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Sharp Components
1 part numbers available · Sourced from Sharp authorized distribution · C-of-C and lot traceability on every shipment
Founded: 1912 · HQ: Sakai, Osaka, Japan
Sharp Corporation is a Japanese electronics manufacturer headquartered in Sakai, Osaka, founded in 1912 by Tokuji Hayakawa. Historically known for LCD panels, solar cells and consumer electronics, Sharp's Device Solutions division produces optoelectronic components including the iconic PC817 photocoupler, which has been the industry-standard 4-pin optocoupler since the 1980s. The PC817 appears in virtually every switch-mode power supply, PLC digital input module and microcontroller-to-mains isolation circuit built in the last four decades. Sharp continues to produce the PC817 family alongside newer digital isolators and solid-state relays. Our Shenzhen warehouse stocks PC817C (CTR 200-400%, DIP-4) and PC817S (SOP-4 gull-wing) from Sharp authorized channel, with direct equivalents from Lite-On (LTV-817) and Everlight (EL817) available as second sources.
Available Sharp Parts
Sourcing from Sharp – FAQ
Is the PC817 still in production, or is it EOL?
Very much in production. Sharp lists the PC817 family as Active with no announced end-of-life. It is one of the highest-volume optocouplers in history, with annual shipments in the hundreds of millions. Second sources from Lite-On (LTV-817), Everlight (EL817) and Toshiba (TLP521) ensure supply continuity even if Sharp were to discontinue.
What CTR grade should I use for SMPS feedback?
PC817C (CTR 200-400%) is the industry standard for TL431+PC817 flyback feedback loops. It provides enough gain margin at end-of-life (CTR degrades ~50% after 10 years at high LED current) without over-driving the LED. Match with a TL431 cathode resistor sized for 5-10 mA LED current.
Can I use the PC817 for SPI or I²C bus isolation?
Not recommended. The PC817 has about 100 kHz bandwidth with slow rise/fall edges, which fails at SPI speeds above a few hundred kHz and can cause I²C bus hang-ups. For digital bus isolation, use dedicated isolators like ISO7741 (SPI), ISO1541 (I²C) or ADuM1201 (general-purpose, 150 Mbps).
What is Sharp's lead time for PC817?
Sharp authorized channel currently quotes 6-10 weeks. Our Shenzhen warehouse typically holds stock for 1-2 day shipment. Second sources (Lite-On LTV-817C, Everlight EL817C) are pin-and-spec compatible and often available at shorter lead times and lower cost.
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