Vishay Semiconductor Opto Division TLHK4600

Overview

TLHK4600 from Vishay Semiconductors is a high-intensity red AlInGaP-on-GaAs LED in a 3 mm tinted diffused T-1 package, delivering 6.3–15 mcd luminous intensity at 10 mA, with dominant wavelength 630 nm, ±60° viewing angle, and forward voltage 1.9–2.6 V at 20 mA - used for status indication and legend lighting in industrial control panels.

For engineers reviewing the TLHK4600 datasheet, TLHK4600 pinout, TLHK4600 application, or TLHK4600 equivalent, key selection criteria include luminous intensity binning (Q–Z groups), DC/high-peak-current capability (30 mA DC, 100 mA surge), thermal resistance (400 K/W), and compatibility with standard 3 mm LED mounting and soldering profiles.

Technical Context

The TLHK4600 uses AlInGaP epitaxial structure grown on GaAs substrate to achieve high-efficiency red emission at 630 nm dominant wavelength and 643 nm peak wavelength. Its diffused lens provides ±60° half-intensity angle and high on-off contrast under ambient light.

Designed for DC and pulsed operation, it supports forward currents up to 30 mA continuously (T_amb ≤ 60 °C) and 100 mA surge (t_p ≤ 10 μs), with junction-to-ambient thermal resistance of 400 K/W and operating temperature range from –40 °C to +100 °C.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: Ø3.2 mm ±0.15 mm diffused tinted plastic T-1 package with cathode-indicating flat side and 2.54 mm lead spacing; leads are tin-plated copper, compatible with wave and reflow soldering (260 °C, 5 s).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TLHK4600, AMLL-3312SURK offers higher VF consistency but reduced viewing angle, while TLHR4600 maintains full mechanical and thermal compatibility with a shifted hue for color-coded systems - neither is pin-compatible in the IC sense, but both share identical 3 mm through-hole mounting and drive requirements.

Availability

TLHK4600 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial HMIs, test equipment readouts, and control panel legend lighting requiring stable component supply, consistent luminous intensity binning, and extended temperature operation.

Supply support for TLHK4600 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 manufacturer of discrete semiconductors and passive components, founded in 1962 and headquartered in Malvern, PA.

The TLHK4600 belongs to Vishay's standard 3 mm LED product series, designed specifically for cost-sensitive, high-reliability visual indication in industrial, automotive, and consumer interfaces.

FAQ

What is the luminous intensity range of the TLHK4600 at 10 mA?

The TLHK4600 has a luminous intensity range of 6.3–15 mcd at 10 mA, tested with a 25 ms current pulse and ±11% measurement accuracy. It is shipped in standardized intensity groups (Q–Z), with each bag containing only one group - for example, group Q covers 6.3–12.5 mcd. This binning ensures consistent brightness across assemblies using multiple TLHK4600 devices.

What is the dominant and peak wavelength of the TLHK4600?

The TLHK4600 has a dominant wavelength of 630 nm and a peak wavelength of 643 nm, both measured at 10 mA forward current. The 630 nm value defines the perceived red hue under photopic vision, while the 643 nm peak reflects the spectral energy maximum - together they confirm AlInGaP-on-GaAs material composition and distinguish it from older GaAsP red LEDs with longer wavelengths.

Can the TLHK4600 be driven with pulsed current, and what are the limits?

Yes, the TLHK4600 supports pulsed operation with a surge forward current of 100 mA for pulses ≤10 μs. For continuous DC operation, the maximum forward current is 30 mA at ambient temperatures ≤60 °C. Pulse operation allows higher instantaneous brightness without exceeding average power dissipation limits - critical for multiplexed displays or strobed readout lighting using the TLHK4600.

What is the thermal resistance and maximum junction temperature of the TLHK4600?

The TLHK4600 has a junction-to-ambient thermal resistance of 400 K/W and a maximum junction temperature of 100 °C. This means that at 20 mA forward current and 1.9–2.6 V drop, power dissipation remains below 52 mW - well within the 80 mW rated power dissipation - provided board-level thermal paths and ambient conditions stay within spec. Exceeding 100 °C junction temperature risks accelerated lumen depreciation in the TLHK4600.

Is the TLHK4600 compatible with standard 3 mm LED footprints and soldering processes?

Yes, the TLHK4600 uses a standard Ø3 mm (T-1) package with 2.54 mm lead spacing and conforms to DIN-compliant mechanical dimensions. It supports both wave and reflow soldering at 260 °C for ≤5 seconds at 2 mm from the body. Its cathode is marked by a flat side on the package body, enabling automated optical recognition and manual polarity verification - ensuring full compatibility with existing 3 mm LED assembly lines and PCB layouts.