1-166
H
HCMOS Compatible, High CMR,
10 MBd Optocouplers
Technical Data
Features
• HCMOS/LSTTL/TTL
Performance Compatible
• 1000 V/µs Minimum
Common Mode Rejection
(CMR) at VCM = 50 V (HCPL-
261A Family) and 15 kV/µs
Minimum CMR at VCM =
1000 V (HCPL-261N Family)
• High Speed: 10 MBd Typical
• AC and DC Performance
Specified over Industrial
Temperature Range -40°C to
+85°C
• Available in 8 Pin DIP,
SOIC-8 Packages
• Safety Approval
UL Recognized per UL1577
2500 V rms for 1 minute and
5000 V rms for 1 minute
(Option 020)
CSA Approved
VDE 0884 Approved with
VIORM = 630 V peak for
HCPL-261A/261N
Option 060
Applications
• Low Input Current (3.0 mA)
HCMOS Compatible Version
of 6N137 Optocoupler
• Isolated Line Receiver
• Simplex/Multiplex Data
Transmission
• Computer-Peripheral
Interface
• Digital Isolation for A/D,
D/A Conversion
• Switching Power Supplies
• Instrumentation
Input/Output Isolation
• Ground Loop Elimination
• Pulse Transformer
Replacement
Description
The HCPL-261A family of optically
coupled gates shown on this data
sheet provide all the benefits of the
industry standard 6N137 family
with the added benefit of HCMOS
HCPL-261A HCPL-061A
HCPL-263A HCPL-063A
HCPL-261N HCPL-061N
HCPL-263N HCPL-063N
compatible input current. This
allows direct interface to all
common circuit topologies without
additional LED buffer or drive
components. The AlGaAs LED
used allows lower drive currents
and reduces degradation by using
the latest LED technology. On the
single channel parts, an enable
output allows the detector to be
strobed. The output of the detector
IC is an open collector schottky-
clamped transistor. The internal
shield provides a minimum
common mode transient immunity
of 1000 V/µs for the HCPL-261A
family and 15000 V/µs for the
HCPL-261N family.
The connection of a 0.1 µF bypass capacitor between pins 5 and 8 is required.
Functional Diagram
CAUTION: It is advised that normal static precautions be taken in handling and assembly of this component to
prevent damage and/or degradation which may be induced by ESD.
1
2
3
4
8
7
6
5
CATHODE
ANODE
GND
V
VCC
O
1
2
3
4
8
7
6
5
ANODE 2
CATHODE 2
CATHODE 1
ANODE 1
GND
V
VCC
O2
VEVO1
HCPL-261A/261N
HCPL-061A/061N HCPL-263A/263N
HCPL-063A/063N
NC
NC SHIELD SHIELD
LED
ON
OFF
ON
OFF
ON
OFF
ENABLE
H
H
L
L
NC
NC
OUTPUT
L
H
H
H
L
H
TRUTH TABLE
(POSITIVE LOGIC)
LED
ON
OFF
OUTPUT
L
H
TRUTH TABLE
(POSITIVE LOGIC)
5965-3593E
1-167
OPTOCOUPLERS
Ordering Information
Specify Part Number followed by Option Number (if desired).
Example:
HCPL-261A#XXX
020 = 5000 V rms/1 minute UL Rating Option*
060 = VDE 0884 VIORM = 630 Vpeak Option**
300 = Gull Wing Surface Mount Option***
500 = Tape and Reel Packaging Option
Option data sheets available. Contact your Hewlett-Packard sales representative or authorized distributor for
information.
*For HCPL-261A/261N/263A/263N (8-pin DIP products) only.
**For HCPL-261A/261N only. Combination of Option 020 and Option 060 is not available.
***Gull wing surface mount option applies to through hole parts only.
Selection Guide
Widebody
Minimum CMR 8-Pin DIP (300 Mil) Small-Outline SO-8 (400 Mil) Hermetic
On- Single Dual Single Dual Single Single and
dV/dt VCM Current Output Channel Channel Channel Channel Channel Dual Channel
(V/µs) (V) (mA) Enable Package Package Package Package Package Packages
NA NA 5 YES 6N137[1] HCPL-0600[1] HCNW137[1]
NO HCPL-2630[1] HCPL-0630[1]
5,000 50 YES HCPL-2601[1] HCPL-0601[1] HCNW2601[1]
NO HCPL-2631[1] HCPL-0631[1]
10,000 1,000 YES HCPL-2611[1] HCPL-0611[1] HCNW2611[1]
NO HCPL-4661[1] HCPL-0661[1]
1,000 50 YES HCPL-2602[1]
3,500 300 YES HCPL-2612[1]
1,000 50 3 YES HCPL-261A HCPL-061A
NO HCPL-263A HCPL-063A
1,000[2] 1,000 YES HCPL-261N HCPL-061N
NO HCPL-263N HCPL-063N
1,000 50 12.5 [3] HCPL-193X[1]
HCPL-56XX[1]
HCPL-66XX[1]
Notes:
1. Technical data are on separate HP publications.
2. 15 kV/µs with VCM = 1 kV can be achieved using HP application circuit.
