Vishay Semiconductor Opto Division TLVS4200

Overview

TLVH4200 from Vishay Semiconductors is a red backlighting LED in a Ø3 mm tinted non-diffused package, engineered for uniform panel illumination with ±85° viewing angle, 55 mln typical luminous flux at 15 mA, and 612–625 nm dominant wavelength. It operates at 2.4 V typical forward voltage (20 mA), supports ambient temperatures from –40 °C to +100 °C, and is optimized for LCD display backlighting with custom reflector integration.

For engineers reviewing the TLVH4200 datasheet, TLVH4200 pinout, TLVH4200 application, or TLVH4200 equivalent, key selection criteria include luminous flux binning (Group R: 10–20 mln), GaAsP-on-GaP semiconductor technology, 30 mA absolute max DC forward current, and compatibility with pulse-driven backlight control schemes requiring low self-heating and high reliability.

Technical Context

The TLVH4200 uses GaAsP-on-GaP heterostructure technology to deliver red emission with dominant wavelength tightly binned between 612 nm and 625 nm. Its Ø3 mm non-diffused package features a molded lens geometry that shapes radiation distribution for wide-angle backlighting rather than focused spot illumination.

Thermal design is constrained by 400 K/W junction-to-ambient thermal resistance and 100 °C maximum junction temperature, limiting continuous operation to ≤30 mA at Tamb ≤60 °C. Reverse voltage rating is 5 V, and junction capacitance is 50 pF at 0 V/1 MHz - parameters critical for high-speed multiplexed display driving.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TLVH4200 is a 2-terminal through-hole LED in a standard Ø3 mm tinted clear package per drawing 6.544-5268.01-4. Cathode is identified by flat edge on housing and shorter lead; anode is longer lead. No internal circuitry - direct DC or PWM drive only.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TLVH4200, TLVH4201 offers higher minimum luminous flux for demanding visibility conditions, while TLVH4202 provides tighter low-end flux control for ultra-low-power implementations - all share identical pinout, thermal behavior, and drive interface requirements.

Availability

TLVH4200 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial HMI backlighting, medical device status indication, and test equipment scale illumination requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and consistent luminous flux binning.

Supply support for TLVH4200 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 leader in discrete semiconductors and passive components, specializing in high-reliability optoelectronics, power MOSFETs, and precision resistors for industrial and automotive markets.

The TLVH4200 belongs to Vishay's TLV.420. series of backlighting LEDs - designed specifically for uniform, wide-angle illumination of displays, switches, and graphic interfaces in harsh-environment applications.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous forward current for TLVH4200?

The TLVH4200 has an absolute maximum DC forward current of 30 mA at ambient temperatures ≤60 °C. Exceeding this value risks accelerated degradation or thermal runaway. At higher ambient temperatures, derating is required per Fig. 1 in the datasheet. The TLVH4200 must not be operated above 30 mA in continuous mode regardless of heatsinking, as its 400 K/W thermal resistance limits junction temperature rise.

Does TLVH4200 require a current-limiting resistor in series?

Yes, TLVH4200 requires a series current-limiting resistor when driven from a fixed-voltage source. With a typical forward voltage of 2.4 V at 20 mA and maximum of 3 V, the resistor value must be calculated based on supply voltage and target current (e.g., 15–20 mA). Constant-current drivers are preferred for stable luminance; the TLVH4200 does not contain integrated regulation.

What does the "R" in TLVH4200's luminous flux bin indicate?

The "R" denotes Luminous Flux Group R (10–20 mln), one of nine standardized bins defined in the TLV.420. series datasheet. TLVH4200 units shipped carry this group designation, ensuring batch-to-batch consistency. Vishay ships only one flux group per bag - no mixing - so design margin must account for the full 10–20 mln range when specifying optics or driver headroom.

Can TLVH4200 be used in reverse-biased configuration?

No - TLVH4200 is not rated for reverse conduction. Its absolute maximum reverse voltage is 5 V, and the datasheet explicitly warns against sustained reverse bias. While Note (1) mentions short-term reverse drive suitability, this refers only to transient conditions (e.g., ESD protection circuits), not functional operation. Reverse biasing TLVH4200 will cause irreversible damage if exceeding 5 V or applied continuously.

How does TLVH4200's tinted clear package differ from diffused LED packages?

The TLVH4200's tinted clear package uses transparent red-tinted epoxy with no internal diffusing agent, preserving beam directionality and spectral purity. Unlike diffused packages that scatter light broadly, this design enables precise optical control via external reflectors or lenses - essential for achieving uniform backlighting across large areas without sacrificing edge definition or color fidelity in the TLVH4200 system implementation.