Vishay Semiconductor Opto Division BPW76B

Overview

BPW76B from Vishay Semiconductors is a silicon NPN phototransistor in a hermetically sealed TO-18 metal package with base terminal and flat glass window, delivering >0.6 mA collector light current at 1 mW/cm² irradiance (950 nm), ±40° half-sensitivity angle, and 110 kHz cutoff frequency for visible-to-near-IR detection in optocouplers and position sensors.

For engineers reviewing the BPW76B datasheet, BPW76B pinout, BPW76B application, or BPW76B equivalent, key selection criteria include radiant sensitivity (>0.6 mA), spectral range (450–1080 nm), fast switching (6 µs turn-on / 5 µs turn-off), thermal robustness (−40 to +125 °C), and hermetic TO-18 packaging for reliability in industrial sensing environments.

Technical Context

The BPW76B operates as a base-connected NPN phototransistor where incident radiation generates base current, enabling high-gain photocurrent amplification. Its flat glass window and chip orientation optimize angular response (±40°) and spectral coupling across 450–1080 nm, with peak sensitivity at 850 nm.

Designed for DC and pulsed optical detection, it supports linear-mode operation up to 50 mA collector current and maintains stable performance under ambient temperatures from −40 °C to +125 °C, enabled by low thermal resistance (R_thJA = 400 K/W) and hermetic sealing.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

BPW76B uses a hermetically sealed TO-18 metal can package (Ø4.7 mm × 13.2 mm) with three terminals: emitter (E), collector (C), and base (B), arranged radially with base positioned opposite the lens axis per Vishay drawing 6.503-5004.01-4.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TEPT5600 and OP550, the BPW76B uniquely combines hermetic TO-18 packaging, base terminal accessibility, and balanced angular response (±40°), making it optimal for industrial detection systems requiring long-term stability, thermal resilience, and design flexibility in bias configuration.

Availability

BPW76B is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial object detection, optical encoders, smoke detector sensing chambers, and medical pulse oximetry sensors requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and high-reliability optical interfaces.

Supply support for BPW76B 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 semiconductor manufacturer specializing in discrete components, sensors, and passive elements, with leadership in optoelectronics and power devices.

The BPW76B belongs to Vishay's silicon phototransistor product line, engineered for high-radiant-sensitivity detection in harsh environments where hermetic sealing, wide spectral response, and thermal stability are critical.

FAQ

What is the maximum collector current rating for BPW76B?

The BPW76B has a continuous collector current rating of 50 mA and a peak collector current rating of 100 mA (for pulse widths ≤10 ms with duty cycle ≤0.5). These limits ensure safe operation under both steady-state and transient optical excitation conditions while maintaining junction temperature below 125 °C when mounted with appropriate thermal management.

Does BPW76B require external biasing to operate?

The BPW76B functions as a two-terminal phototransistor (collector-emitter) without external bias, but its base terminal is accessible for optional biasing. Applying reverse base-emitter voltage reduces dark current and improves linearity, while forward bias increases gain-enabling tailored performance in precision analog or high-speed digital detection circuits using the BPW76B.

What is the spectral response range of BPW76B?

The BPW76B exhibits spectral sensitivity from 450 nm to 1080 nm, with peak response at 850 nm. This range covers visible red light and extends deep into the near-infrared, making the BPW76B compatible with standard 850 nm and 950 nm IR LEDs used in industrial and medical optical sensing applications.

How does the BPW76B's ±40° half-sensitivity angle affect optical design?

With a ±40° half-sensitivity angle, the BPW76B delivers ≥50% of peak response within an 80° total field-of-view. This allows relaxed mechanical alignment tolerances in reflective or through-beam optical setups-reducing assembly cost and improving robustness against vibration or thermal expansion in industrial encoders or object detectors using the BPW76B.

Is BPW76B RoHS compliant and lead-free?

Yes, the BPW76B is RoHS compliant per Directive 2002/95/EC and WEEE 2002/96/EC, and is manufactured as a lead-free component. Vishay confirms full compliance in Document Number 81526, Rev. 1.4, and the BPW76B meets all substance restrictions for use in environmentally regulated electronics markets without requiring exemptions.