No. All substitute parts use identical 8-SMD Gull Wing package with the same pinout and thermal characteristics. Existing PCB layouts and thermal management designs are directly compatible without modification.
Q: What is the turn-on and turn-off time specification for the onsemi 6N136SDVM?
A: The 6N136SDVM specifies 250ns turn-on time and 260ns turn-off time, compared to 220ns and 350ns for the original PS8501L3-E3-AX. These timing differences are within acceptable margins for most isolation applications but should be verified for high-speed switching circuits.
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