Vishay Semiconductor Opto Division BPW76A

Overview

BPW76A from Vishay Semiconductors is a silicon NPN phototransistor in a hermetically sealed TO-18 metal package with base terminal and flat glass window, delivering 0.4–0.8 mA collector light current at 1 mW/cm² irradiance (950 nm), ±40° half-sensitivity angle, and spectral response from 450 nm to 1080 nm. It operates across –40 °C to +125 °C and is used in optically isolated control feedback loops requiring visible/near-IR detection.

For engineers reviewing the BPW76A datasheet, BPW76A pinout, BPW76A application, or BPW76A equivalent, key selection criteria include radiant sensitivity range (450–1080 nm), fast switching (6 µs turn-on / 5 µs turn-off), hermetic TO-18 packaging for harsh environments, and base-terminal accessibility for bias control and gain adjustment.

Technical Context

The BPW76A functions as a light-controlled NPN transistor where incident photons generate base current, modulating collector-emitter conduction. Its flat glass window and hermetic TO-18 package ensure stable optical coupling and environmental robustness, while the accessible base terminal allows external biasing to adjust sensitivity and linearity.

It exhibits peak spectral sensitivity at 850 nm, supports 110 kHz cutoff frequency under 5 V/5 mA/100 Ω conditions, and maintains low dark current (1–100 nA at V_CE = 20 V), enabling reliable operation in low-light industrial sensing and ambient-light-immune detection circuits.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

BPW76A uses a 3-pin TO-18 metal can package (Ø4.7 mm × 13.2 mm) with hermetic seal and flat glass window. Pin identification follows standard TO-18 orientation: viewed from top (lens side), pins are arranged counterclockwise as Emitter (E), Base (B), Collector (C).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar phototransistor applications.

Compared with TEPT5600 and OP550, the BPW76A offers balanced performance: hermetic reliability and base access like OP550, but with tighter I_ca tolerance and lower V_(BR)CEO than OP550, and superior angular control and package integrity versus TEPT5600.

Availability

BPW76A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial object detection, optical isolation feedback, IR remote reception, and position sensing applications requiring stable component supply, long-term availability, and RoHS-compliant sourcing.

Supply support for BPW76A 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

Vishay Intertechnology is a global manufacturer of discrete semiconductors and passive components, specializing in high-reliability, application-optimized devices for industrial, automotive, and computing markets.

The BPW76A belongs to Vishay's silicon phototransistor product line, engineered for precision optical detection in demanding environments where hermetic sealing, spectral breadth, and angular consistency are critical.

FAQ

What is the maximum collector-emitter voltage rating for BPW76A?

The BPW76A has a maximum collector-emitter breakdown voltage V_(BR)CEO of 70 V at I_C = 1 mA. This rating ensures safe operation in DC control circuits up to 48 V with margin, and must be respected in all operating conditions to prevent irreversible junction damage. The BPW76A datasheet specifies this limit under standard test conditions and confirms it applies across the full operating temperature range.

Does BPW76A include a base terminal, and how is it used?

Yes, the BPW76A includes an accessible base terminal in its TO-18 package. This allows external biasing to reduce dark current, improve linearity, or actively discharge the base for faster turn-off-critical in high-speed or low-light applications. Unlike baseless phototransistors, the BPW76A gives designers direct control over gain and response dynamics without requiring additional external transistors.

What is the spectral response range of BPW76A, and where does it peak?

The BPW76A responds to wavelengths from 450 nm to 1080 nm, covering visible blue through near-infrared. Its peak sensitivity occurs at 850 nm, aligning with common IR LEDs used in remote controls and industrial sensors. This broad yet defined spectral bandwidth makes the BPW76A suitable for both daylight-visible and covert IR detection systems without requiring optical filtering.

How does the ±40° half-sensitivity angle affect BPW76A's optical design?

With a ±40° half-sensitivity angle, the BPW76A delivers ≥50 % of its peak response within an 80° total viewing cone. This enables precise optical alignment in through-beam or reflective sensors while rejecting stray ambient light outside that cone-improving signal integrity in unshielded or multi-source lighting environments. Mechanical mounting tolerances can be relaxed compared to narrower-angle devices.

Is BPW76A RoHS compliant, and what does that mean for manufacturing?

Yes, the BPW76A is RoHS compliant per Directive 2002/95/EC and WEEE 2002/96/EC, meaning it contains no lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, PBB, or PBDE above threshold limits. This allows unrestricted use in EU-market electronics and simplifies compliance documentation for OEMs, eliminating the need for hazardous substance exemptions or special handling in SMT assembly and end-of-life recycling.