optoisolators

6N137

Every spec below is cited to the manufacturer datasheet. Pick your exact ordering code, compare the closest alternatives, then ask the assistant what it means for your design.

00 — Overview

What the 6N137 family does

The 6N137, EL2601, and EL2611 are high-speed 10 Mbit/s logic gate photocopplers featuring an infrared emitting diode optically coupled to a photo detector with a strobable output. These components operate with a 5000 V rms isolation voltage, handle 50 mA forward current, and function across a -40 to +85°C temperature range. The 8-pin DIP package supports wide-lead spacing and SMD options. Engineers typically use these parts for ground loop elimination, data transmission, line receiving, and switching power supply applications. They also serve as pulse transformer replacements and provide high-speed logic ground isolation in computer peripheral interfaces.

Next step
Start building with 6N137 → Every number above is cited straight from the datasheet — ask what they mean for your design, and the assistant answers from the same source documents.
01 — Key specifications

6N137 datasheet parameters

ParameterMinTypMaxConditionsSource
quiescent current 7 mA 10 mA IF = 0mA, VE = 0.5V, VCC = 5.5V; Output Everlight datasheet, p. 3 — Electrical Characteristics (Ta=-40 to 85°C unless specified otherwi…
output current 2.1 µA 100 µA VCC = 5.5V, VO = 5.5V, IF = 250µA, VE = 2.0V; Transfer Characteristics (Ta = -40 to 85°C unless specified otherwise) Everlight datasheet, p. 3 — Electrical Characteristics (Ta=-40 to 85°C unless specified otherwi…
forward voltage 1.4 V 1.8 V IF = 10mA; Input Everlight datasheet, p. 3 — Electrical Characteristics (Ta=-40 to 85°C unless specified otherwi…
operating temperature (abs max) -40 °C 85 °C Absolute Maximum Ratings (Ta = 25°C) Everlight datasheet, p. 2 — Absolute Maximum Ratings (Ta=25°C)
power dissipation (abs max) 100 mW Absolute Maximum Ratings (Ta = 25°C) Everlight datasheet, p. 2 — Absolute Maximum Ratings (Ta=25°C)
reverse voltage 5 V IR = 10µA; Input Everlight datasheet, p. 3 — Electrical Characteristics (Ta=-40 to 85°C unless specified otherwi…
forward current (abs max) 50 mA Everlight datasheet, p. 2 — Absolute Maximum Ratings (Ta=25°C)
input capacitance 60 pF VF = 0, f = 1MHz; Input Everlight datasheet, p. 3 — Electrical Characteristics (Ta=-40 to 85°C unless specified otherwi…
propagation delay 35 ns 75 ns CL = 15pF, RL = 350Ω, TA = 25°C; propagation(fig.12); Electrical Characteristics (Ta = -40 to 85°C unless specified otherwise) Everlight datasheet, p. 4 — Electrical Characteristics (Ta=-40 to 85°C unless specified otherwi…
rise time 40 ns CL = 15pF, RL = 350Ω; (fig.12); Electrical Characteristics (Ta = -40 to 85°C unless specified otherwise) Everlight datasheet, p. 4 — Electrical Characteristics (Ta=-40 to 85°C unless specified otherwi…
fall time 10 ns CL = 15pF, RL = 350Ω; (fig.12); Electrical Characteristics (Ta = -40 to 85°C unless specified otherwise) Everlight datasheet, p. 4 — Electrical Characteristics (Ta=-40 to 85°C unless specified otherwi…
cmti 5 GV/s IF = 0mA, VOH = 2.0V, RL = 350Ω, TA = 25°CVCM = 50Vp-p (Fig.14); common; Switching Characteristics (TA = -40 to 85°C, VCC = 5V, IF = 7.5mA unless specified otherwise) Everlight datasheet, p. 4 — Electrical Characteristics (Ta=-40 to 85°C unless specified otherwi…
output count (abs max) 1 Everlight datasheet, p. 2 — Absolute Maximum Ratings (Ta=25°C)
channel count (abs max) 1 Everlight datasheet, p. 2 — Absolute Maximum Ratings (Ta=25°C)
02 — FAQ

6N137 frequently asked questions

What is the channel count of the 6N137?

The channel count is 1.

What is the common-mode transient immunity (cmti) of the 6N137?

The common-mode transient immunity is 5 GV/s when IF = 0mA, VOH = 2.0V, RL = 350Ω, TA = 25°C, VCM = 50Vp-p (Fig.14).

What is the fall time of the 6N137 when CL = 15pF, RL = 350Ω; (fig.12)?

The fall time is 10 ns.

What is the maximum forward current?

The maximum forward current is 50 mA.

What is the forward voltage of the 6N137 when the input current is 10mA?

The forward voltage is 1.4 V at IF = 10mA.

What is the input capacitance of the 6N137?

The input capacitance is 60 pF at VF = 0, f = 1MHz.

What is the operating temperature under Absolute Maximum Ratings (Ta = 25°C)?

The operating temperature is 85 °C.

What is the output count of the 6N137?

The output count is 1.

What is the output current of the 6N137 when VCC = 5.5V, VO = 5.5V, IF = 250µA, and VE = 2.0V under Transfer Characteristics conditions?

The output current is 2.1 µA.

What is the power dissipation of the 6N137 under Absolute Maximum Ratings (Ta = 25°C)?

The power dissipation is 100 mW.

What is the propagation delay of the 6N137 when CL = 15pF, RL = 350Ω, and TA = 25°C?

The propagation delay is 35 ns.

What is the quiescent current of the 6N137 output when IF = 0mA, VE = 0.5V, and VCC = 5.5V?

The quiescent current is 7 mA.

03 — Alternatives

Closest matches to 6N137

TLP5701 5.8× lower quiescent current, 5.0× higher cmti, 5.0× higher fall time
TLP185 20.0× higher forward current, 2.0× lower input capacitance, 1.5× higher power dissipation
TLP185GB 20.0× higher forward current, 2.0× lower input capacitance, 1.5× higher power dissipation
LTV-357T 1.4× lower power dissipation, 1.2× higher operating temperature, 1.2× higher reverse voltage
PC817 2.0× higher power dissipation, 1.2× higher operating temperature, 1.2× higher reverse voltage
HT-3021 1.6× higher operating temperature, 1.5× higher power dissipation, 1.2× higher reverse voltage
MOC3081 1.6× higher operating temperature, 1.5× higher power dissipation, 1.2× higher reverse voltage
TLP785 1.2× higher operating temperature, 1.2× lower forward voltage, 1.2× higher forward current
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