PS8601 Optoisolator Transistor with Base Output 5000Vrms 1 Channel 8-DIP

Part Overview

The PS8601 is a 5000Vrms optoisolator with transistor output and base connection, manufactured by CEL in the NEPOC series. This component provides galvanic isolation for high-voltage applications with a single-channel configuration in an 8-DIP package. The PS8601 has reached obsolete status, necessitating identification of functionally equivalent substitute components that maintain compatibility with existing circuit designs while offering access to active inventory.

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
Voltage - Forward (Vf) (Typ)	1.7V
Current - DC Forward (If) (Max)	25mA
Operating Temperature	-55°C ~ 100°C
Package / Case	8-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm)
Mounting Type	Through Hole
RoHS Status	RoHS non-compliant
Input Type	DC

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution for the PS8601 is determined by strict alignment of critical electrical and mechanical parameters. The primary substitution criteria are:

Mandatory Compatibility Parameters:

Isolation voltage rating (5000Vrms or higher)
Output type (Transistor with Base)
Number of channels (1)
Package type (8-DIP, 0.300", 7.62mm)
Input type (DC)
Through-hole mounting
Current output per channel (8mA)

Secondary Compatibility Parameters:

Voltage-output maximum (35V or higher)
Current transfer ratio minimum (15% or higher @ 16mA)
Input forward voltage and forward current ratings
Operating temperature range compatibility (-55°C to 100°C or wider)

The substitute parts are grouped into two categories:

Direct Electrical Equivalents: Parts with identical isolation voltage (5000Vrms) and all mandatory compatibility parameters: PS8501-AX, PS8501-V-AX, and PS8502-V-AX from Renesas Electronics Corporation. These provide parametric equivalence and are recommended for direct substitution.

Compatible Substitutes with Lower Isolation Ratings: Parts with lower isolation voltages (3750Vrms or 2500Vrms) that still meet all other mandatory parameters: HCPL-2502, HCPL-4562, HCPL-4562-000E, HCPL-4562-020E, and HCPL-4562-060E from Broadcom Limited, and 6N136 from onsemi. These are suitable only if the circuit design does not require the full 5000Vrms isolation specification.

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Isolation Voltage	Output Type	Voltage Output (Max)	CTR Min @ 16mA	Operating Temp	RoHS Status	Product Status
PS8601	CEL	5000Vrms	Transistor with Base	35V	15%	-55°C ~ 100°C	RoHS non-compliant	Obsolete
PS8501-AX	Renesas Electronics Corporation	5000Vrms	Transistor with Base	35V	15%	-55°C ~ 100°C	ROHS3 Compliant	Active
PS8501-V-AX	Renesas Electronics Corporation	5000Vrms	Transistor with Base	35V	15%	-55°C ~ 100°C	ROHS3 Compliant	Active
PS8502-V-AX	Renesas Electronics Corporation	5000Vrms	Transistor with Base	35V	15%	-55°C ~ 100°C	ROHS3 Compliant	Active
HCPL-4562-020E	Broadcom Limited	5000Vrms	Transistor with Base	20V	-	-40°C ~ 85°C	ROHS3 Compliant	Active
HCPL-2502	Broadcom Limited	3750Vrms	Transistor with Base	20V	15%	-55°C ~ 100°C	RoHS non-compliant	Active
HCPL-4562	Broadcom Limited	3750Vrms	Transistor with Base	20V	-	-40°C ~ 85°C	ROHS3 Compliant	Active
HCPL-4562-000E	Broadcom Limited	3750Vrms	Transistor with Base	20V	-	-40°C ~ 85°C	ROHS3 Compliant	Active
HCPL-4562-060E	Broadcom Limited	3750Vrms	Transistor with Base	20V	-	-40°C ~ 85°C	ROHS3 Compliant	Active
6N136	onsemi	2500Vrms	Transistor with Base	20V	19%	-55°C ~ 100°C	REACH Unaffected	Obsolete

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Primary Selection - Direct Equivalent Substitutes:

For applications requiring full 5000Vrms isolation with no circuit modification, the Renesas Electronics Corporation PS8501-AX, PS8501-V-AX, or PS8502-V-AX are direct electrical and mechanical equivalents to the obsolete PS8601. All three parts maintain identical isolation voltage, voltage output maximum (35V), current transfer ratio minimum (15% @ 16mA), operating temperature range (-55°C ~ 100°C), and package configuration (8-DIP). These parts are currently in active production status with ROHS3 compliance, ensuring long-term availability and regulatory alignment for new designs and production runs.

