PLPVCQ 940B1-P VCSEL IR Laser Diode Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The PLPVCQ 940B1-P is a VCSEL (Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Laser) infrared laser diode manufactured by ams-OSRAM USA INC. This component operates at 938nm wavelength with a power output of 2.15W and is housed in a 3-SMD, No Lead package. The part is classified as Obsolete, making identification of equivalent and substitute components essential for ongoing system support, design updates, and procurement continuity. Obsolete status indicates the manufacturer has discontinued production, necessitating qualified alternatives for new designs or replacement applications.

Substiute Parts

PLPVCQ 940B1-P

ams-OSRAM USA INC.In Stock: 1124PLPVCQ 940B1-P Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

V105Q121A-940

ams-OSRAM USA INC.In Stock: 1183V105Q121A-940 Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the PLPVCQ 940B1-P is determined by the following critical parameters:

Wavelength Compatibility: The substitute part must operate within the near-infrared spectrum at or near 940nm. The original part operates at 938nm; the substitute V105Q121A-940 operates at 940nm, representing a 2nm variance within typical VCSEL manufacturing tolerances for this product category.

Power Output: The original part delivers 2.15W. The substitute delivers 3.2W, providing higher power capability. This represents an increase in optical output and may require thermal management evaluation in the application circuit.

Voltage Characteristics: The original part operates at 1.75V – 2.25V input range. The substitute operates at a fixed 2.3V input. The substitute voltage falls within the upper range of the original specification, ensuring compatibility with standard power supply configurations.

Package Configuration: The original part uses a 3-SMD, No Lead package. The substitute uses a 4-SMD, No Lead package. Both are surface-mount configurations without lead frames, but the pin count and footprint differ, requiring PCB layout modification.

Compliance and Environmental Ratings: Both parts are ROHS3 Compliant and REACH Unaffected. The substitute has improved moisture sensitivity (MSL 2, 1 Year) compared to the original (MSL 3, 168 Hours), indicating better performance in humid storage conditions.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Product Status Consideration: The PLPVCQ 940B1-P is classified as Obsolete. The substitute V105Q121A-940 is classified as Active, confirming ongoing manufacturer support and availability. Selection of the Active substitute ensures long-term supply chain viability and access to technical documentation.

Compliance Alignment: Both parts are ROHS3 Compliant and REACH Unaffected, meeting current environmental and regulatory requirements for electronic components in regulated markets.

Operational Compatibility: The substitute operates at 2.3V, which falls within the original part's specified voltage range (1.75 – 2.25V upper boundary). This ensures compatibility with existing power supply designs without modification. However, the higher power output (3.2W vs. 2.15W) requires evaluation of thermal dissipation in the application circuit.

Physical Integration: The substitute uses a 4-SMD package versus the original 3-SMD package. This difference necessitates PCB layout modification, including updated footprint design, trace routing, and thermal via placement if applicable.

Moisture and Storage: The substitute's improved moisture sensitivity rating (MSL 2 vs. MSL 3) provides extended shelf life and reduced risk of moisture-induced degradation during storage and handling.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the V105Q121A-940 be used as a direct drop-in replacement for the PLPVCQ 940B1-P?

A: No. While both are VCSEL laser diodes from the same manufacturer operating in the 940nm band, the V105Q121A-940 uses a 4-SMD package compared to the original 3-SMD package. PCB layout modification is required. Additionally, the higher power output (3.2W vs. 2.15W) may require thermal management adjustments.

Q: What is the wavelength difference between 938nm and 940nm, and does it affect system performance?

A: The 2nm difference is within standard manufacturing tolerances for VCSEL components in this category. Both wavelengths fall within the near-infrared spectrum used for sensing and communication applications. System performance impact depends on application-specific spectral filtering or detector sensitivity curves; this must be evaluated against your specific optical design.

Q: Is the substitute's higher power output (3.2W vs. 2.15W) a concern?

A: The increased power output provides higher optical intensity. Applications requiring lower power may need to implement optical attenuation or current limiting. Applications requiring higher power will benefit from improved signal strength. Thermal dissipation must be verified for your specific circuit design.

Q: Are both parts RoHS and REACH compliant?

A: Yes. Both the PLPVCQ 940B1-P and V105Q121A-940 are ROHS3 Compliant and REACH Unaffected, meeting current environmental regulations for electronic components.

Q: What does MSL 3 versus MSL 2 mean for component handling?

A: MSL (Moisture Sensitivity Level) indicates the component's sensitivity to moisture absorption. MSL 3 (original) allows 168 hours of exposure before baking is required. MSL 2 (substitute) allows 1 year of exposure, providing significantly better tolerance to humid storage conditions and reducing the need for controlled-environment handling.

Q: Is the substitute available in the same packaging format as the original?

A: The substitute is supplied in Tape & Reel (TR) format, which is standard for high-volume surface-mount production. The original part's packaging format was not specified in the documentation. Tape & Reel format is compatible with automated assembly equipment.

Q: Why is the original part obsolete?

A: Manufacturer discontinuation of the PLPVCQ 940B1-P indicates the product has reached end-of-life status. The V105Q121A-940 represents the manufacturer's current-generation equivalent, offering improved specifications and active production support.