Vishay Semiconductor Opto Division TLHB5801

Overview

TLHB5801 from Vishay Telefunken is a high-efficiency blue light-emitting diode (LED) based on GaN-on-SiC technology, housed in a standard 5 mm water-clear T-1 3/4 non-diffused package. It delivers typical luminous intensity of 640 mcd at 20 mA, with dominant wavelength of 466 nm, ±4° viewing angle, and forward voltage of 3.9–4.5 V - optimized for status indication and legend lighting in industrial control panels.

For engineers reviewing the TLHB5801 datasheet, TLHB5801 pinout, TLHB5801 application, or TLHB5801 equivalent, key selection criteria include luminous intensity binning (240–640 mcd), narrow viewing angle for directional visibility, ESD Class 1 robustness, thermal resistance of 350 K/W, and compatibility with standard through-hole LED mounting and drive circuits.

Technical Context

This LED uses gallium nitride epitaxially grown on silicon carbide substrate to achieve high quantum efficiency in the blue spectrum. Its optical design centers emission at 466 nm (dominant) with peak at 428 nm, and a tightly controlled ±4° half-intensity angle enabling precise light targeting without secondary optics.

Thermally, it supports continuous operation from –40°C to +100°C ambient, with maximum junction temperature of 100°C and power dissipation limited to 100 mW at ≤65°C ambient. The 350 K/W junction-to-ambient thermal resistance reflects its plastic package's passive heat path limitations.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TLHB5801 is a two-terminal through-hole LED in standard 5 mm (T-1 3/4) water-clear plastic package with cathode flat and anode longer lead. No polarity marking on body; orientation confirmed by lead length and internal cathode cup visible under magnification.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TLHB5801, AML-501SYDE offers broader viewing and higher intensity but different chromaticity, while TLHB5800 shares identical form factor and reliability but trades intensity for lower unit cost - both require revalidation of optical layout and drive circuit compliance.

Availability

TLHB5801 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for status lights, OFF/ON indicators, background illumination, and readout lighting requiring stable component supply, long-term luminance consistency, and industrial-grade thermal performance.

Supply support for TLHB5801 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 Telefunken (now Vishay Semiconductor GmbH) is a global leader in discrete semiconductors and passive components, founded in Germany with deep heritage in optoelectronics and power devices.

The TLHB5801 belongs to Vishay's high-brightness GaN-based LED family, engineered specifically for industrial human-machine interface applications demanding precise color, directional output, and long-term lumen maintenance.

FAQ

What is the dominant wavelength of TLHB5801 and why does it matter for indicator use?

The TLHB5801 has a dominant wavelength of 466 nm, placing it in the true blue spectral region. This matters because 466 nm provides high visual contrast against neutral backgrounds and aligns with international color-coding standards for "information" or "standby" states. Unlike shorter-wavelength violet LEDs, TLHB5801 avoids UV-related degradation while delivering perceptually bright blue light essential for legible status indication in industrial settings.

Can TLHB5801 be driven directly from a 3.3 V microcontroller GPIO pin?

No - TLHB5801 requires a minimum forward voltage of 3.9 V at rated current, exceeding typical 3.3 V GPIO high-level output. Driving it directly risks insufficient bias and no emission. TLHB5801 must be used with a current-limiting resistor fed from ≥5 V rail, or with a dedicated constant-current LED driver IC capable of ≥4.5 V compliance voltage to ensure stable 20 mA operation and full luminous output.

How does the ±4° viewing angle of TLHB5801 affect panel layout design?

The ±4° half-intensity angle means TLHB5801 emits light in a highly directional cone - over 90% of luminous flux is concentrated within 8° total spread. This requires precise mechanical alignment during assembly and limits usable viewing distance to ~1–2 meters for optimal brightness. Panel layouts must avoid adjacent indicators within <10 mm center-to-center spacing to prevent optical crosstalk and maintain discrete status recognition.

Is TLHB5801 suitable for outdoor applications exposed to sunlight?

TLHB5801 is rated for operation from –40°C to +100°C ambient and features water-clear epoxy resistant to UV-induced yellowing, making it viable for semi-outdoor enclosures. However, its 640 mcd intensity is insufficient for direct sunlight readability. For outdoor use, TLHB5801 should be deployed in shaded or recessed locations - e.g., behind tinted polycarbonate - or paired with optical concentrators to boost on-axis candela.

What does ESD Class 1 rating mean for TLHB5801 handling and PCB assembly?

ESD Class 1 indicates TLHB5801 can withstand only ≤199 V human-body-model (HBM) discharge - among the most sensitive device classes. This requires strict ESD controls: grounded workstations, ionized air, static-dissipative trays, and wrist straps during all handling and placement. Automated pick-and-place must use low-static vacuum nozzles, and reflow profiles must avoid thermal shock that could exacerbate latent ESD damage in the GaN junction.