6N137 Detai LED explanation of pin function specifications and circuit principle instructions

The "6N137" is an Optocoupler , often known for its role in isolating and protecting circuits by transferring electrical signals via light. It belongs to the Hewlett-Packard (HP) / Broadcom brand. The full part number for the device is typically "6N137 Optocoupler."

Package and Pinout Details

The "6N137" optocoupler is typically available in a DIP-8 (Dual Inline Package) and SO-8 (Small Outline) package. These are the two most common packages for this optocoupler, with the DIP-8 being the larger through-hole version and the SO-8 being the smaller surface-mount version.

Pin Function Description

The DIP-8 package contains 8 pins, each with a specific function. The pinout and their functions are described as follows:

Pin Number Pin Name Function Description 1 Anode of LED Connect to the positive side of the LED internal to the optocoupler. 2 Cathode of LED Connect to the negative side of the LED inside the optocoupler. 3 No connection (NC) This pin is unused and does not connect to any internal components. 4 Ground (GND) Connect to the ground of the circuit. 5 Collector of Photo transistor This is the collector of the internal phototransistor. It is connected to the external circuit to receive the output signal. 6 Emitter of Phototransistor The emitter of the internal phototransistor. This pin typically connects to ground or a reference voltage in your external circuit. 7 Base of Phototransistor Connects to a bias resistor or other components to ensure proper operation of the phototransistor. 8 Vcc (Positive Voltage Supply) Connect to the positive power supply for the phototransistor and other internal components.

Functionality of Pins

Pin 1 (Anode of LED): This is the anode side of the internal LED that generates light to activate the phototransistor. It should be connected to a positive voltage. Pin 2 (Cathode of LED): The cathode of the LED connects to the negative voltage side of the circuit. When voltage is applied, the LED will emit light, triggering the phototransistor. Pin 3 (NC - No Connection): This pin is simply unused. It does not connect to any internal circuits, and its function is not needed for the operation of the device. Pin 4 (Ground): This pin connects to the system's ground to complete the electrical circuit. Pin 5 (Collector of Phototransistor): This pin is the output side of the phototransistor. It should be connected to the external circuit to receive the transmitted signal. Pin 6 (Emitter of Phototransistor): This is the ground or reference side of the phototransistor. It typically connects to the external circuit's ground. Pin 7 (Base of Phototransistor): The base pin is used to control the bias of the phototransistor. This pin is typically tied to a resistor to set the current flow and control the phototransistor’s switching behavior. Pin 8 (Vcc): This is the supply voltage pin for the internal phototransistor and circuitry. Connect this to the positive power rail of your circuit.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for 6N137

1. What is the primary function of the 6N137 optocoupler?

Answer: The 6N137 optocoupler is used for signal isolation in circuits, allowing electrical signals to be transmitted via light, isolating the input and output sides for safety and preventing noise from affecting sensitive components.

2. What is the package type of the 6N137?

Answer: The 6N137 is typically available in DIP-8 and SO-8 packages, providing flexibility for both through-hole and surface-mount applications.

3. How many pins does the 6N137 optocoupler have?

Answer: The 6N137 optocoupler comes in an 8-pin package, which includes both input and output connections.

4. What voltage range can the 6N137 operate with?

Answer: The 6N137 operates with a typical Vcc range of 4.5V to 5.5V for proper performance.

5. How does the 6N137 transmit signals?

Answer: The 6N137 uses an internal LED that emits light when voltage is applied, which activates a phototransistor, converting the light back into an electrical signal on the output side.

6. Can the 6N137 optocoupler isolate high-voltage signals?

Answer: Yes, the 6N137 provides electrical isolation between the input and output, which can help isolate high-voltage circuits from low-voltage control systems.

7. What is the maximum output current for the 6N137?

Answer: The maximum output current from the 6N137 optocoupler is typically around 50mA, depending on the specific application conditions.

8. Is the 6N137 suitable for high-speed data transmission?

Answer: Yes, the 6N137 is designed for high-speed data transmission, with a typical data rate of 10 Mbps or more.

9. How should the input LED be driven in the 6N137?

Answer: The input LED in the 6N137 should be driven with a current-limiting resistor to protect it from excessive current. The resistor value should be chosen based on the input voltage and the LED’s forward voltage.

10. What type of output does the 6N137 provide?

Answer: The output of the 6N137 is the collector-emitter voltage of the phototransistor, which can be used for driving logic gates or other digital circuits.

11. What is the typical response time of the 6N137 optocoupler?

Answer: The typical response time of the 6N137 is approximately 200ns, making it suitable for high-speed switching applications.

12. What is the operating temperature range of the 6N137?

Answer: The operating temperature range of the 6N137 is typically between -40°C to +85°C, making it suitable for a wide variety of environments.

13. Can the 6N137 be used for AC signal isolation?

Answer: Yes, the 6N137 can be used to isolate AC signals, as long as the input and output circuits are designed properly to handle AC voltage levels.

14. How is the 6N137 different from other optocouplers?

Answer: The 6N137 is known for its high-speed switching capability and high-voltage isolation, which makes it ideal for digital data transmission and sensitive circuits.

15. Can the 6N137 handle high-frequency signals?

Answer: Yes, the 6N137 can handle high-frequency signals up to 10 MHz with proper external components.

16. Is the 6N137 sensitive to temperature variations?

Answer: Like most electronic components, the 6N137's performance may degrade at extreme temperatures, but it operates reliably within the specified temperature range of -40°C to +85°C.

17. How should the 6N137 be mounted?

Answer: The 6N137 should be mounted according to its package type, either in a DIP-8 socket for through-hole mounting or directly on a PCB for surface-mount applications.

18. Does the 6N137 have any protective features?

Answer: The 6N137 typically includes internal overcurrent protection for the LED side and output transistor protection to ensure safe operation under normal conditions.

19. Can I use the 6N137 in microcontroller interfacing?

Answer: Yes, the 6N137 is ideal for interfacing microcontrollers with other systems, providing electrical isolation and protecting sensitive components.

20. What is the typical power consumption of the 6N137?

Answer: The typical power consumption of the 6N137 is relatively low, typically around 25mW in normal operation, but it depends on the driving conditions and circuit configuration.

This detailed guide covers the 6N137's pin functions, specifications, and common questions. Let me know if you need further information!