Vishay Semiconductor Opto Division TLHB4401

Overview

TLHB4401 from Vishay Semiconductors is a high-efficiency blue light-emitting diode (LED) in a 3 mm tinted diffused plastic package, using GaN-on-SiC technology, with luminous intensity of 10–32 mcd at 20 mA, dominant wavelength of 466 nm, and forward voltage of 3.9–4.5 V. It serves as an indicator or status light in industrial control panels and instrumentation interfaces.

For engineers reviewing the TLHB4401 datasheet, TLHB4401 pinout, TLHB4401 application, or TLHB4401 equivalent, key selection criteria include luminous intensity binning, ±30° viewing angle, ESD Class 1 rating, 20 mA DC forward current limit, and compatibility with standard 3 mm LED mounting footprints.

Technical Context

This device operates as a visible-light emitter optimized for human-perceivable status indication. Its GaN-on-SiC semiconductor structure delivers stable blue output with dominant wavelength at 466 nm and peak wavelength at 428 nm, enabling consistent color reproduction across production lots.

The TLHB4401 is categorized by luminous intensity (10–32 mcd at 20 mA), ensuring uniform visual appearance when multiple units are deployed in the same assembly. Thermal resistance junction-to-ambient is 400 K/W, limiting usable ambient temperature to ≤60 °C at full 20 mA drive.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Standard 3 mm radial-leaded LED package (T-1) with cathode-indicating flat side and shorter lead. Mechanical tolerances conform to industry-standard ∅3 mm LED footprint.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar blue LED indicator applications.

Compared with TLHB4400 and TLHR4401, the TLHB4401 uniquely combines guaranteed minimum 10 mcd blue output, 466 nm dominant wavelength, and 3 mm diffused package - making it optimal for applications demanding consistent, high-visibility blue status indication without color substitution or brightness compromise.

Availability

TLHB4401 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial control panels, medical device interfaces, and test equipment readouts requiring stable component supply and consistent luminous output across production batches.

Supply support for TLHB4401 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 Semiconductors is a global manufacturer of discrete semiconductors and passive components, specializing in high-reliability optoelectronics, power MOSFETs, and precision resistors.

The TLHB4401 belongs to Vishay's standard 3 mm LED product series, engineered for cost-effective, high-volume status indication in industrial and commercial equipment where visual clarity and long-term lumen maintenance are critical.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous forward current for TLHB4401?

The TLHB4401 has a maximum DC forward current of 20 mA when ambient temperature is ≤60 °C. Exceeding this value risks accelerated lumen depreciation and potential junction failure. Derating is required above 60 °C per Figure 2 in the datasheet, and the TLHB4401 must never be operated beyond its 100 °C junction temperature limit.

Does TLHB4401 require a current-limiting resistor in series?

Yes, TLHB4401 requires an external current-limiting resistor. With a forward voltage of 3.9–4.5 V at 20 mA, the resistor value must be calculated based on supply voltage and desired operating current. For example, at 5 V supply and 20 mA target, a 22–33 Ω resistor is typical. Operating TLHB4401 without current limiting will cause immediate thermal runaway and failure.

Is TLHB4401 compatible with reflow soldering processes?

No, TLHB4401 is not rated for reflow soldering. Its plastic package is qualified only for hand-soldering or wave soldering with peak temperature ≤260 °C for ≤5 seconds at 2 mm from the body. Reflow profiles exceed thermal limits and risk lens discoloration, lead detachment, or internal bond wire damage in the TLHB4401.

What does the "(10 to 32) mcd" specification mean for TLHB4401?

The "(10 to 32) mcd" luminous intensity range for TLHB4401 reflects factory binning: each unit is measured and grouped so that all TLHB4401 devices in a given packing unit fall within this interval at 20 mA. This ensures visual uniformity across multi-LED arrays without requiring manual sorting, unlike non-binned variants such as TLHB4400.

Can TLHB4401 be used in outdoor applications?

TLHB4401 is not rated for direct outdoor exposure. Its operating temperature range is –40 to +100 °C, but the tinted diffused plastic lens lacks UV stabilization and ingress protection. For outdoor use, the TLHB4401 must be housed in a sealed, UV-filtered enclosure with controlled ambient temperature - otherwise, rapid yellowing and lumen loss will occur.