3. Enable is available for single channel products only, except for HCPL-193X devices.
Input
Schematic
SHIELD
8
6
5
2+
3
V
F
USE OF A 0.1 µF BYPASS CAPACITOR CONNECTED
BETWEEN PINS 5 AND 8 IS RECOMMENDED (SEE NOTE 16).
–
I
F
I
CC
V
CC
V
O
GND
I
O
V
E
I
E
7
HCPL-261A/261N
HCPL-061A/061N
SHIELD
8
7
+
2
V
F1
–
I
F1
I
CC
V
CC
V
O1
I
O1
1
SHIELD
6
5
–
4
V
F2
+
I
F2
V
O2
GND
I
O2
3
HCPL-263A/263N
HCPL-063A/063N
1-168
9.40 (0.370)
9.90 (0.390)
PIN ONE
1.78 (0.070) MAX.
HP XXXXZ
YYWW
OPTION CODE*
DATE CODE
0.76 (0.030)
1.40 (0.056) 2.28 (0.090)
2.80 (0.110)
0.51 (0.020) MIN.
0.65 (0.025) MAX.
4.70 (0.185) MAX.
2.92 (0.115) MIN.
6.10 (0.240)
6.60 (0.260)
0.20 (0.008)
0.33 (0.013)
5° TYP.
7.36 (0.290)
7.88 (0.310)
DIMENSIONS IN MILLIMETERS AND (INCHES).
5678
4321
1.19 (0.047) MAX.
TYPE NUMBER
* MARKING CODE LETTER FOR OPTION NUMBERS.
"L" = OPTION 020
"V" = OPTION 060
OPTION NUMBERS 300 AND 500 NOT MARKED.
HCPL-261A/261N/263A/263N Outline Drawing
Pin Location (for reference only)
Figure 2. Gull Wing Surface Mount Option #300.
Figure 1. 8-Pin Dual In-Line Package Device Outline Drawing.
0.635 ± 0.25
(0.025 ± 0.010) 12° NOM.
9.65 ± 0.25
(0.380 ± 0.010)
0.635 ± 0.130
(0.025 ± 0.005)
7.62 ± 0.25
(0.300 ± 0.010)
5
6
7
8
4
3
2
1
9.65 ± 0.25
(0.380 ± 0.010)
6.350 ± 0.25
(0.250 ± 0.010)
1.02 (0.040)
1.19 (0.047)
1.19 (0.05)
1.78 (0.07)
9.65 ± 0.25
(0.380 ± 0.010)
4.83
(0.190)
TYP.
0.38 (0.015)
0.64 (0.025)
PIN LOCATION (FOR REFERENCE ONLY)
1.080 ± 0.320
(0.043 ± 0.013)
4.19
(0.165)MAX.
1.780
(0.070)
MAX.
1.19
(0.047)
MAX.
2.540
(0.100)
BSC
DIMENSIONS IN MILLIMETERS (INCHES).
TOLERANCES (UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED):
LEAD COPLANARITY 
MAXIMUM: 0.102 (0.004)
xx.xx = 0.01
xx.xxx = 0.005
0.20 (0.008)
0.33 (0.013)
1-169
OPTOCOUPLERS
XXX
YWW
8765
4
3
2
1
PIN
ONE
7°
5.842 ± 0.203
(0.236 ± 0.008)
3.937 ± 0.127
(0.155 ± 0.005)
0.381 ± 0.076
(0.016 ± 0.003) 1.270
(0.050)
BSG
5.080 ± 0.005
(0.200 ± 0.005)
3.175 ± 0.127
(0.125 ± 0.005) 1.524
(0.060)
45° X 0.432
(0.017)
0.228 ± 0.025
(0.009 ± 0.001)
0.152 ± 0.051
(0.006 ± 0.002)
TYPE NUMBER (LAST 3 DIGITS)
DATE CODE
DIMENSIONS IN MILLIMETERS AND (INCHES).
LEAD COPLANARITY = 0.10 mm (0.004 INCHES).
0.305
(0.012)
MIN.
Note: Use of Nonchlorine Activated Fluxes is Recommended.
240
∆T = 115°C, 0.3°C/SEC
0
∆T = 100°C, 1.5°C/SEC
∆T = 145°C, 1°C/SEC
TIME – MINUTES
TEMPERATURE – °C
220
200
180
160
140
120
100
80
60
40
20
0
260
123 456789101112
HCPL-061A/061N/063A/063N Outline Drawing
Figure 3. 8-Pin Small Outline Package Device Drawing.
Solder Reflow Temperature Profile (HCPL-06XX and Gull Wing Surface Mount
Option 300 Parts)
Regulatory Information
The HCPL-261A and HCPL-261N
families have been approved by
the following organizations:
UL
Recognized under UL 1577,
Component Recognition
Program, File E55361.
CSA
Approved under CSA Component
Acceptance Notice #5, File CA
88324.
