Vishay Semiconductor Opto Division TLHE4900

Overview

TLHE4900 from Vishay Semiconductors is a high-intensity yellow AlInGaP-on-GaAs LED in a standard ∅3 mm clear T-1 package, delivering luminous intensity ≥66 mcd at 10 mA, dominant wavelength 581–594 nm, and ±16° viewing angle. It serves as an ON/OFF status indicator in industrial control panels requiring precise optical alignment and high brightness under DC drive.

For engineers reviewing the TLHE4900 datasheet, TLHE4900 pinout, TLHE4900 application, or TLHE4900 equivalent, key selection criteria include its narrow viewing angle for directional signaling, Pb-free construction for RoHS compliance, and thermal resistance of 400 K/W enabling operation up to +100°C ambient.

Technical Context

This device uses AlInGaP on GaAs substrate technology to achieve high luminous efficiency in the yellow spectrum. Its ±16° half-intensity angle and 581–594 nm dominant wavelength are optimized for human-perceptible status indication with minimal optical crosstalk.

The TLHE4900 operates at 10–20 mA forward current with VF = 1.9–2.6 V, supports surge currents up to 100 mA (tp ≤ 10 μs), and maintains stable output across –40°C to +100°C ambient temperature range due to its 400 K/W junction-to-ambient thermal resistance.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TLHE4900 is housed in a standard ∅3 mm (T-1) clear plastic package with axial leads. The device has two terminals: anode and cathode, arranged in a standard through-hole configuration with cathode identified by shorter lead and/or flat edge on package base.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TLHR4900 and APL-3013SYEC, the TLHE4900 offers the narrowest beam (±16°) and lowest test current (10 mA) for luminous intensity specification, making it optimal for low-power, high-directionality status indication where optical isolation between adjacent indicators is critical.

Availability

TLHE4900 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial HMIs, factory automation panels, and medical device status interfaces requiring stable component supply, consistent color binning, and extended-temperature operation.

Supply support for TLHE4900 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 TLHE4900 belongs to Vishay's high-intensity AlInGaP LED product line, engineered specifically for applications demanding high-brightness, narrow-viewing-angle visual indicators in harsh industrial environments.

FAQ

What is the forward voltage range of the TLHE4900 at its rated operating current?

The TLHE4900 exhibits a forward voltage range of 1.9 V to 2.6 V when driven at 20 mA, per Vishay Document Number 83023 Rev. 1.6. This range reflects process variation across production lots and must be accounted for in series resistor selection. The TLHE4900's VF behavior is stable across its –40°C to +100°C operating temperature range, with typical drift less than 2 mV/°C.

Does the TLHE4900 require current-limiting circuitry, and what is its maximum continuous forward current?

Yes, the TLHE4900 requires external current limiting; its absolute maximum DC forward current is 30 mA at ambient temperatures ≤60°C. Exceeding this rating risks accelerated lumen depreciation and junction overheating. The TLHE4900's 400 K/W thermal resistance means that at 30 mA and 2.3 V average VF, power dissipation reaches ~69 mW - well within its 80 mW limit but dependent on PCB copper area and airflow.

What does the ±16° viewing angle specification mean for the TLHE4900's optical performance?

The ±16° angle of half intensity specifies the angular width where luminous intensity remains ≥50% of its on-axis value. For the TLHE4900, this results in a highly directional beam ideal for discrete status indication without optical crosstalk. At ±32°, intensity drops to ~10% of center value - a characteristic confirmed in Figure 3 of the TLHE4900 datasheet and critical for front-panel layout density.

How is luminous intensity binned for the TLHE4900, and why does it matter for panel design?

The TLHE4900 is categorized into luminous intensity bins where IV_min/IV_max ≤ 0.5 within each packing unit. This tight binning ensures uniform brightness across multiple TLHE4900 LEDs mounted on the same HMI panel, eliminating visible mismatches during operation. It directly supports consistent user interface appearance in safety-critical or brand-sensitive industrial equipment.

Is the TLHE4900 compliant with RoHS and lead-free soldering requirements?

Yes, the TLHE4900 is explicitly marked as a lead (Pb)-free device and complies with RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU. Its package supports reflow soldering at peak temperatures up to 260°C for ≤5 seconds at 2 mm from the body, as verified in the Absolute Maximum Ratings table of the TLHE4900 datasheet. No post-soldering cleaning is required due to halogen-free molding compound.