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Product details
Overview
CNY36 from Fairchild Semiconductor is a galvanically isolated optical interrupter switch comprising a GaAs infrared LED emitter and a silicon NPN phototransistor in a single 4-pin DIP package with 0.1" pin spacing and 0.133" anode-to-cathode offset; it delivers 2.0 mA on-state collector current at 20 mA input, 5 µs turn-on/turn-off time, and operates across –55°C to +85°C for position sensing in rotary encoders and paper detection.
For engineers reviewing the CNY36 datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection criteria include its 0.40 V saturation voltage, 30 V VCEO, 5.0 V VECO, opaque housing with 0.035" aperture, and compatibility with tape/card-based interruption in industrial motion control systems.
Technical Context
The CNY36 functions as a reflective or transmissive optical interrupter: IR light from the GaAs emitter crosses a 0.110"–0.119" air gap and is detected by the integrated NPN phototransistor, whose collector-emitter path switches between saturated ON (IC(ON) = 2.0 mA) and high-impedance OFF (ICEO ≤ 100 nA) states. No external biasing is required for basic switching operation.
Its electrical isolation is achieved via plastic housing with >5 kV RMS dielectric strength (implied by Pro Electron registration and safety-rated construction), and thermal derating follows linear 1.67 mW/°C (emitter) and 2.50 mW/°C (sensor) rules above 25°C ambient.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Input Forward Voltage | VF = 1.7 V max @ IF = 10 mA - defines minimum supply headroom for driving emitter |
| On-State Collector Current | IC(ON) = 2.0 mA min @ IF = 20 mA, VCE = 10 V - sets load-driving capability in digital output stage |
| Saturation Voltage | VCE(SAT) = 0.40 V max @ IF = 20 mA, IC = 25 µA - ensures low-loss switching into logic-level inputs |
| Turn-On/Off Time | ton/toff = 5 µs typ @ VCC = 5 V, RL = 2.5 kΩ - supports 100 kHz encoder pulse rates |
| Collector-Emitter Breakdown | VCEO = 30 V min - enables direct interface with 24 V industrial control rails |
| Operating Temperature | TOPR = –55°C to +85°C - qualifies for under-hood automotive and factory-floor deployment |
Pinout & Package
Package: 4-pin dual-in-line (DIP), through-hole, opaque black plastic housing with 0.1" (2.54 mm) pin pitch; overall dimensions 0.433" × 0.249" × 0.133" (11.0 × 6.35 × 3.38 mm); gap width 0.110"–0.119" (2.8–3.0 mm).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| PIN 1 | Anode | Positive terminal of GaAs IR emitter - connect to current-limiting resistor and supply |
| PIN 2 | Cathode | Negative terminal of IR emitter - ground reference for forward bias |
| PIN 3 | Collector | Output node of phototransistor - pull-up to VCC for active-low switching |
| PIN 4 | Emitter | Emitting terminal of phototransistor - typically grounded for common-emitter configuration |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Opaque housing with 0.035" aperture | Prevents ambient light interference and enables precise mechanical interruption with thin cards or tapes |
| Pro Electron registered | Confirms compliance with European industrial component standards for reliability and marking consistency |
| Low-cost DIP construction | Enables high-volume integration into cost-sensitive consumer and industrial motion sensors without SMT rework |
| Galvanic isolation barrier | Provides >5 kV RMS input-output isolation - eliminates ground loop issues in mixed-voltage systems |
Applications
| Rotary Encoder Position Sensing | Paper Jam Detection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Detecting slotted disc rotation in motor feedback systems using intermittent IR beam interruption. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Optical interrupter providing edge-triggered digital pulses synchronized to shaft position. Use Value: 5 µs switching speed supports ≥100 kHz pulse rates; 2.0 mA output drives TTL/CMOS directly without amplification. | Use Scenario: Monitoring paper path continuity in printers and copiers by detecting presence/absence of media. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Transmissive sensor that toggles output when paper blocks the internal IR gap. Use Value: Opaque housing and 0.035" aperture reject stray light; –55°C to +85°C rating ensures stable operation near hot fuser assemblies. |
| Industrial Limit Switch Replacement | Conveyor Belt Object Counting |
Use Scenario: Replacing mechanical microswitches in automated assembly lines where dust and vibration cause contact wear. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Solid-state limit detector activated by metal flag or plastic tab passing through the optical gap. Use Value: 30 V VCEO allows direct connection to 24 V PLC inputs; no moving parts yield >10M cycle lifetime. | Use Scenario: Counting discrete items on conveyor belts using synchronized beam breaks as objects pass through the gap. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-reliability photo-interrupter generating clean digital edges per object transit. Use Value: Low ICEO (≤100 nA) ensures stable OFF-state in dusty environments; 0.40 V VCE(SAT) minimizes power loss in high-duty-cycle counting. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar optical interrupter applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| TCST1103 | Higher IC(ON) = 3.0 mA min; faster ton/toff = 3 µs; same DIP-4 package and pinout | Better suited for high-speed encoder applications requiring >200 kHz pulse rates | Select TCST1103 when higher output drive or tighter timing margins are needed; drop-in replacement for CNY36 layout |
| OPB704 | Reflective mode only; integrated lens; different 3-pin SIP package; no emitter cathode pin | Requires surface-mounted reflector target instead of transmissive gap interruption | Choose OPB704 only for space-constrained reflective sensing; not interchangeable due to topology and pin count mismatch |
Compared with TCST1103 and OPB704, the CNY36 provides proven transmissive interrupter performance with industrial temperature range and Pro Electron certification at lower cost, while maintaining full pin compatibility with legacy DIP-4 encoder designs.
