817 Optocoupler: The Hidden Champion of the Global Electronics Market
In the field of optocouplers, "817" has become one of the most widely recognized and best-selling standard optocoupler products in the electronics industry as a universal model identifier. Its market position stems from its unique technological characteristics, extensive application adaptability, and mature supply chain system, making it the "industrial rice" in the field of electronic engineering.
1、 Definition and market position: synonymous with standardized universal optocouplers
The "817" is not a single model, but a series of optocouplers with the same functional architecture under multiple brands, including Yiguang (EL817), Guangbao (LTV817), Anson Mei (FOD817), Sharp (PC817), and domestic Orland (ORPC817). The core structure consists of GaAs infrared light-emitting diodes and NPN silicon phototransistors, packaged in DIP4 (pin spacing 2.54mm), with an isolation voltage of up to 5000Vrms.
Market data confirms its dominant position:
The Yiguang EL817 series holds over 30% of the global market share in low to medium power optocouplers, with a monthly production capacity of hundreds of millions of units;
The unit price of Guangbao LTV817 is as low as 0.19 yuan (starting from a thousand pieces), making it the preferred choice for cost sensitive designs;
The domestically produced Orende ORPC817 directly benchmarks international models, with monthly sales of 300KK (300 million units), ranking among the top 3 domestically produced optocouplers.
2、 Core reasons for best-selling: technological universality and application penetration
1. Performance parameters accurately match general requirements
The current transfer ratio (CTR) covers 50%~600% and is supplied in grades (A/B/C/D). For example, the CTR of EL817CF can reach 200-400% and is suitable for wide range drive circuits;
The response time is about 4 μ s (@ VCE=5V), which meets the isolation requirements of medium and low-speed signals in industrial control, home appliances, etc;
35V collector voltage and 50mA forward current, compatible with most digital logic levels (5V/3.3V).
2. Full coverage of application scenarios
From consumer electronics to industrial equipment, almost everywhere:
In the field of household appliances: safety isolation for fans, air conditioners, heaters, etc;
Industrial control: PLC signal isolation, power regulator, microprocessor interface;
New energy and electricity: photovoltaic inverters, charging station signal transmission;
Infrastructure: electricity meters, photocopiers, vending machines, etc.
3. Certification and compatibility barriers
Through global safety certifications such as UL, VDE, CSA, etc., and pin compatibility between various brand models, direct replacement is supported. For example, the Orende ORPC817 can seamlessly replace the Yiguang EL817 without the need for PCB redesign.
3、 Market competition pattern: the struggle between international brands and domestic substitutes
Under the convergence of parameters, 817 optocouplers from different brands compete through cost, delivery time, and segmented certification
|Brand/Model | Key Features | Reference Unit Price (in thousands) | Target Market|
|Guangbao LTV817BIN | CTR 130~260%, ultra-low price | ¥ 0.19 | Consumer electronics, low-cost power supply|
|Anson Mei FOD817BSD | SMD Package, Wide Temperature Operation | ¥ 1.76 | Industrial Automation and Communication Equipment|
|Orende ORPC817 | Domestic replacement, compatible with international models | 30% lower than international brands | New energy, industrial control|
|Yiguang EL817CF | CTR 200~400%, complete safety certification | ¥ 0.16 | Home appliances, global export equipment|
Data source:
The process of localization is accelerating: companies such as Orland have achieved cost optimization through IDM mode (vertical integration of chip packaging) and launched automotive grade versions (such as OR357) to enter the high-end market.
4、 Localization process: from substitution to innovation
Domestic 817 optocouplers are shifting from low-cost substitution to technological upgrading:
Orende has built an IDM full industry chain with a monthly production capacity of 300KK. It has passed IATF16949 certification and launched the OR357 series of automotive grade products;
Significant price advantage: Domestic models are about 30% lower than international brands, promoting the further popularization of 817 in small and medium power scenarios;
Customized service: Provide alternative solution design within 48 hours, supporting PINTOPIN compatibility with Toshiba, Anhua, and other models.
5、 Technological Evolution and Challenges
Although 817 is still mainstream, it faces two major trends:
1. Miniaturization requirements: SSOP/SMD packaging (such as Orende OR3H7) is gradually replacing DIP4 in high-density PCBs;
2. High performance alternatives:
High speed optocouplers (such as 6N137) replace 817 in the field of communication;
The integrated module of optocoupler+IC (such as Orende OR1000 multi-channel optocoupler) is applied in BMS system.
However, with its ultimate cost-effectiveness and ecological maturity, 817 will continue to maintain its "sales champion" position in the mid to low speed isolation market for a long time.
The best-selling essence of 817 optocouplers is the inevitable result of standardization and scale driven by the electronics industry. It balances performance, cost, and supply chain resilience, becoming the "default option" for engineers in signal isolation design. In the future, with the deepening of localization and the release of demand for emerging applications such as IoT devices and distributed energy, the 817 series is expected to further expand its market boundaries and continue to write the industry legend of "small devices making great achievements".