VLWW9900 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The VLWW9900 is a cool white LED indication component manufactured by Vishay Semiconductor Opto Division, designed for through-hole mounting applications. This discrete 4-DIP LED operates at 4.3V forward voltage with a 0.7mcd brightness rating and 5500K color temperature. The product is currently obsolete, making identification of compatible substitute components essential for ongoing system support, maintenance, and new design implementations where this LED type is specified.

Substiute Parts

VLWW9900

Vishay Semiconductor Opto DivisionIn Stock: 1078VLWW9900 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

R20WHT-5-0080

Bivar Inc.In Stock: 25507R20WHT-5-0080 Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the VLWW9900 is determined by strict alignment of the following parameters:

Primary Compatibility Criteria:

• Package / Case: 4-DIP (0.200", 5.08mm) form factor
• Mounting Type: Through Hole
• Color: White, Cool
• Lens Transparency: Clear
• Lens Style: Round with Domed Top

Secondary Compatibility Criteria:

• Wavelength - Dominant: Cool white range (5500K–6000K acceptable)
• Voltage - Forward (Vf): Operating range compatible with circuit design
• Viewing Angle: 80°–90° range
• RoHS and REACH compliance status

The R20WHT-5-0080 from Bivar Inc. meets all primary and secondary compatibility criteria, establishing it as a direct substitute for the obsolete VLWW9900.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The R20WHT-5-0080 (Bivar Inc.) is the qualified substitute for the obsolete VLWW9900 based on the following engineering criteria:

Mechanical Compatibility: Both components share identical 4-DIP (0.200", 5.08mm) package specifications and through-hole mounting configuration. Dimensional variance is negligible (0.02mm in length/width), with a 0.50mm maximum height increase on the substitute. PCB layout and mounting hole spacing require no modification.

Optical Compatibility: Both LEDs feature clear, round domed-top lenses with cool white color specification. The wavelength shift from 5500K to 6000K remains within the cool white spectrum and is imperceptible in indication applications.

Electrical Considerations: The R20WHT-5-0080 operates at 3.4V forward voltage versus the VLWW9900's 4.3V, representing a 0.9V reduction. Circuit current-limiting resistor values must be recalculated to accommodate this voltage difference and the lower 20mA test current specification. The substitute's 2000mcd brightness rating significantly exceeds the original 0.7mcd specification; brightness control through resistor adjustment may be necessary to maintain visual consistency with system design intent.

Regulatory Compliance: Both components maintain ROHS3 compliance and REACH Unaffected status, ensuring continued adherence to environmental and safety standards.

Product Availability: The R20WHT-5-0080 is in active production with substantial inventory availability (25,423 pcs), ensuring long-term supply continuity for the VLWW9900 replacement requirement.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the R20WHT-5-0080 be used as a direct drop-in replacement for the VLWW9900?

A: The R20WHT-5-0080 is mechanically and optically compatible with identical package footprint and mounting configuration. However, electrical circuit parameters require adjustment due to the 0.9V forward voltage difference and lower test current specification. Resistor values in the LED current-limiting circuit must be recalculated.

Q: What is the impact of the 2000mcd brightness difference?

A: The R20WHT-5-0080 provides approximately 2857 times greater brightness than the VLWW9900. For indication applications where the original 0.7mcd was specified, the substitute's brightness will be visually excessive. Circuit design must incorporate current-limiting resistor adjustment or PWM dimming to achieve appropriate brightness levels.

Q: Are there dimensional concerns with the 0.50mm height increase?

A: The R20WHT-5-0080 maximum height is 6.90mm versus the VLWW9900's 6.40mm. This 0.50mm increase is minimal and typically accommodated in standard PCB designs. Verify clearance in applications with height-constrained enclosures or adjacent components.

Q: Do both components meet the same regulatory standards?

A: Yes. Both the VLWW9900 and R20WHT-5-0080 are ROHS3 compliant and REACH Unaffected, maintaining equivalent environmental and safety certification status.

Q: What is the wavelength difference between 5500K and 6000K?

A: Both wavelengths fall within the cool white LED spectrum. The 500K difference is imperceptible to human vision in indication applications and does not affect functional compatibility.

Q: Is the 80° viewing angle of the R20WHT-5-0080 acceptable compared to the VLWW9900's 90°?

A: The 10° viewing angle reduction is negligible for most indication applications. Both angles provide wide-angle visibility. Verify compatibility only if the application requires the full 90° specification.

Q: What circuit modifications are required for substitution?

A: Recalculate the LED current-limiting resistor using the R20WHT-5-0080's 3.4V forward voltage specification. Adjust resistor value to achieve desired brightness, accounting for the significantly higher millicandela rating. No other circuit modifications are required.