VDE
Approved according to VDE
0884/06.92. (HCPL-261A/261N
Option 060 only)
1-170
VDE 0884 Insulation Related Characteristics
(HCPL-261A/261N Option 060 ONLY)
Description Symbol Characteristic Units
Installation classification per DIN VDE 0110/1.89, Table 1
for rated mains voltage ≤300 V rms I-IV
for rated mains voltage ≤450 V rms I-III
Climatic Classification 55/85/21
Pollution Degree (DIN VDE 0110/1.89) 2
Maximum Working Insulation Voltage VIORM 630 V peak
Input to Output Test Voltage, Method b*
VIORM x 1.875 = VPR, 100% Production Test with tm = 1 sec, VPR 1181 V peak
Partial Discharge < 5 pC
Input to Output Test Voltage, Method a*
VIORM x 1.5 = VPR, Type and sample test, tm = 60 sec, VPR 945 V peak
Partial Discharge < 5 pC
Highest Allowable Overvoltage*
(Transient Overvoltage, tini = 10 sec) VIOTM 6000 V peak
Safety Limiting Values
(Maximum values allowed in the event of a failure,
also see Figure 18, Thermal Derating curve.)
Case Temperature TS175 °C
Input Current IS,INPUT 230 mA
Output Power PS,OUTPUT 600 mW
Insulation Resistance at TS, VIO = 500 V RS≥109Ω
*Refer to the front of the optocoupler section of the current catalog, under Product Safety Regulations section (VDE 0884), for a
detailed description.
Note: Isolation characteristics are guaranteed only within the safety maximum ratings which must be ensured by protective circuits in
application.
Insulation and Safety Related Specifications
8-Pin DIP
(300 Mil) SO-8
Parameter Symbol Value Value Units Conditions
Minimum External Air L(101) 7.1 4.9 mm Measured from input terminals to
Gap (External output terminals, shortest distance
Clearance) through air.
Minimum External L(102) 7.4 4.8 mm Measured from input terminals to
Tracking (External output terminals, shortest distance
Creepage) path along body.
Minimum Internal Plastic 0.08 0.08 mm Through insulation distance, conductor
Gap (Internal Clearance) to conductor, usually the direct
distance between the photoemitter and
photodetector inside the optocoupler
cavity.
Tracking Resistance CTI 200 200 Volts DIN IEC 112/ VDE 0303 Part 1
(Comparative Tracking
Index)
Isolation Group IIIa IIIa Material Group (DIN VDE 0110, 1/89,
Table 1)
Option 300 – surface mount classification is Class A in accordance with CECC 00802.
1-171
OPTOCOUPLERS
Absolute Maximum Ratings
Parameter Symbol Min. Max. Units Note
Storage Temperature TS-55 125 °C
Operating Temperature TA-40 +85 °C
Average Input Current IF(AVG) 10 mA 1
Reverse Input Voltage VR3 Volts
Supply Voltage VCC -0.5 7 Volts 2
Enable Input Voltage VE-0.5 5.5 Volts
Output Collector Current (Each Channel) IO50 mA
Output Power Dissipation (Each Channel) PO60 mW 3
Output Voltage (Each channel) VO-0.5 7 Volts
Lead Solder Temperature 260°C for 10 s, 1.6 mm Below Seating Plane
(Through Hole Parts Only)
Solder Reflow Temperature Profile See Package Outline Drawings section
(Surface Mount Parts Only)
Recommended Operating Conditions
Parameter Symbol Min. Max. Units
Input Voltage, Low Level VFL -3 0.8 V
Input Current, High Level IFH 3.0 10 mA
Power Supply Voltage VCC 4.5 5.5 Volts
High Level Enable Voltage VEH 2.0 VCC Volts
Low Level Enable Voltage VEL 0 0.8 Volts
Fan Out (at RL = 1 kΩ) N 5 TTL Loads
Output Pull-up Resistor RL330 4k Ω
Operating Temperature TA-40 85 °C
1-172
Electrical Specifications
Over recommended operating temperature (TA = -40°C to +85°C) unless otherwise specified.
