LED Light Source: Forward Voltage 1.8-3.6V DC

Q: What wavelength is optimal for optical encoder LEDs?

660nm (red) provides good visibility for alignment, while 850-940nm (infrared) offers better immunity to ambient light interference and is commonly used in industrial environments.

Q: How does LED degradation affect encoder accuracy?

LED output decreases gradually over time (typically <20% over 50,000 hours). Modern encoders compensate through automatic gain control circuits or reference photodetectors to maintain accuracy.

Component Specifications

Definition

A semiconductor-based light-emitting diode (LED) component specifically engineered for optical encoder systems, designed to emit consistent, focused light beams that interact with encoder discs or scales to generate position and motion data through photodetector interpretation.

Working Principle

Operates on electroluminescence where electrical current passes through a semiconductor p-n junction, emitting photons. In optical encoders, this light passes through or reflects off patterned encoder discs, creating light/dark patterns detected by photodetectors to determine position, speed, and direction with high resolution.

Materials

Gallium arsenide (GaAs) or gallium phosphide (GaP) semiconductor chips, aluminum gallium arsenide (AlGaAs) for infrared variants, epoxy or silicone encapsulation, gold bonding wires, copper or alloy lead frames, with anti-reflective coated glass or plastic lenses.

Technical Parameters

Parameter	Typical range	Notes & selection driver
Wavelength	660nm (red), 850nm (infrared), 940nm (infrared)
Response Time	<100ns
Viewing Angle	15-30 degrees
Forward Current	20-100mA
Forward Voltage	1.8-3.6V DC
Life Expectancy	>50,000 hours
Luminous Intensity	10-100 mcd
Operating Temperature	-40°C to +85°C

Ranges are indicative industry figures for RFQ preparation, not a supplier commitment. Confirm every value and standard with the legal manufacturer before ordering.

Standards

ISO 16063-21, DIN 5032-7, IEC 60747-5-5

Parent Products

This component is used in the following industrial products

Optical Encoders

Precision position and motion sensing devices that convert mechanical displacement into digital signals using optical principles.

View Product Details

Engineering Analysis

Risks & Mitigation

Thermal degradation reducing light output
Lens contamination affecting light pattern
Electrostatic discharge damage
Current surge damage
Mechanical misalignment

FMEA Triads

Trigger: Overcurrent operation
Failure: LED chip burnout
Mitigation: Implement constant current drivers with overcurrent protection, derate operating current to 70-80% of maximum rating

Trigger: Thermal stress from high ambient temperature
Failure: Accelerated lumen depreciation and wavelength shift
Mitigation: Use thermal pads/heat sinks, ensure adequate ventilation, select LEDs with high temperature ratings

Trigger: Vibration in industrial environments
Failure: Wire bond fracture or lens detachment
Mitigation: Use reinforced encapsulation, shock-resistant mounting, vibration testing per IEC 60068-2-6

Industrial Ecosystem

Compatible With

Typical Suppliers & Equivalents

Compliance & Inspection

Tolerance

±5% luminous intensity variation, ±3nm wavelength tolerance, ±0.5mm positional accuracy for mounting

Test Method

Photometric testing per CIE 127, thermal cycling per IEC 60068-2-14, vibration testing per IEC 60068-2-6, ESD testing per IEC 61000-4-2

Procurement Evaluation Criteria

A practical evidence checklist for RFQ preparation and supplier evaluation.

Technical documentation

Request current drawings, revision history, and a signed specification sheet.

Manufacturing capability

Verify equipment lists, process limits, capacity, and representative production evidence.

Inspection readiness

Confirm test methods, calibrated equipment, sampling plans, and traceable reports.

Supplier transparency

Check the legal entity, factory address, ownership, certifications, and direct contacts.

CNFX does not score or rank suppliers. Buyers must verify all claims and documents with the legal manufacturer before ordering.

Manufacturers of LED Light Source

5 companies list this product among what they make. Company figures are quoted from each company's own website; every card states where the relationship came from.

Jowin Lighting Co., Ltd.

Jiangmen, Guangdong, CN

Also makes: Power Distribution Panels