AP2012SF4C Infrared Emitter - Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The AP2012SF4C is an infrared (IR) emitter manufactured by Kingbright, designed for applications requiring 880nm wavelength emission at 50mA forward current. This surface-mount component operates across the industrial temperature range of -40°C to 85°C and is housed in a 2012 (5030 Metric) package format. The part is currently in active production status with ROHS3 compliance and is available in Tape & Reel packaging. Substitute parts are identified when equivalent functional performance can be achieved within the specified electrical and mechanical parameters of the application.

Substiute Parts

AP2012SF4C

KingbrightIn Stock: 784AP2012SF4C Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

IR17-21C/TR8

Everlight Electronics Co LtdIn Stock: 72292IR17-21C/TR8 Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the AP2012SF4C is evaluated based on the following critical parameters that define functional equivalence:

Primary Substitution Criteria:

• Infrared emitter type classification
• Wavelength compatibility (880nm primary specification)
• Forward current rating (50mA maximum)
• Forward voltage range (1.3V typical)
• Radiant intensity output (0.8mW/sr @ 20mA minimum)
• Viewing angle (120° standard)
• Surface-mount orientation (top view)
• Operating temperature range (-40°C to 85°C minimum)
• RoHS3 compliance status
• Moisture sensitivity level (MSL 3)

The IR17-21C/TR8 from Everlight Electronics Co Ltd is identified as a substitute part. However, this substitute exhibits the following parameter deviations that must be evaluated for application compatibility:

• Wavelength shift from 880nm to 940nm
• Forward current increase from 50mA to 65mA maximum
• Forward voltage reduction from 1.3V to 1.2V typical
• Radiant intensity reduction from 0.8mW/sr to 0.2mW/sr @ 20mA
• Operating temperature lower limit raised from -40°C to -25°C
• Package format change from 2012 (5030 Metric) to 0805 (2012 Metric)
• Packaging format change from Tape & Reel to Cut Tape & Digi-Reel

These deviations indicate the IR17-21C/TR8 functions as a substitute only when application requirements permit wavelength and intensity tolerance.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

AP2012SF4C Selection Criteria:

The AP2012SF4C remains the primary component choice when the following conditions are met:

• Application requires 880nm wavelength specification
• Operating environment includes temperatures below -25°C
• Radiant intensity output of 0.8mW/sr @ 20mA is required
• PCB layout utilizes 2012 (5030 Metric) footprint
• Forward current budget is limited to 50mA maximum
• Tape & Reel packaging format is required for automated assembly

IR17-21C/TR8 Substitution Conditions:

The IR17-21C/TR8 functions as a substitute only when all of the following conditions are satisfied:

• Application tolerance permits 940nm wavelength operation
• Operating environment maintains minimum temperature of -25°C or higher
• Application can accommodate 75% reduction in radiant intensity (0.2mW/sr @ 20mA)
• Circuit design accommodates increased forward current rating (65mA maximum)
• PCB layout can be modified to accommodate 0805 (2012 Metric) footprint
• Cut Tape & Digi-Reel packaging is compatible with assembly process
• Forward voltage reduction from 1.3V to 1.2V does not impact circuit performance

Both components maintain ROHS3 compliance, MSL 3 rating, and active production status. Selection between these parts is determined by application-specific wavelength, intensity, temperature, and package requirements rather than regulatory or availability factors.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the IR17-21C/TR8 be used as a direct replacement for the AP2012SF4C in all applications?

A: No. The IR17-21C/TR8 exhibits significant parameter deviations including 60nm wavelength shift, 75% radiant intensity reduction, and different package dimensions. Substitution is only valid when the application explicitly permits these changes and the operating temperature range does not fall below -25°C.

Q: What is the primary difference in radiant intensity between these two parts?

A: The AP2012SF4C produces 0.8mW/sr @ 20mA, while the IR17-21C/TR8 produces 0.2mW/sr @ 20mA. This represents a 75% reduction in output intensity. Applications requiring specific detection range or signal strength must verify compatibility before substitution.

Q: Are there package compatibility issues between AP2012SF4C and IR17-21C/TR8?

A: Yes. The AP2012SF4C uses a 2012 (5030 Metric) package, while the IR17-21C/TR8 uses an 0805 (2012 Metric) package. These are different physical footprints requiring PCB layout modification. Additionally, packaging format differs (Tape & Reel versus Cut Tape & Digi-Reel), affecting assembly process compatibility.

Q: What temperature limitation applies to the IR17-21C/TR8?

A: The IR17-21C/TR8 operates from -25°C to 85°C, compared to the AP2012SF4C range of -40°C to 85°C. Applications requiring operation below -25°C must use the AP2012SF4C.

Q: How does the wavelength difference affect application performance?

A: The AP2012SF4C operates at 880nm while the IR17-21C/TR8 operates at 940nm. This 60nm shift affects detector response, optical filtering, and system sensitivity. Applications using wavelength-specific detectors or filters must verify compatibility before substitution.

Q: Are both parts RoHS compliant?

A: Yes. Both the AP2012SF4C and IR17-21C/TR8 are ROHS3 compliant with MSL 3 (168 Hours) moisture sensitivity rating, meeting equivalent regulatory requirements.

Q: What forward current considerations apply to substitution?

A: The AP2012SF4C has a 50mA maximum forward current, while the IR17-21C/TR8 permits 65mA. Circuit design must accommodate the higher current rating of the substitute part. Forward voltage differs slightly (1.3V typical versus 1.2V typical), which may require minor circuit adjustment.