Parameter Symbol Min. Typ.* Max. Units Test Conditions Fig. Note
High Level Output IOH 3.1 100 µAV
CC = 5.5 V, VO = 5.5 V, 4 18
Current VF = 0.8 V, VE = 2.0 V
Low Level Output VOL 0.4 0.6 V VCC = 5.5 V, IOL = 13 mA 5, 8 4, 18
Voltage (sinking), IF = 3.0 mA,
VE = 2.0 V
High Level Supply ICCH 710mAV
E
= 0.5 V** VCC = 5.5 V 4
9 15 Dual Channel
Products***
Low Level Supply ICCL 813mA V
E
= 0.5 V** VCC = 5.5 V
12 21 Dual Channel
Products***
High Level Enable IEH -0.6 -1.6 mA VCC = 5.5 V, VE = 2.0 V
Current**
Low Level Enable IEL -0.9 -1.6 mA VCC = 5.5 V, VE = 0.5 V
Current**
Input Forward VF1.0 1.3 1.6 V IF = 4 mA 6 4
Voltage
Temperature Co- ∆VF/∆TA-1.25 mV/°CI
F
= 4 mA 4
efficient of Forward
Voltage
Input Reverse BVR35 VI
R
= 100 µA4
Breakdown Voltage
Input Capacitance CIN 60 pF f = 1 MHz, VF = 0 V
*All typical values at TA = 25°C, VCC = 5 V
**Single Channel Products only (HCPL-261A/261N/061A/061N)
***Dual Channel Products only (HCPL-263A/263N/063A/063N)
Current
Current
IF = 0 mA
IF = 3.0 mA
1-173
OPTOCOUPLERS
Common Mode Transient Immunity Specifications, All values at TA = 25°C
Parameter Device Symbol Min. Typ. Max. Units Test Conditions Fig. Note
Output High HCPL-261A |CMH| 1 5 kV/µsV
CM = 50 V VCC = 5.0 V, 17 4, 13,
Level Common HCPL-061A RL = 350 Ω, 15, 18
Mode Transient HCPL-263A IF = 0 mA,
Immunity HCPL-063A TA = 25°C
HCPL-261N 1 5 kV/µsV
CM = 1000 V
HCPL-061N
HCPL-263N 15 25 kV/µs Using HP App 20 4, 13,
HCPL-063N Circuit 15
Output Low HCPL-261A |CML| 1 5 kV/µsV
CM = 50 V VCC = 5.0 V, 17 4, 14,
Level Common HCPL-061A RL = 350 Ω, 15, 18
Mode Transient HCPL-263A IF = 3.5 mA,
Immunity HCPL-063A VO(MAX) = 0.8 V
HCPL-261N 1 5 kV/µsV
CM = 1000 V
HCPL-061N
HCPL-263N 15 25 kV/µs Using HP App 20 4, 14,
HCPL-063N Circuit 15
Switching Specifications
Over recommended operating temperature (TA = -40°C to +85°C) unless otherwise specified
Parameter Symbol Min. Typ.* Max. Units Test Conditions Fig. Note
Input Current Threshold ITHL 1.5 3.0 mA VCC = 5.5 V, VO = 0.6 V, 7, 10 18
High to Low IO >13 mA (Sinking)
Propagation Delay tPLH 52 100 ns IF = 3.5 mA 9, 11, 4, 9,
Time to High Output VCC = 5.0 V, 12 18
Level VE = Open,
Propagation Delay tPHL 53 100 ns 9, 11, 4, 10,
Time to Low Output 12 18
Level
Pulse Width Distortion PWD 11 45 ns 9, 13 17, 18
|tPHL - tPLH|
Propagation Delay Skew tPSK 60 ns 24 11, 18
Output Rise Time tR42 ns 9, 14 4, 18
Output Fall Time tF12 ns 9, 14 4, 18
Propagation Delay tEHL 19 ns IF = 3.5 mA 15, 12
Time of Enable VCC = 5.0 V, 16
from VEH to VEL VEL = 0 V, VEH =3 V,
Propagation Delay tELH 30 ns 15, 12
Time of Enable 16
from VEL to VEH
*All typical values at TA = 25°C, VCC = 5 V.
CL= 15 pF,
RL= 350 Ω
CL=15pF,
R
L = 350 Ω
VO(MIN) = 2 V
TA = 25°C
1-174
Package Characteristics
All Typicals at TA = 25°C
Parameter Sym. Package* Min. Typ. Max. Units Test Conditions Fig. Note
Input-Output VISO 2500 V rms RH ≤50%, 5, 6
Momentary With- t = 1 min.,
stand Voltage** TA = 25°C
Input-Output RI-O 1012 ΩVI-O = 500 Vdc 4, 8
Resistance
Input-Output CI-O 0.6 pF f = 1 MHz, 4, 8
Capacitance TA = 25°C
Input-Input II-I Dual Channel 0.005 µA RH ≤45%, 19
Insulation t = 5 s,
Leakage Current VI-I = 500 V
Resistance RI-I Dual Channel 1011 Ω19
(Input-Input)
Capacitance CI-I Dual 8-pin DIP 0.03 pF f = 1 MHz 19
Dual SO-8 0.25
*Ratings apply to all devices except otherwise noted in the Package column.
**The Input-Output Momentary Withstand Voltage is a dielectric voltage rating that should not be interpreted as an input-output
continuous voltage rating. For the continuous voltage rating refer to the VDE 0884 Insulation Characteristics Table (if applicable),
your equipment level safety specification or HP Application Note 1074 entitled “Optocoupler Input-Output Endurance Voltage.”
†For 8-pin DIP package devices (HCPL-261A/261N/263A/263N) only.
(Input-Input)
OPT 020† 5000 5, 7
Notes:
1. Peaking circuits may be used which
produce transient input currents up
to 30 mA, 50 ns maximum pulse
width, provided the average current
does not exceed 10 mA.
2. 1 minute maximum.
3. Derate linearly above 80°C free-air
temperature at a rate of 2.7 mW/°C
for the SOIC-8 package.
4. Each channel.
5. Device considered a two-terminal
device: Pins 1, 2, 3, and 4 shorted
together and Pins 5, 6, 7, and 8
shorted together.
