6N136

6N136 High-Speed Optocoupler Technical Summary

Overview

The 6N136 is a high-speed optocoupler designed to provide electrical isolation between input and output circuits in both analog and digital applications. This component features an infrared light-emitting diode (LED) coupled with an integrated photon detector, which consists of a photodiode and an open-collector output transistor. The 6N136 is part of a family of optocouplers (including the 6N135 and HCPL4502) that offer superior performance in applications requiring high common-mode transient immunity and fast signal transmission.

Key to its design is the separate connection for photodiode bias and transistor-collector output, which significantly reduces base-to-collector capacitance. This architectural improvement enables the 6N136 to achieve switching speeds up to 100 times faster than conventional phototransistor-based optocouplers, making it ideal for high-frequency applications.

Features

• High-Speed Performance: Typical propagation delay of 0.8μs (max 1.5μs) enables operation in fast digital systems
• High Common-Mode Rejection: 10 kV/μs minimum common-mode transient immunity
• Wide Operating Temperature Range: -55°C to +100°C
• High Isolation Voltage: 2500 V_rms minimum input-to-output isolation
• Open-Collector Output: Allows flexible interface with various logic families
• Separate Photodiode Bias: Reduces base-collector capacitance for improved speed
• Low Input Current Requirement: Typical LED forward current of 10mA
• High Current Transfer Ratio (CTR): Minimum 15% at I_F = 10mA

Applications

The 6N136 finds use in numerous applications requiring electrical isolation and high-speed signal transmission:

• Industrial Control Systems: Isolated digital I/O, PLC interfaces
• Telecommunications: Line receivers, modem interfaces
• Medical Equipment: Patient-isolated monitoring systems
• Power Electronics: Gate drive circuits, switching power supplies
• Computer Peripherals: Isolated serial communications
• Test and Measurement: High-voltage measurement isolation
• Automotive Systems: Battery monitoring, EV charging systems
• Analog Signal Isolation: Current/voltage sensing with isolation

Electrical Characteristics

All specifications are given for T_A = 25°C unless otherwise noted.

Input Characteristics (LED Side)

• Forward Voltage (V_F): 1.2V to 1.5V at I_F = 10mA
• Reverse Voltage (V_R): 5V maximum
• Continuous Forward Current (I_F): 25mA maximum
• Peak Forward Current (I_FP): 1A (1μs pulse width, 300Hz max)

Output Characteristics (Detector Side)

• Collector-Emitter Voltage (V_CEO): 30V minimum
• Emitter-Collector Voltage (V_ECO): 7V maximum
• Collector Current (I_C): 8mA maximum
• Collector Dark Current (I_CEO): 0.1μA maximum at V_CE = 10V

Switching Characteristics

• Propagation Delay (t_PLH): 0.8μs typical, 1.5μs maximum
• Propagation Delay (t_PHL): 0.8μs typical, 1.5μs maximum
• Rise Time (t_r): 0.3μs typical, 0.8μs maximum
• Fall Time (t_f): 0.3μs typical, 0.8μs maximum

Isolation Characteristics

• Isolation Voltage (V_ISO): 2500 V_rms minimum
• Common-Mode Transient Immunity (CMTI): 10 kV/μs minimum
• Creepage Distance: 7.62mm minimum
• Clearance Distance: 7.62mm minimum

Package Information

The 6N136 is available in a standard 8-pin DIP (Dual In-line Package) with the following dimensions:

• Package Type: DIP-8 (Dual In-line Package)
• Body Length: 9.65mm ± 0.25mm
• Body Width: 6.35mm ± 0.25mm
• Lead Pitch: 2.54mm (0.1 inch)
• Lead Length: 3.3mm minimum
• Package Material: Molded plastic, UL 94V-0 flammability rating

Pin Configuration

• Pin 1: Anode (LED positive)
• Pin 2: Cathode (LED negative)
• Pin 3: No Connection
• Pin 4: No Connection
• Pin 5: Ground (Photodiode common)
• Pin 6: Output (Open collector)
• Pin 7: Photodiode Bias
• Pin 8: V_CC (Output transistor supply)

Recommended Operating Conditions

• Supply Voltage (V_CC): 4.5V to 20V
• Operating Temperature Range: -55°C to +100°C
• Storage Temperature Range: -55°C to +125°C
• Soldering Temperature: 260°C for 10 seconds maximum

Reliability Data

• MTTF (Mean Time To Failure): >1,000,000 hours at 25°C
• Insulation Resistance: >10¹²Ω at 500V DC
• Dielectric Strength: 5000 V_AC for 1 minute

Design Considerations

When implementing the 6N136 in circuit designs, consider the following:

• Always use a current-limiting resistor in series with the LED
• For optimal speed, maintain photodiode bias voltage between 5-15V
• A pull-up resistor is required on the output collector (typical values 1