Vishay Semiconductor Opto Division TLHB5101

Overview

TLHB5101 from Vishay Semiconductor is a high-efficiency blue LED using GaN-on-SiC technology in a 5 mm tinted diffused T-1 3/4 plastic package, with dominant wavelength 466 nm, luminous intensity 10–32 mcd at 20 mA, and ±30° viewing angle-used for status indication and legend lighting in industrial control panels.

For engineers reviewing the TLHB5101 datasheet, TLHB5101 pinout, TLHB5101 application, or TLHB5101 equivalent, key selection criteria include forward voltage (3.9–4.5 V), ESD Class 1 rating, ambient temperature range (–40 to +100 °C), and categorized luminous intensity groups for visual uniformity across assemblies.

Technical Context

This device operates as a visible-light emitter with electroluminescent output driven by DC forward current up to 20 mA. Its GaN-on-SiC semiconductor structure enables stable blue emission at 466 nm dominant wavelength and 428 nm peak wavelength, with thermal resistance of 350 K/W and maximum junction temperature of 100 °C.

The 5 mm T-1 3/4 package features mechanical tolerances suitable for automated insertion and provides a wide ±30° half-intensity viewing angle. Luminous intensity is binned into categories (e.g., TLHB5101 = 10–32 mcd) to ensure consistent appearance in multi-LED arrays.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TLHB5101 uses a standard 2-pin through-hole 5 mm T-1 3/4 plastic package with cathode (shorter lead) and anode (longer lead) terminals. No polarity marking on lens; mechanical keying relies on lead length differentiation.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TLHB5401 and TLHB5201, TLHB5101 offers the optimal balance of wide ±30° viewing angle and moderate 10–32 mcd output for general-purpose status and legend use-making it preferred for front-panel indicators where operator position varies.

Availability

TLHB5101 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for status lights, OFF/ON indicators, and background illumination requiring stable component supply across industrial control, building automation, and transportation equipment programs.

Supply support for TLHB5101 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 Semiconductor GmbH is a global manufacturer of discrete semiconductors and passive components, headquartered in Germany, with focus on reliability, precision, and long-lifecycle support.

The TLHB5101 belongs to Vishay's high-efficiency visible LED product line, engineered specifically for demanding industrial and transportation indicator applications where color consistency, thermal resilience, and long-term luminance stability are critical.

FAQ

What is the dominant wavelength of TLHB5101 and why does it matter for indicator design?

The TLHB5101 has a dominant wavelength of 466 nm, placing its output in the true blue region of the visible spectrum. This matters because 466 nm provides high photopic luminance and strong contrast against common panel backgrounds like gray, black, or white. In TLHB5101 applications such as status lights, this wavelength ensures immediate visual recognition without color ambiguity-critical for safety-critical or operator-interface designs where red/green/blue coding conveys distinct system states.

Can TLHB5101 be operated continuously at 20 mA across its full temperature range?

TLHB5101 is rated for 20 mA DC forward current only when ambient temperature is ≤65 °C. Above that, derating is required per Figure 1 in the datasheet: at 100 °C ambient, maximum safe current drops to ~12 mA to maintain junction temperature ≤100 °C. Therefore, TLHB5101 must be thermally managed in high-temperature enclosures-either via PCB copper area, airflow, or reduced drive current-to avoid premature degradation or luminance loss.

How does the ±30° viewing angle of TLHB5101 affect mounting orientation in panel designs?

The ±30° viewing angle of TLHB5101 means luminous intensity falls to 50% of its axial value at 30° off-center in all directions. This allows flexible mounting-such as recessed, flush, or angled bezel integration-while maintaining visibility across typical operator zones (e.g., ±25° horizontal and vertical). TLHB5101's wide angle eliminates need for precise aiming, making it ideal for large-format control panels where viewing geometry varies, unlike narrow-angle LEDs that require optical collimation.

Is TLHB5101 compatible with standard 5 mm LED sockets and pick-and-place equipment?

Yes, TLHB5101 uses the industry-standard 5 mm T-1 3/4 through-hole package with 2.54 mm lead spacing and 5.0 mm diameter lens body. Its mechanical dimensions match JEDEC TO-18 and IEC 60747-5-2 specifications, ensuring compatibility with legacy sockets, wave-solder stencils, and automated placement feeders calibrated for 5 mm LEDs. The TLHB5101's lead length differential (anode longer than cathode) also supports automatic polarity verification during assembly.

What does ESD Class 1 rating mean for TLHB5101 handling and circuit protection?

ESD Class 1 rating for TLHB5101 indicates susceptibility to damage from electrostatic discharges ≥200 V (Human Body Model). This requires strict handling protocols-including grounded workstations, ionized air, and static-dissipative packaging-during manufacturing and repair. While TLHB5101 itself lacks integrated protection, circuits should include series current-limiting resistors and optionally parallel TVS diodes if exposed to high-ESD environments. TLHB5101's sensitivity underscores why ESD-safe practices are non-negotiable in final assembly of panels using this LED.