6. In accordance with UL1577, each
optocoupler is proof tested by
applying an insulation test voltage
≥3000 VRMS for 1 second (leakage
detection current limit, II-O ≤ 5 µA).
This test is performed before the
100% production test for partial
discharge (method b) shown in the
VDE 0884 Insulation Characteristics
Table, if applicable.
7. In accordance with UL1577, each
optocoupler is proof tested by
applying an insulation test voltage
≥6000 VRMS for 1 second (leakage
detection current limit, II-O ≤ 5 µA).
8. Measured between the LED anode and
cathode shorted together and pins 5
through 8 shorted together.
9. The tPLH propagation delay is
measured from the 1.75 mA point on
the falling edge of the input pulse to
the 1.5 V point on the rising edge of
the output pulse.
10. The tPHL propagation delay is
measured from the 1.75 mA point on
the rising edge of the input pulse to
the 1.5 V point on the falling edge of
the output pulse.
11. Propagation delay skew (tPSK) is
equal to the worst case difference in
tPLH and/or tPHL that will be seen
between any two units under the
same test conditions and operating
temperature.
12. Single channel products only (HCPL-
261A/261N/061A/061N).
13. Common mode transient immunity in
a Logic High level is the maximum
tolerable |dVCM/dt| of the common
mode pulse, VCM, to assure that the
output will remain in a Logic High
state (i.e., Vo > 2.0 V).
14. Common mode transient immunity in
a Logic Low level is the maximum
tolerable |dVCM/dt| of the common
mode pulse, VCM, to assure that the
output will remain in a Logic Low
state (i.e., VO < 0.8 V).
15. For sinusoidal voltages
(|dVCM/dt|)max = πfCM VCM(P-P).
16. Bypassing of the power supply line is
required with a 0.1 µF ceramic disc
capacitor adjacent to each optocoup-
ler as shown in Figure 19. Total lead
length between both ends of the
capacitor and the isolator pins should
not exceed 10 mm.
17. Pulse Width Distortion (PWD) is
defined as the difference between
tPLH and tPHL for any given device.
18. No external pull up is required for a
high logic state on the enable input of
a single channel product. If the VE pin
is not used, tying VE to VCC will result
in improved CMR performance.
19. Measured between pins 1 and 2
shorted together, and pins 3 and 4
shorted together. For dual channel
parts only.
1-175
OPTOCOUPLERS
OUTPUT V 
MONITORING 
NODE
O
1.5 V
t
PHL
t
PLH
I
F
INPUT
O
V
OUTPUT
I = 3.5 mA
F
I = 1.75 mA
F
+5 V
7
5
6
8
2
3
4
1
PULSE GEN.
Z = 50 Ω
t = t = 5 ns
O
f
I
F
L
R
R
M
CC
V
0.1 µF
BYPASS
*C
L
*C IS APPROXIMATELY 15 pF WHICH INCLUDES 
PROBE AND STRAY WIRING CAPACITANCE.
L
GND
INPUT
MONITORING 
NODE
r
HCPL-261A/261N
V
OL
– LOW LEVEL OUTPUT VOLTAGE – V
-60
0.2
T
A
– TEMPERATURE – °C
100
0.5
0.6
-20
0.3
20 60-40 0 40 80
0.4
V
CC
= 5.5 V
V
E
= 2 V
I
F
= 3.0 mA
I
O
= 16 mA
I
O
= 12.8 mA
I
O
= 9.6 mA
I
O
= 6.4 mA
I
OL
– LOW LEVEL OUTPUT CURRENT – mA
-60
0
T
A
– TEMPERATURE – °C
100
60
HCPL-261A fig 5
80
-20
20
20
V
CC
= 5 V
V
E
= 2 V
V
OL
= 0.6 V
I
F
= 3.5 mA
60-40 0 40 80
40
I
OH
– HIGH LEVEL OUTPUT CURRENT – µA
-60
0
T
A
– TEMPERATURE – °C
100
10
15
-20
5
20
V
CC
= 5.5 V
V
O
= 5.5 V
V
E
= 2 V
V
F
= 0.8 V
60
-40 0 40 80
Figure 9. Test Circuit for tPHL and tPLH.
90% 90%
10% 10%
t
rise
t
fall
V
OH
V
OL
V
O
– OUTPUT VOLTAGE – V
0
0
I
F
– FORWARD INPUT CURRENT – mA
2.0
4.0
5.0
1.0
2.0
0.5 1.5
3.0
1.0
R
L
= 4 kΩ
R
L
= 350 Ω
R
L
= 1 kΩ
Figure 4. Typical High Level Output
Current vs. Temperature.
I
F
– INPUT FORWARD CURRENT – mA
1.0
0.01
V
F
– FORWARD VOLTAGE – V
1.5
10.0
100.0
1.2
0.1
1.41.1 1.3
1.0
T
A
= 85 °C T
A
= 40 °C
T
A
= 25 °C
I
F
+
–
V
F
Figure 6. Typical Diode Input
Forward Current Characteristic.
Figure 5. Low Level Output Current
vs. Temperature.
Figure 7. Typical Output Voltage vs.
Forward Input Current. Figure 8. Typical Low Level Output
Voltage vs. Temperature.
