onsemi QVE00118

Overview

QVE00118 from Fairchild Semiconductor is a phototransistor optical interrupter switch integrating an infrared LED and NPN silicon phototransistor in a single 4-pin, low-profile, PCB-mount housing with 5 mm gap and 0.5 mm aperture width. It delivers contactless position sensing in industrial encoders and printer paper-path detection at V_CE = 10 V, I_F = 20 mA.

For engineers reviewing the QVE00118 datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection criteria include coupled collector current (0.5–14 mA), dark current (200 nA), rise/fall time (4 µs), operating temperature range (−55 to +100 °C), and 940 nm peak emission wavelength.

Technical Context

The QVE00118 implements a monolithic optocoupled architecture where an infrared emitter (I_F ≤ 50 mA, V_F = 1.2–1.5 V) optically activates a matched NPN phototransistor (V_CEO = 30 V, I_C ≤ 20 mA) across a fixed 5 mm air gap. No external biasing or amplification is required for basic on/off detection.

Its performance is defined by coupled electrical-optical transfer characteristics: I_C(ON) varies with shield distance and forward current (e.g., 1–2 mA typical at 2 mm gap, I_F = 20 mA), while V_CE(SAT) remains ≤0.4 V under I_C = 0.1 mA load, enabling direct TTL/CMOS interface compatibility.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

QVE00118 uses a 4-pin DIP-style molded plastic package (14.00 × 5.00 × 6.60 mm) with through-hole mounting and optical alignment optimized for wide-gap interrupter operation.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TTLP7800 and OPB937, the QVE00118 offers optimal balance of compact size, wide temperature range, and proven reliability in cost-sensitive electromechanical systems-making it preferred for mid-volume printer, vending, and factory automation modules.

Availability

QVE00118 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for printer paper-path detection, industrial rotary encoders, vending machine dispensers, and automotive throttle position verification requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for QVE00118 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

Fairchild Semiconductor was a U.S.-based semiconductor company specializing in power management, analog, and optoelectronic components before its acquisition by ON Semiconductor in 2016.

The QVE00118 belongs to Fairchild's TINYOPTO™ family of compact optocouplers and interrupters, engineered specifically for reliable, maintenance-free position and presence sensing in electromechanical systems.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous forward current for the QVE00118 emitter?

The QVE00118 emitter supports a maximum continuous forward current (I_F) of 50 mA at 25 °C. Derating applies above this temperature-power dissipation must be reduced by 1.33 mW/°C. For typical operation at I_F = 20 mA, a series resistor of ~175 Ω is recommended with a 5 V supply and V_F ≈ 1.5 V. Always verify thermal design margins when operating near absolute maximum ratings in the QVE00118.

Does the QVE00118 require external biasing for phototransistor operation?

No, the QVE00118 phototransistor operates in common-emitter configuration with only an external collector pull-up resistor needed-no base biasing or amplification circuitry is required. Pin 4 (emitter) is grounded, and Pin 3 (collector) connects to V_CC via a resistor (e.g., 10 kΩ), producing an active-low output. This self-contained topology simplifies design and reduces component count compared to discrete opto-pairs, making the QVE00118 ideal for space- and cost-sensitive applications.

What is the dark current specification for the QVE00118, and why does it matter?

The QVE00118 specifies a maximum dark current (I_D) of 200 nA at V_CE = 10 V and I_F = 0 mA. This ultra-low leakage ensures minimal false triggering in ambient-light-suppressed environments-critical for reliable zero-state detection in safety-critical or high-precision applications like paper jam sensing. Low dark current directly improves signal-to-noise ratio and extends effective dynamic range, especially when paired with high-value pull-up resistors that increase sensitivity to small photocurrents.

Can the QVE00118 be used in reflow soldering processes?

No-the QVE00118 is rated for flow soldering at 260 °C for 10 seconds and iron soldering at 240 °C for 5 seconds, per its Absolute Maximum Ratings table. Reflow profiles exceed these thermal limits and risk damaging the epoxy lens, internal wire bonds, or die attach. The device must be hand-soldered or wave-soldered using controlled thermal profiles. Always follow Fairchild's recommended soldering guidelines in the QVE00118 datasheet to avoid latent failures or optical misalignment.

How does the 0.5 mm aperture width affect the QVE00118's sensing precision?

The 0.5 mm aperture width in the QVE00118 defines the optical slit dimension that determines spatial resolution and edge-detection accuracy. A narrower aperture increases positional precision-enabling reliable detection of thin objects (e.g., paper edges or encoder disc slots) while rejecting stray light from adjacent sources. This tight optical confinement also improves immunity to ambient illumination, reducing false triggers in unshielded environments. The 0.5 mm value represents a deliberate trade-off between sensitivity and resolution, validated across printer and vending use cases in the QVE00118 design.