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Optocoupler LED Lifespan vs Current
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Pentoad:
I am using an EL357N optoisolator in a project and I am supplying it 5v through a 500 ohm resistor. It draws 7 milliamps. The absolute maximum rating for it is 50 milliamps. Do you think I am overdriving it and would it be better to lower the current? I understand this could affect the CTR but the output phototransistor is only driving the gate of a small mosfet at frequencies well below 1 hertz.
thm_w:
8mA is fine.
The absolute maximum rating is 50mA, and the "typical" rating is 20mA, which it should last many years on.

Keep in mind the spec and forward voltage change at various temperatures, CTR range, etc. But in your case 8mA has tons of headroom.

http://www.everlight.com/file/ProductFile/EL357N-G.pdf
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