1-176
t
r
, t
f
– RISE, FALL TIME – ns
-60
0
T
A
– TEMPERATURE – °C
100
140
160
-20
40
20 60-40 0 40 80
60
120
20
V
CC
= 5 V
I
F
= 3.5 mA
R
L
= 4 kΩ
R
L
= 1 kΩ
R
L
= 350 Ω, 1 kΩ, 4 kΩ
t
rise
t
fall
R
L
= 350 Ω
PWD – ns
-60
0
T
A
– TEMPERATURE – °C
100
50
60
-20
20
20 60-40 0 40 80
30
40
10 R
L
= 1 kΩ
R
L
= 350 Ω
V
CC
= 5 V
I
F
= 3.5 mA
R
L
= 4 kΩ
t
p
– PROPAGATION DELAY – ns
0
0
I
F
– PULSE INPUT CURRENT – mA
12
100
120
2
40
68410
60
80
20
TPLH
R
L
= 4 kΩ
V
CC
= 5 V
T
A
= 25 °C
TPLH
R
L
= 1 kΩ
TPHL
RL = 350 Ω, 1 kΩ, 4 kΩ
TPLH
R
L
= 350 Ω
t
p
– PROPAGATION DELAY – ns
-60
0
T
A
– TEMPERATURE – °C
100
100
120
-20
40
20 60-40 0 40 80
60
80
20
TPLH
R
L
= 4 k
TPLH
R
L
= 1 k
TPLH
R
L
= 350 k
TPHL
R
L
= 350 Ω, 1 kΩ, 4 kΩ
V
CC
= 5 V
I
F
= 3.5 mA
I
TH
– INPUT THRESHOLD CURRENT – mA
-60
0
T
A
– TEMPERATURE – °C
100
1.5
2.0
-20
0.5
20 60-40 0 40 80
1.0
V
CC
= 5 V
V
O
= 0.6 V
R
L
= 350 Ω
R
L
= 1 kΩ
R
L
= 4 kΩ
Figure 10. Typical Input Threshold
Current vs. Temperature.
Figure 13. Typical Pulse Width
Distortion vs. Temperature.
Figure 11. Typical Propagation Delay
vs. Temperature. Figure 12. Typical Propagation Delay
vs. Pulse Input Current.
Figure 14. Typical Rise and Fall Time
vs. Temperature.
1-177
OPTOCOUPLERS
V
O
0.5 V
O
V (min.)
5 V
0 V SWITCH AT A: I = 0 mA
F
SWITCH AT B: I = 3.5 mA
F
CM
V
H
CM
CM
L
O
V (max.)
CM
V (PEAK)
V
O
+5 V
7
5
6
8
2
3
4
1
CC
V
0.1 µF
BYPASS
GND
OUTPUT V 
MONITORING 
NODE
O
PULSE GEN.
Z = 50 Ω
O
+_
350 Ω
I
F
BA
V
FF
CM
V
HCPL-261A/261N
t
E
– ENABLE PROPAGATION DELAY – ns
-60
0
T
A
– TEMPERATURE – °C
100
90
120
-20
30
20 60-40 0 40 80
60
V
CC
= 5 V
V
EH
= 3 V
V
EL
= 0 V
I
F
= 3.5 mA
t
ELH
, R
L
= 4 kΩ
t
ELH
, R
L
= 1 kΩ
t
EHL
, R
L
= 350 Ω, 1k Ω, 4 kΩ
t
ELH
, R
L
= 350 Ω
OUTPUT V 
MONITORING 
NODE
O
1.5 V
t
EHL
t
ELH
V
E
INPUT
O
V
OUTPUT
3.0 V
1.5 V
+5 V
7
5
6
8
2
3
4
1
PULSE GEN.
Z = 50 Ω
t = t = 5 ns
O
f
I
FL
R
CC
V
0.1 µF
BYPASS
*C
L
*C IS APPROXIMATELY 15 pF WHICH INCLUDES 
PROBE AND STRAY WIRING CAPACITANCE.
L
GND
r
3.5 mA
INPUT V
E
MONITORING NODE
HCPL-261A/261N
Figure 15. Test Circuit for tEHL and tELH.
Figure 17. Test Circuit for Common Mode Transient Immunity and
Typical Waveforms.
Figure 16. Typical Enable Propaga-
tion Delay vs. Temperature. HCPL-
261A/-261N/-061A/-061N Only.
Figure 18. Thermal Derating Curve,
Dependence of Safety Limiting Value
with Case Temperature per
VDE 0884.
OUTPUT POWER – P
S
, INPUT CURRENT – I
S
0
0
T
S
– CASE TEMPERATURE – °C
20050
400
12525 75 100 150
600
800
200
100
300
500
700 P
S
(mW)
I
S
(mA)
HCPL-261A/261N OPTION 060 ONLY
175
1-178
Figure 20. Recommended Drive Circuit for HCPL-261A/-261N Families for High-
CMR (Similar for HCPL-263A/-263N).
