High-speed IR emitters increase brightness by 30%

By Gina Roos, editor-in-chief

Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. extends its optoelectronics portfolio with the release of new high-speed infrared (IR) emitters in a 2 × 1.25 × 0.8-mm 0805 surface-mount package, claimed as the industry’s smallest package to offer opaque side walls. Built on Vishay’s SurfLight surface emitter chip technology, the Vishay Semiconductors VSMY5850X01  (850 nm), VSMY5890X01  (890 nm), and VSMY5940X01  (940 nm) deliver 30% higher radiant intensity than previous-generation devices over a wide temperature range of −40°C to 110°C.

Suitable for position tracking in virtual or augmented reality applications, the opaque side walls of the IR emitters prevent unwanted side emissions and simplify designs by eliminating the need for external barriers such as rubber rings, said Vishay.

In addition, unlike standard IR emitters that emit light in all directions, the SurfLight VSMY5850X01, VSMY5890X01, and VSMY5940X01 emit nearly all of their light and power out of the top of the chip. With most of the light on the surface, the IR emitters achieve higher intensity to 13 mW/sr for proximity sensors, optical switches, and miniature light barriers, said Vishay.

Other key features include a ±60° angle of half intensity, fast rise and fall times of 7 ns, and low forward voltages down to 1.6 V at 100 mA. The devices are qualified for use in automotive applications, following AEC-Q101 guidelines, offer a floor life of 168 hours, and feature a moisture sensitivity level of 3 in accordance with J-STD-020. The devices are RoHS-compliant, halogen-free, and Vishay Green.

Samples are available now. Production quantities are available with lead times of 10 weeks. Pricing for U.S. delivery starts at $0.399 per piece in quantities of 3,000.