INDUSTRY COMPONENT

LED Light Source

LED light source for optical encoders providing precise illumination for position sensing.

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

Industry Taxonomies & Aliases

Commonly used trade names and technical identifiers for LED Light Source.

LED light source optical encoder LED encoder illumination industrial LED position sensing photoelectric encoder motion control GaAs LED encoder component LED Light Source in Computer, Electronic and Optical Product Manufacturing

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.

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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

Interchangeable Parts

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

Buyer Feedback

★★★★☆ 4.8 / 5.0 (27 reviews)

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"The technical documentation for this LED Light Source is very thorough, especially regarding technical reliability."

"Reliable performance in harsh Computer, Electronic and Optical Product Manufacturing environments. No issues with the LED Light Source so far."

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why are LEDs preferred over incandescent bulbs in optical encoders?

LEDs offer longer lifespan (>50,000 hours), faster response time (<100ns), lower power consumption, better shock/vibration resistance, and more stable light output over temperature variations.

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.

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.

Can I contact factories directly?

Yes, each factory profile provides direct contact information.

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