Application Information
Common-Mode Rejection for
HCPL-261A/HCPL-261N
Families:
Figure 20 shows the recom-
mended drive circuit for the
HCPL-261N/-261A for optimal
common-mode rejection
performance. Two main points to
note are:
1. The enable pin is tied to VCC
rather than floating (this
applies to single-channel parts
only).
2. Two LED-current setting
resistors are used instead of
one. This is to balance ILED
variation during common-
mode transients.
If the enable pin is left floating, it
is possible for common-mode
transients to couple to the enable
pin, resulting in common-mode
failure. This failure mechanism
only occurs when the LED is on
and the output is in the Low
State. It is identified as occurring
when the transient output voltage
rises above 0.8 V. Therefore, the
enable pin should be connected
to either VCC or logic-level high
for best common-mode
performance with the output low
(CMRL). This failure mechanism
is only present in single-channel
parts (HCPL-261N, -261A,
-061N, -061A) which have the
enable function.
Also, common-mode transients
can capacitively couple from the
LED anode (or cathode) to the
output-side ground causing
current to be shunted away from
the LED (which can be bad if the
LED is on) or conversely cause
current to be injected into the
LED (bad if the LED is meant to
be off). Figure 21 shows the
parasitic capacitances which
exists between LED
*Higher CMR May Be Obtainable by Connecting Pins 1, 4 to Input Ground (Gnd1).
ENABLE
(IF USED)
GND BUS (BACK)
V BUS (FRONT)
CC
N.C.
N.C.
N.C.
N.C.
OUTPUT 1
OUTPUT 2
ENABLE
(IF USED)
0.1µF
0.1µF
10 mm MAX. (SEE NOTE 16)
SINGLE CHANNEL PRODUCTS
0.01 µF
350 Ω
74LS04
OR ANY TOTEM-POLE
OUTPUT LOGIC GATE
VO
VCC+
8
7
6
1
3
SHIELD 5
2
4
HCPL-261A/261N
GND
GND2
357 Ω
(MAX.)
VCC
357 Ω
(MAX.)
*
*
*
HIGHER CMR MAY BE OBTAINABLE BY CONNECTING PINS 1, 4 TO INPUT GROUND (GND1).
GND1
Figure 19. Recommended Printed Circuit Board Layout.
GND BUS (BACK)
V BUS (FRONT)
CC
OUTPUT 1
OUTPUT 2
0.1µF
10 mm MAX. (SEE NOTE 16)
DUAL CHANNEL PRODUCTS
1-179
OPTOCOUPLERS
Figure 22. TTL Interface Circuit for the HCPL-261A/-
261N Families.
420 Ω
(MAX) 1
3
2
4
2N3906
(ANY PNP)
V
CC
74L504
(ANY
TTL/CMOS
GATE)
HCPL-261X
LED
anode/cathode and output ground
(CLA and CLC). Also shown in
Figure 21 on the input side is an
AC-equivalent circuit. Table 1
indicates the directions of ILP and
ILN flow depending on the
direction of the common-mode
transient.
For transients occurring when the
LED is on, common-mode rejec-
tion (CMRL, since the output is in
the “low” state) depends upon the
amount of LED current drive (IF).
For conditions where IF is close
to the switching threshold (ITH),
CMRL also depends on the extent
which ILP and ILN balance each
other. In other words, any
condition where common-mode
transients cause a momentary
decrease in IF (i.e. when
dVCM/dt>0 and |IFP| > |IFN|,
referring to Table 1) will cause
common-mode failure for
transients which are fast enough.
Likewise for common-mode
transients which occur when the
LED is off (i.e. CMRH, since the
output is “high”), if an imbalance
between ILP and ILN results in a
transient IF equal to or greater
than the switching threshold of
the optocoupler, the transient
“signal” may cause the output to
spike below 2 V (which consti-
tutes a CMRH failure).
By using the recommended
circuit in Figure 20, good CMR
can be achieved. (In the case of
the -261N families, a minimum
CMR of 15 kV/µs is guaranteed
using this circuit.) The balanced
ILED-setting resistors help equalize
ILP and ILN to reduce the amount
by which ILED is modulated from
transient coupling through CLA
and CLC.
CMR with Other Drive
Circuits
CMR performance with drive
circuits other than that shown in
Figure 20 may be enhanced by
following these guidelines:
1. Use of drive circuits where
current is shunted from the
LED in the LED “off” state (as
shown in Figures 22 and 23).
This is beneficial for good
CMRH.
2. Use of IFH > 3.5 mA. This is
good for high CMRL.
Using any one of the drive
circuits in Figures 22-24 with
IF= 10 mA will result in a typical
CMR of 8 kV/µs for the HCPL-
261N family, as long as the PC
board layout practices are
followed. Figure 22 shows a
circuit which can be used with
any totem-pole-output TTL/
LSTTL/HCMOS logic gate. The
buffer PNP transistor allows the
circuit to be used with logic
devices which have low current-
sinking capability. It also helps
maintain the driving-gate power-
supply current at a constant level
to minimize ground shifting for
other devices connected to the
input-supply ground.
