Optoelectronics

Optoelectronics encompasses components that emit, detect, or control light — bridging the electrical and optical domains. This category includes LEDs (visible, UV, IR, RGB, addressable), LED displays (7-segment, dot matrix, bar graph), photodiodes/phototransistors, optocouplers/optoisolators, laser diodes, fiber optic transmitters/receivers, ambient light sensors, and IR emitters/detectors. Key LED parameters: luminous intensity (mcd/Lumen), viewing angle, forward voltage, dominant wavelength/color temperature, and package (through-hole 3mm/5mm, SMD 0603/0805/PLCC). For optocouplers: isolation voltage, CTR (current transfer ratio), and switching speed. For fiber optics: wavelength, data rate, connector type (LC, SC, ST). Popular manufacturers: Lite-On, Broadcom, Cree LED, Osram, Vishay, Kingbright, Everlight, and TT Electronics.