EmbeddedRelated.com
6N138

6N138

Lite-On Inc.
Optoisolator Darlington with Base Output 5000Vrms 1 Channel 8-DIP
Active3,371 in stock

Overview

The 6N138 is a single-channel high-gain optocoupler featuring a GaAsP LED optically coupled to a high-gain Darlington photo-detector. It is designed for low-power applications requiring high isolation and high current transfer ratios with minimal input current.

Why Choose This Part

The 6N138 offers an exceptionally high typical current transfer ratio of 2000 percent, allowing it to drive loads up to 50mA with very low LED drive currents. It provides 5000Vrms isolation in a standard 8-DIP package and is fully TTL compatible for easy integration into 5V digital systems.

Applications

Digital Logic Ground Isolation
Provides high-voltage electrical separation between logic circuits while maintaining TTL compatibility.
Low Input Current Line Receiver
Functions effectively with as little as 0.5mA input current, making it ideal for high-impedance or battery-powered signals.
Telephone Ring Detection
Used in communication equipment to sense high-voltage AC ring signals safely.
Microprocessor System Interfaces
Protects sensitive microcontrollers from noise and transients on I/O lines in industrial environments.

Key Specifications

Input Type DC
Output Type Darlington with Base
Mounting Type Through Hole
Package / Case 8-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm)
Number of Channels 1
Voltage - Isolation 5000Vrms
Operating Temperature -20degC ~ 85degC
Voltage - Output (Max) 7V
Supplier Device Package 8-DIP
Current - Output / Channel 50mA
Current Transfer Ratio (Max) 2600% @ 1.6mA
Current Transfer Ratio (Min) 300% @ 1.6mA
Voltage - Forward (Vf) (Typ) 1.1V
Turn On / Turn Off Time (Typ) 1.6us, 10us
Current - DC Forward (If) (Max) 20 mA

Getting Started

When designing with the 6N138, ensure a bypass capacitor is placed near the VCC pin and select a pull-up resistor that balances switching speed with power consumption. For breadboard prototyping, use the 8-DIP through-hole version and verify that the output current does not exceed the 50mA rating.

Also Consider

6N137 Lite-On Inc. - Choose the 6N137 for high-speed digital applications requiring 10MBd performance rather than high current gain.