4N36 Optocoupler Pinout, Equivalent, Datasheet & Other Details

This post describes 4N36 optocoupler pinout, equivalent, datasheet & other details on how and where to use this optoisolator.

4N36 Features / Technical Specifications

• Package Type: 6 Pin Dip & SMD
• Transistor Type: NPN Photo Transistor
• Transistor Max Collector Current(IC): 150mA
• Transistor Max Collector-Emitter Voltage (VCEO): 30V
• Transistor Collector-Emitter Saturation Voltage : 0.14 to 0.3
• Transistor Max Emitter-Base Voltage (VECO): 7V
• Transistor Max Collector Dissipation (Pc):  150 Milliwatt
• LED Max Reverse Voltage (VR): 6V
• LED Max Forward Current: 60 Milliampere
• LED Max Power Dissipation: 120 Milliwatt
• Max Operating & Storage Temperature Should Be: -55 to +100 Centigrade for Operating & -55 to +150 for Storage.

4N36 Optocoupler Explained / Description

4N36 is an optocoupler / optoisolator / potocoupler made for general purpose applications. It is manufactured in 6 pin dip package and also in SMD packages. Internally it contains two components which are an IR LED and another one is a phototransistor. The 4N36 optocoupler works same as any other equivalent optocoupler. When the power is applied to the IR LED (The power can be from any circuit or device output) it produces IR light which is detected by the photo transistor and as a result the phototransistor become activated / switched ON. The phototransistor have two base one is connected with the photo element in the photo transistor and other is connected with the pin6 of the 4N36 IC. The user can also use the other base which is pin6 to control the phototransistor.

The technical characteristics are same as other optocoupler in the 4N3x series like 4N35 & 4N37. The Phototransistor’s max collector & emitter voltage value is 30V & continuous collector current is 150mA, the max emitter base voltage (VEBO) is 7V. The Max reverse voltage of IR LED is 6V, continuous FWD current is 60 Milliampere and total power dissipation of the LED is 120 Milliwatt.

Applications

Creating isolation between two circuits

Microcontrollers output to control other high current components

It is largely used in power supply and battery charger circuits

Digital circuits & digital outputs

Telecommunication devices, projects & circuits

Alternating current detection

DC current detection

Replacement and Equivalent Part Numbers

4N36 can be easily replaced with the following optocouplers 4N35, 4N37, 4N25, 4N26, 4N28, PC816, PC817 , 4N27, 4N36 & H11Ax series.

Where TO Use 4N36 Optocoupler

You can use 4N36 optocoupler in many applications for example to save circuits from voltage spikes, To create isolation between two circuits, to detect the presence of AC or DC current. It can also be used at the output of microcontroller and other ICs which have low output current so you can operate high current components for example high power transistors with these ICs and microcontrollers.

How TO Use 4N36 Optocoupler

Using 4N36 optocoupler is as easy as using a normal LED and a phototransistor. For using the device simply connect the anode of the IR LED with the positive output of your component which can be any IC or microcontroller and the other pin (Cathode) with the negative or ground of that component. Using a current limiting resistor between the output of IC or microcontroller and Anode of the IR LED is important. The collector & emitter pins will connect with each other whenever the phototransistor detects light from the IR LED and hence anything that is connected with the pin 4 & 5 will become connected. As mentioned above the phototransistor can also be controlled with its other base connected with the pin6 so the user can also control the transistor with its other base / pin6.

How to Safely Long Run in a Circuit

To get long term performance from 4N36 in your circuits make sure to always operate the device under its maximum specs values. Always connect load under 150mA. Use a current limiting resistor with the IR LED / on pin 1. Never use the device in temperature below -55 centigrade and above +100 centigrade and do not store it below -55 centigrade and above +150 centigrade.

4N36 Datasheet

To Download the datasheet just copy and paste the below link in your browser.

https://pdf1.alldatasheet.com/datasheet-pdf/view/50076/FAIRCHILD/4N35.html