When using an open-collector
TTL or open-drain CMOS logic
gate, the circuit in Figure 23 may
be used. When using a CMOS
gate to drive the optocoupler, the
circuit shown in Figure 24 may
be used. The diode in parallel
with the RLED speeds the turn-off
of the optocoupler LED.
Figure 21. AC Equivalent Circuit for HCPL-261X.
350 Ω
1/2 R
LED
V
CC
+
15 pF
+V
CM
8
7
6
1
3
SHIELD 5
2
4
C
LA
V
O
GND
0.01 µF
1/2 R
LED
C
LC
I
LN
I
LP
–
1-180
Figure 24. CMOS Gate Drive Circuit for HCPL-261A/-
261N Families.
Table 1. Effects of Common Mode Pulse Direction on Transient ILED
If |ILP| < |ILN|, If |ILP| > |ILN|,
LED IF Current LED IF Current
If dVCM/dt Is: then ILP Flows: and ILN Flows: Is Momentarily: Is Momentarily:
positive (>0) away from LED away from LED increased decreased
anode through CLA cathode through CLC
negative (<0) toward LED toward LED decreased increased
anode through CLA cathode through CLC
Figure 23. TTL Open-Collector/Open Drain Gate Drive Circuit
for HCPL-261A/-261N Families.
820 Ω1
3
2
4
V
CC
74HC00
(OR ANY
OPEN-COLLECTOR/
OPEN-DRAIN
LOGIC GATE)
HCPL-261X
LED
750 Ω
1
3
2
4
VCC
74HC04
(OR ANY
TOTEM-POLE
OUTPUT LOGIC
GATE)
HCPL-261A/261N
1N4148
LED
Propagation Delay, Pulse-
Width Distortion and
Propagation Delay Skew
Propagation delay is a figure of
merit which describes how
quickly a logic signal propagates
through a system. The propaga-
tion delay from low to high (tPLH)
is the amount of time required for
an input signal to propagate to
the output, causing the output to
change from low to high.
Similarly, the propagation delay
from high to low (tPHL) is the
amount of time required for the
input signal to propagate to the
output, causing the output to
change from high to low (see
Figure 9).
Pulse-width distortion (PWD)
results when tPLH and tPHL differ
in value. PWD is defined as the
difference between tPLH and tPHL
and often determines the
maximum data rate capability of
a transmission system. PWD can
be expressed in percent by
dividing the PWD (in ns) by the
minimum pulse width (in ns)
being transmitted. Typically,
PWD on the order of 20-30% of
the minimum pulse width is
tolerable; the exact figure
depends on the particular appli-
cation (RS232, RS422, T-1, etc.).
Propagation delay skew, tPSK, is
an important parameter to con-
sider in parallel data applications
where synchronization of signals
on parallel data lines is a con-
cern. If the parallel data is being
sent through a group of opto-
couplers, differences in propaga-
tion delays will cause the data to
arrive at the outputs of the opto-
couplers at different times. If this
difference in propagation delay is
large enough it will determine the
maximum rate at which parallel
data can be sent through the
optocouplers.
Propagation delay skew is defined
as the difference between the
minimum and maximum propaga-
tion delays, either tPLH or tPHL, for
any given group of optocouplers
which are operating under the
same conditions (i.e., the same
drive current, supply voltage,
output load, and operating
temperature). As illustrated in
Figure 25, if the inputs of a group
of optocouplers are switched
either ON or OFF at the same
time, tPSK is the difference
between the shortest propagation
delay, either tPLH or tPHL, and the
longest propagation delay, either
tPLH or tPHL.
As mentioned earlier, tPSK can
determine the maximum parallel
1-181
OPTOCOUPLERS
Figure 25. Illustration of Propagation Delay Skew – tPSK.
50%
1.5 V
I
F
V
O
50%I
F
V
O
t
PSK
1.5 V
TPHL
TPLH
Figure 26. Parallel Data Transmission Example.
DATA
t
PSK
INPUTS
CLOCK
DATA
OUTPUTS
CLOCK
t
PSK
data transmission rate. Figure 26
is the timing diagram of a typical
parallel data application with both
the clock and the data lines being
sent through optocouplers. The
figure shows data and clock
signals at the inputs and outputs
of the optocouplers. To obtain the
maximum data transmission rate,
both edges of the clock signal are
being used to clock the data; if
only one edge were used, the
clock signal would need to be
twice as fast.
Propagation delay skew repre-
sents the uncertainty of where an
edge might be after being sent
through an optocoupler. Figure
26 shows that there will be
uncertainty in both the data and
the clock lines. It is important
that these two areas of uncer-
tainty not overlap, otherwise the
clock signal might arrive before
all of the data outputs have
settled, or some of the data
outputs may start to change
before the clock signal has
arrived. From these considera-
tions, the absolute minimum
pulse width that can be sent
through optocouplers in a parallel
application is twice tPSK. A
cautious design should use a
slightly longer pulse width to
ensure that any additional
uncertainty in the rest of the
circuit does not cause a problem.
The tPSK specified optocouplers
offer the advantages of guaran-
teed specifications for propaga-
tion delays, pulse-width
distortion, and propagation delay
skew over the recommended
temperature, input current, and
power supply ranges.