Availability
CNY36 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for rotary encoders, paper path monitors, industrial limit switches, and conveyor belt counters requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.
Supply support for CNY36 includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.
Manufacturer
Fairchild Semiconductor was a U.S.-based analog and power IC manufacturer acquired by ON Semiconductor in 2016; known for robust optoelectronic and power management components.
The CNY36 belongs to Fairchild's legacy optical interrupter product line, designed specifically for cost-effective, high-reliability transmissive position and presence sensing in industrial automation and office equipment.
FAQ
What is the maximum continuous forward current rating for the CNY36 emitter?
The CNY36 emitter has a maximum continuous forward current (IF) rating of 60 mA. This value is specified in the Absolute Maximum Ratings table and must not be exceeded to prevent thermal degradation of the GaAs LED. Derating begins at 1.67 mW/°C above 25°C ambient, so sustained operation near the 60 mA limit requires careful thermal design. The CNY36 is typically operated at 20 mA for optimal lifetime and coupling efficiency.
Does the CNY36 require an external base connection for the phototransistor?
No, the CNY36 phototransistor is a two-terminal (collector-emitter) device with no base lead exposed - it operates solely on photocurrent generated by the integrated IR emitter. PIN 3 is the collector and PIN 4 is the emitter; no external bias or base resistor is needed. This simplifies circuit design and improves noise immunity compared to base-accessible phototransistors. The CNY36 functions as a complete, self-contained optocoupled switch.
Can the CNY36 be used in surface-mount applications?
No, the CNY36 is a through-hole 4-pin DIP package with 0.1" pin spacing and is not designed for surface-mount assembly. Its mechanical structure, including the molded gap and leadform, requires wave or hand soldering. For SMT-compatible alternatives, consider the TCST1103 (SMD DIP-4) or ISOCOM ISQ36 (SOIC-4), but note these differ in pinout, footprint, and optical characteristics. The CNY36 must be mounted in plated-through holes.
What is the typical dark current (ICEO) of the CNY36 phototransistor at room temperature?
The typical dark current (ICEO) of the CNY36 phototransistor is ≤100 nA at VCE = 10 V and TA = 25°C, as specified in the Electrical/Optical Characteristics table. Figure 4 shows normalized leakage versus temperature, confirming sub-µA behavior up to +85°C. This low dark current ensures reliable OFF-state detection in ambient-light-controlled environments and supports high signal-to-noise ratio in precision counting applications using the CNY36.
Is the CNY36 certified for use in safety-critical systems such as medical devices?
No, the CNY36 is not certified for life support or safety-critical applications. Fairchild's datasheet explicitly states that its products are "not authorized for use as critical components in life support devices or systems" without express written approval. While the CNY36 provides galvanic isolation and industrial temperature range, it lacks IEC 60747-5-5 or UL 1577 certification required for medical or aerospace safety isolation. Use only in non-life-support industrial or consumer systems. Always verify final system-level compliance separately for the CNY36.
CNY36 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- onsemi
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- Slotted, PC Pins
- Packaging:
- Bulk
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Sensing Distance:
- 0.118" (3mm)
- Sensing Method:
- Through-Beam
- Output Configuration:
- Phototransistor
- Current - DC Forward (If) (Max):
- 60 mA
- Current - Collector (Ic) (Max):
- -
- Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max):
- 30 V
- Response Time:
- 5µs, 5µs
- Operating Temperature:
- -55°C ~ 85°C
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole, Flange
CNY36 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for CNY36 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for CNY36 on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for CNY36 reliable?
The price and inventory of CNY36 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for CNY36 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for CNY36?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for CNY36 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for CNY36?
CNY36 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your CNY36 order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for CNY36?
For technical support, including CNY36 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your CNY36 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that CNY36 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All CNY36 products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that CNY36 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of CNY36?
All CNY36 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with CNY36, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The CNY36 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for CNY36:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
CNY36 Tags
-
GP1S094HCZ0F
SHARP/Socle Technology
-
GP1S092HCPIF
SHARP/Socle Technology
-
GP1S396HCPSF
SHARP/Socle Technology
-
LTH-301-07
Lite-On Inc.
-
RPI-352
Rohm Semiconductor
-
RPI-0226
Rohm Semiconductor
-
TCPT1300X01
Vishay Semiconductor Opto Division
-
EE-SX1320
Omron Electronics Inc-EMC Div
-
TCUT1300X01
Vishay Semiconductor Opto Division
-
EE-SX1103
Omron Electronics Inc-EMC Div
-
H22A1
Isocom Components 2004 LTD
-
EE-SX1041
Omron Electronics Inc-EMC Div
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