AN501 Infrared Emitter 950nm Axial - Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The AN501 is an infrared (IR) emitter manufactured by Stanley Electric Co, designed for 950nm wavelength applications with 3mW/sr radiant intensity at 50mA in an axial through-hole package. This component is classified as obsolete, making identification of functionally equivalent alternatives necessary for ongoing system support and new design implementations. The axial package configuration and specific wavelength specification define the primary substitution criteria.

Substiute Parts

AN501

Stanley Electric CoIn Stock: 671AN501 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

QEB363

onsemiIn Stock: 2549QEB363 Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the AN501 is evaluated based on the following criteria derived from the provided parameters:

Primary Substitution Criteria:

• Package / Case: Axial through-hole configuration
• Type: Infrared (IR) emitter
• Wavelength: Near-infrared spectrum (940nm-950nm acceptable range)
• Mounting Type: Through Hole

Secondary Compatibility Factors:

• Radiant Intensity output level
• Operating temperature range
• Forward current rating
• Forward voltage characteristics

The QEB363 from onsemi qualifies as a substitute based on matching package type (axial), mounting method (through hole), and functional category (IR emitter). The wavelength difference of 10nm (940nm vs 950nm) falls within acceptable near-infrared spectrum tolerance for most IR receiver applications. The QEB363 demonstrates higher radiant intensity (8mW/sr @ 100mA) and wider operating temperature range (-40°C ~ 100°C), providing enhanced performance margins.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Substitution Feasibility:

The QEB363 (onsemi) is a qualified substitute for the AN501 based on matching package geometry (axial), identical mounting method (through hole), and functional equivalence as an infrared emitter. Both components share REACH Unaffected and EAR99 ECCN compliance status, ensuring regulatory consistency.

Compliance & Certification Status:

• AN501: REACH Unaffected, ECCN EAR99, HTSUS 8541.41.0000
• QEB363: REACH Unaffected, ECCN EAR99, HTSUS 8541.41.0000, RoHS3 Compliant

The QEB363 provides additional RoHS3 compliance certification, meeting stricter environmental standards applicable to new designs and certain market regions.

Availability & Production Status:

The AN501 is obsolete with limited remaining inventory (661 pcs). The QEB363 maintains active production status with substantially higher inventory availability (2455 pcs), ensuring reliable supply for both immediate replacement and future production requirements.

Performance Considerations:

The QEB363 delivers superior radiant intensity (8mW/sr @ 100mA vs 3mW/sr @ 50mA), requiring verification that receiving circuits do not saturate at the higher output level. The 10nm wavelength shift (940nm vs 950nm) is within typical IR receiver spectral response windows but must be confirmed against specific receiver photodiode characteristics.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the QEB363 directly replace the AN501 in existing PCB designs?

A: Yes, from a physical and mounting perspective. Both components use identical axial through-hole packages with matching lead spacing and orientation. However, circuit-level verification is required to confirm that the higher radiant intensity of the QEB363 (8mW/sr @ 100mA) does not exceed receiver saturation limits, and that the 10nm wavelength difference (940nm vs 950nm) falls within the receiver's spectral response curve.

Q: What is the significance of the 10nm wavelength difference between 950nm and 940nm?

A: The 10nm difference represents approximately 1% of the center wavelength and falls within the near-infrared spectrum. Most IR receiver photodiodes exhibit broad spectral response curves spanning 50nm or more, making this difference typically transparent to system operation. However, applications with narrowband receiver filters or specialized spectral requirements must validate compatibility against specific receiver datasheets.

Q: Why does the QEB363 have higher radiant intensity specifications?

A: The QEB363 specifications are measured at 100mA forward current, while the AN501 specifications are measured at 50mA. Higher forward current naturally produces higher radiant intensity. When operating the QEB363 at 50mA (matching AN501 operating point), its output would be proportionally lower, though likely still exceeding the AN501 baseline due to improved LED efficiency in the onsemi design.

Q: Are there any temperature range considerations for substitution?

A: The QEB363 operating range (-40°C ~ 100°C) exceeds the AN501 range (-30°C ~ 85°C) at both extremes. This provides additional margin for applications operating at temperature extremes. No derating is required for applications within the original AN501 temperature specification.

Q: What compliance certifications should I verify for my application?

A: Both components share REACH Unaffected and EAR99 ECCN status. The QEB363 additionally carries RoHS3 compliance, which may be mandatory depending on your target market or customer requirements. Verify your specific regulatory requirements before finalizing component selection.

Q: Is the axial package orientation identical between both parts?

A: Yes. Both the AN501 and QEB363 use axial through-hole packages with top-view orientation. Lead polarity and spacing are standard for this package type. Verify lead identification markings on the specific component batch, as manufacturing conventions may vary between suppliers.

Q: What inventory considerations should influence my substitution decision?

A: The AN501 has limited remaining inventory (661 pcs) with obsolete status, indicating no future production. The QEB363 maintains active production with 2455 pcs currently available. For designs requiring long-term component availability or volume production, the QEB363 is the only viable long-term option.