Vishay Semiconductor Opto Division TCUT1630X01

Overview

TCUT1630X01 from Vishay Semiconductors is a compact surface-mount transmissive optical sensor with an integrated 950 nm infrared emitter and three phototransistor detectors, 3 mm gap width, 0.3 mm aperture, and AEC-Q101 qualification for automotive encoder applications requiring precise "turn and push" motion detection.

For engineers reviewing the TCUT1630X01 datasheet, TCUT1630X01 pinout, TCUT1630X01 application, or TCUT1630X01 equivalent, this device delivers triple-channel analog output current (1.3 mA typical per channel at IF = 15 mA), operates across –40 °C to +105 °C, and supports vertical/horizontal shutter displacement sensing in space-constrained encoder modules.

Technical Context

The TCUT1630X01 implements a face-to-face transmissive coupler architecture with physically separated emitter and detector die in a single 5.7 × 5.9 × 7.1 mm SMD package. Its tall dome design accommodates three phototransistor channels aligned for orthogonal signal capture-enabling simultaneous horizontal and vertical displacement tracking.

Each phototransistor channel provides analog collector current output (0.45–1.3 mA typical at V_CE = 5 V, I_F = 15 mA) with switching times of 9–150 μs rise and 16–150 μs fall under 100 Ω load. The device lacks integrated daylight blocking filter and requires external optical shielding for ambient light rejection.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TCUT1630X01 uses a 6-pin surface-mount package (drawing no. 6.541-5106.01-4) with dimensions 5.7 × 5.9 × 7.1 mm and non-connected (n.c.) pins on both sides. Pin 1 is cathode of IR emitter; pins 2–4 are collectors of Channels I–III; pins 5–6 are common emitters (shared node).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TCUT1630X02 and TCUT1600X01, the TCUT1630X01 offers optimal balance of triple-channel capability, automotive qualification, and cost-effective implementation for "turn and push" interfaces where external optical shielding is feasible.

Availability

TCUT1630X01 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive gear shift encoders, steering column position sensors, and HVAC mode selector knobs requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and high-reliability production cycles.

Supply support for TCUT1630X01 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 devices with emphasis on reliability, precision, and automotive-grade qualification.

The TCUT1630X01 belongs to Vishay's transmissive optical sensor product line, engineered specifically for contactless "turn and push" encoding in automotive human-machine interfaces where mechanical durability and temperature resilience are critical.

FAQ

What is the optical gap specification for TCUT1630X01, and why does it matter in encoder design?

The TCUT1630X01 has a fixed 3 mm optical gap between emitter and detector arrays. This dimension defines the maximum allowable thickness of rotating or sliding shutters placed within the sensor path. Maintaining this gap ensures consistent optical coupling efficiency and prevents mechanical binding during actuation-critical for repeatable position detection in automotive gear selectors and steering controls. Deviations beyond ±0.1 mm risk signal dropout or false triggering.

Does TCUT1630X01 include a daylight blocking filter, and how does its absence affect system design?

No, TCUT1630X01 does not integrate a daylight blocking filter, unlike the TCUT1630X02 variant. Its absence means the TCUT1630X01 requires external optical shielding-such as black housing walls or IR-pass filters-to suppress ambient visible light interference. This increases mechanical design effort but allows full spectral flexibility and avoids potential filter-induced signal attenuation in controlled environments.

What is the maximum forward current rating for the IR emitter in TCUT1630X01, and what happens if exceeded?

The TCUT1630X01 IR emitter supports a maximum continuous forward current of 25 mA at ambient temperatures ≤95 °C. Exceeding this rating risks accelerated LED degradation, reduced radiant intensity over time, and possible thermal runaway under sustained overdrive. For reliable 10-year automotive service life, Vishay recommends operating at ≤15 mA-where typical output current reaches 1.3 mA per phototransistor channel.

How are the three phototransistor channels arranged physically inside TCUT1630X01, and what is their functional relationship?

The TCUT1630X01 arranges its three phototransistor channels in a triangular pattern aligned with orthogonal shutter motion axes: Channels I and II detect horizontal displacement (e.g., rotation), while Channel III is offset vertically to sense axial compression ("push"). This geometry enables true dual-mode encoding without time-multiplexing-each channel delivers independent analog current proportional to local IR transmission, allowing real-time reconstruction of combined turn-and-push gestures.

Is TCUT1630X01 compatible with standard lead-free reflow processes, and what is its moisture sensitivity level?

Yes, TCUT1630X01 is qualified for lead-free reflow per J-STD-020 with a peak temperature of 260 °C and is rated MSL Level 1-meaning it has unlimited floor life and requires no baking prior to assembly. Its package withstands ramp rates up to 3 °C/s and dwell time ≤30 s above 217 °C, making it compatible with high-throughput SMT lines used in automotive electronics manufacturing.