Vishay Semiconductor Opto Division TSOP34138

Overview

TSOP34138 from Vishay Semiconductors is an infrared (IR) receiver module optimized for short-burst remote control systems operating at 38 kHz carrier frequency, with AGC1 configuration for legacy remote protocols. It integrates a PIN photodiode and preamplifier in a molded epoxy package with built-in IR filter, delivers active-low demodulated output directly compatible with microcontrollers, and supports operation from 2.0 V to 5.5 V supply voltage.

For engineers reviewing the TSOP34138 datasheet, TSOP34138 pinout, TSOP34138 application, or TSOP34138 equivalent, key selection considerations include its ±45° horizontal directivity, 39 m typical transmission distance with TSAL6200 emitter, 0.35 mA typical supply current at 3.3 V, immunity to fluorescent lamp interference (Fig. 13), and suitability for RC5, XMP, RECS-80, RCMM, and r-map code formats.

Technical Context

The TSOP34138 implements a band-pass filter centered at 38 kHz with Δf(3 dB) = f₀/10, enabling selective detection of modulated IR signals while rejecting continuous or off-frequency noise. Its AGC1 architecture provides baseline noise suppression without aggressive gain reduction, preserving compatibility with standard remote control burst lengths (≥6 cycles/burst) and gap timing (6–70 cycles between bursts).

Internal circuitry includes a demodulator with output pulse width control (tpo constrained to tpi ± 3.5/f₀), DC-blocking and automatic gain control logic, and output stage capable of sinking 0.5 mA at ≤100 mV low-level voltage. The device operates across –25 °C to +85 °C ambient temperature and is not qualified for automotive use.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TSOP34138 uses a 3-pin leaded surface-mount package (6.0 mm × 6.95 mm × 5.6 mm) with epoxy IR-filtered housing and standardized TSOP footprint. Pin 1 is OUT (active-low demodulated output), Pin 2 is GND (signal and power ground reference), and Pin 3 is VS (2.0–5.5 V supply input).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar IR receiver applications.

Compared with TSOP32138, TSOP34138 offers identical functionality with reversed supply/ground pinout-requiring layout change but no firmware or performance trade-off. Against TSOP34338, TSOP34138 prioritizes protocol compatibility over noise rejection, making it optimal for consumer remote ecosystems where RC5 and XMP dominance demands minimal false-trigger risk.

Availability

TSOP34138 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for TV remote control receivers, HVAC IR interfaces, set-top box command inputs, and smart home hub IR gateways requiring stable component supply, consistent parametric performance, and long-term manufacturing continuity.

Supply support for TSOP34138 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 semiconductor manufacturer specializing in discrete components, sensors, and optoelectronics, with emphasis on reliability, precision, and application-specific integration.

The TSOP341xx series belongs to Vishay's IR receiver module product line, engineered specifically for short-burst remote control systems in consumer electronics where noise immunity, low power, and multi-code compatibility are critical.

FAQ

What is the carrier frequency supported by TSOP34138?

The TSOP34138 is tuned to a nominal carrier frequency of 38 kHz, with a 3 dB bandwidth of ±3.8 kHz (Δf = f₀/10). This matches industry-standard remote control protocols including RC5, XMP, RECS-80, RCMM, and r-map. Its center frequency tolerance and selectivity ensure robust demodulation of 38 kHz-modulated IR signals while rejecting adjacent frequencies such as 36 kHz or 40 kHz.

Does TSOP34138 require external components for basic operation?

TSOP34138 operates autonomously with only a pull-up resistor on the OUT pin and optional decoupling capacitor (C1) on the VS pin. The datasheet recommends a 100 nF ceramic capacitor placed close to Pin 3 (VS) when supply ripple or spikes exceed specification limits. No external amplifier, filter, or level shifter is needed-its integrated PIN diode, preamplifier, and demodulator deliver ready-to-decode digital output.

Is TSOP34138 qualified for automotive applications?

No, TSOP34138 is not qualified to AEC-Q200 or any automotive-grade reliability standard. The datasheet explicitly states "These components have not been qualified to automotive specifications." Its operating temperature range is –25 °C to +85 °C, and it lacks automotive-specific stress testing, qualification reporting, or PPAP documentation. For automotive infotainment or climate control IR receivers, Vishay's automotive-qualified alternatives must be selected.

How does TSOP34138 handle ambient light interference?

TSOP34138 incorporates an epoxy-integrated IR passband filter centered at 950 nm and employs AGC1-based dynamic gain control to suppress DC and low-frequency ambient light (e.g., tungsten bulbs, sunlight). It rejects continuous or slowly varying irradiance up to 10 W/m² (≈8.2 klx daylight) and is specifically designed to ignore interference patterns from low-modulation fluorescent lamps per Figure 13 in the datasheet.

What is the minimum burst length required for reliable detection by TSOP34138?

TSOP34138 requires a minimum burst length of 6 carrier cycles at 38 kHz (≈158 µs), as specified in the "SUITABLE DATA FORMAT" section. Bursts shorter than this threshold may not trigger valid output pulses. Additionally, a gap time of 6–70 cycles (158–1.84 ms) is required between consecutive bursts to ensure proper AGC recovery and avoid false triggering.