Vishay Semiconductor Opto Division VLHW5100

Overview

VLHW5100 from Vishay Semiconductors is an ultrabright white LED in a clear, non-diffused 5 mm through-hole package, utilizing InGaN + phosphor converter technology, with luminous intensity of 5600–11200 mcd at 20 mA, forward voltage 2.8–3.6 V, and ±10° viewing angle - deployed in front-panel indicators and outdoor LED panels.

For engineers reviewing the VLHW5100 datasheet, VLHW5100 pinout, VLHW5100 application, or VLHW5100 equivalent, this page delivers verified optical/electrical specs, binning classification context, thermal derating behavior, ESD protection rating (4 kV), and Zener-protected reverse polarity tolerance - all critical for reliability-critical indicator and lighting designs.

Technical Context

The VLHW5100 is a monolithic, single-die white LED with integrated phosphor conversion, optimized for narrow-beam directional visibility. Its ±10° half-intensity angle and untinted lens enable high on-axis luminance without diffusion loss, while chromaticity coordinates (x=0.33, y=0.33) are binned per CIE 1931 groups 3A–5D to ensure color consistency across production reels.

Thermal performance is defined by R_thJA = 400 K/W and junction temperature limit of 100 °C; luminous intensity exhibits –0.5 %/K temperature coefficient, and forward voltage has –4 mV/K coefficient - requiring current regulation and thermal management in sustained 20–30 mA operation.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 5 mm radial-leaded, non-diffused clear epoxy lens, standard T-1¾ (Ø5.0 mm) through-hole package with cathode flat and anode longer lead per JEDEC standards.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with L-7113SURK and TLW-5900, the VLHW5100 provides higher luminous intensity, tighter beam control, integrated reverse protection, and chromaticity binning - making it preferable for high-reliability, color-consistent, and space-constrained white indicator applications.

Availability

VLHW5100 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for instrumentation indicators, outdoor LED panels, and interior lighting modules requiring stable component supply, consistent chromaticity, and robust reverse-polarity tolerance.

Supply support for VLHW5100 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, automotive, and computing markets.

The VLHW5100 belongs to Vishay's standard 5 mm LED product series, engineered for high-end indicator and lighting applications demanding luminous intensity consistency, thermal stability, and mechanical ruggedness in harsh environments.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous forward current rating for the VLHW5100?

The VLHW5100 has a DC forward current rating of 30 mA at Tamb = 25 °C. Operation above this value requires thermal derating per the datasheet's Fig. 1, and sustained operation near 30 mA demands attention to PCB copper area and ambient temperature to avoid exceeding the 100 °C junction limit. The VLHW5100 must not be operated beyond its absolute maximum ratings even momentarily without appropriate thermal design.

Does the VLHW5100 include built-in reverse polarity protection?

Yes, the VLHW5100 integrates a Zener diode for reverse voltage protection, rated to withstand up to 5 V reverse bias. This allows the VLHW5100 to survive brief reverse connections during assembly or field service without external components. However, the Zener is not intended for continuous reverse conduction - prolonged exposure above 5 V may cause irreversible degradation of the VLHW5100.

How is luminous intensity binned for the VLHW5100, and what does "EA" mean on the label?

The VLHW5100 is binned into luminous intensity groups DB (5600–7100 mcd), EA (7100–9000 mcd), and EB (9000–11200 mcd). "EA" on the reel label indicates that all units on that reel fall within the 7100–9000 mcd range at 20 mA. Vishay ships only one intensity group per reel to ensure uniform brightness - no mixing occurs, which simplifies visual matching in multi-LED applications.

What chromaticity coordinate group does the standard VLHW5100 belong to?

The standard VLHW5100 is specified with chromaticity coordinates x = 0.33 and y = 0.33, placing it in Group 4B per Vishay's classification table. Group 4B spans x = 0.3275–0.3400 and y bounded by linear equations, targeting a neutral white point suitable for instrumentation and general-purpose indication where color fidelity matters. Units shipped as VLHW5100 meet this coordinate specification unless ordered with alternate bin codes.

Can the VLHW5100 be used in reflow soldering processes?

No - the VLHW5100 is a through-hole device with leads designed for wave or hand soldering, not surface-mount reflow. Its maximum soldering temperature is 260 °C for ≤5 seconds, but this applies only to the lead termination zone, not the full body. Reflow profiles exceed thermal limits of the epoxy lens and internal wire bonds. The VLHW5100 must be mounted prior to any reflow step or placed on boards processed exclusively with through-hole methods.