Secondary Selection - Compatible Substitutes with Design Review:

The Broadcom Limited HCPL-4562-020E provides 5000Vrms isolation matching the PS8601 specification, with ROHS3 compliance and active product status. However, this substitute features a reduced maximum output voltage (20V versus 35V for the PS8601) and an operating temperature range of -40°C ~ 85°C compared to the PS8601's -55°C ~ 100°C. Circuit designs operating within this reduced temperature envelope and voltage specification can use this part as a drop-in replacement with active vendor support.

Fallback Options - Lower Isolation Voltage Substitutes:

When circuit isolation requirements can tolerate 3750Vrms isolation, the Broadcom Limited HCPL-2502 series (HCPL-2502, HCPL-4562, HCPL-4562-000E, HCPL-4562-060E) provides active inventory and regulatory compliance. The HCPL-2502 maintains operating temperature compatibility (-55°C ~ 100°C) with the original PS8601. All HCPL-4562 variants (HCPL-4562, HCPL-4562-000E, HCPL-4562-060E) offer ROHS3 compliance with a more limited operating temperature range (-40°C ~ 85°C).

Not Recommended - Obsolete Lower Isolation Substitute:

The onsemi 6N136 provides only 2500Vrms isolation and has obsolete product status, making it unsuitable for long-term design requirements despite its availability and temperature range compatibility with the PS8601.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can PS8501-AX be used directly in place of PS8601 without PCB modifications?

A: Yes. PS8501-AX matches all mandatory compatibility parameters including isolation voltage (5000Vrms), output type (Transistor with Base), voltage output maximum (35V), operating temperature range (-55°C ~ 100°C), and 8-DIP package configuration. Direct replacement is possible without circuit redesign.

Q: What is the critical difference between PS8501-AX and HCPL-4562-020E substitutes?

A: Both parts provide 5000Vrms isolation in 8-DIP packages. The key difference is maximum output voltage: PS8501-AX supports 35V while HCPL-4562-020E supports only 20V. Circuits operating above 20V output voltage require PS8501-AX or PS8502-V-AX. Additionally, PS8501-AX supports -55°C to 100°C operation while HCPL-4562-020E operates from -40°C to 85°C.

Q: Can HCPL-2502 or HCPL-4562 series be used if the design only requires 3750Vrms isolation?

A: Yes, if circuit isolation voltage requirements do not exceed 3750Vrms, the HCPL-2502 and HCPL-4562 series provide compatible substitution. HCPL-2502 maintains full temperature range compatibility (-55°C ~ 100°C) with the PS8601. HCPL-4562 variants operate at reduced temperature range (-40°C ~ 85°C). All versions provide 8-DIP package compatibility and transistor-with-base output configuration.

Q: Why is 6N136 not recommended despite being listed as a substitute?

A: The 6N136 provides only 2500Vrms isolation—substantially lower than the PS8601's 5000Vrms rating. This reduced isolation voltage may not satisfy applications requiring the original specification. Additionally, 6N136 has obsolete product status, limiting future availability and vendor support compared to active alternatives.

Q: What regulatory compliance differences should be considered?

A: The PS8601 is RoHS non-compliant. The Renesas PS8501-AX, PS8501-V-AX, and PS8502-V-AX all provide ROHS3 compliance, meeting modern regulatory requirements. The Broadcom HCPL-4562 series offers ROHS3 compliance while HCPL-2502 remains RoHS non-compliant. For new designs subject to RoHS requirements, only the compliant alternatives are suitable.

Q: Are there differences in current transfer ratio specifications between substitutes?

A: The PS8601 specifies a minimum current transfer ratio of 15% @ 16mA. PS8501-AX, PS8501-V-AX, and PS8502-V-AX maintain this same 15% minimum specification. HCPL-2502 also specifies 15% minimum current transfer ratio. However, HCPL-4562 variants and 6N136 do not provide current transfer ratio specifications in the available data. This should be verified in detailed datasheets for performance-critical applications.

Q: What packaging format options are available for substitutes?

A: All substitute parts maintain 8-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm) through-hole package configuration, ensuring physical PCB compatibility with the PS8601. Packaging format variations such as Tube are available for certain part numbers (PS8501-AX, PS8501-V-AX, PS8502-V-AX, HCPL-2502, HCPL-4562-000E, HCPL-4562-020E, HCPL-4562-060E) but do not affect electrical or mechanical compatibility for circuit board assembly.

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