

The 1206VCA940R8 is a compact 940nm single-channel 1206 SMD VCSEL designed for surface-mount optical integration. It features a typical central wavelength of 940nm , a typical operating current of 10mA , a typical forward voltage of 1.8V , and a specified peak power of 7.2mW in the product summary. The device also provides high reliability, wavelength stabilization, Pb-free construction, RoHS compliance and Moisture Sensitivity Level L3.
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- Description
- Additional information
Description
940nm 1206 SMD VCSEL Overview
The
1206VCA940R8
is a single-channel
940nm VCSEL (Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Laser)
supplied in a compact 1206 surface-mount package. The product summary specifies a wavelength of
940nm
, peak power of
7.2mW
, and a VCSEL chip dimension of
160 × 160 × 100 µm
- .
- The device is designed for compact surface-mount integration and features high reliability, wavelength stabilization, Pb-free construction and EU RoHS compliance. The datasheet also specifies Moisture Sensitivity Level L3 and a light emission angle of 10°.
Key Performance: Typical 940nm central wavelength, 10mA operating current, 1.8V forward voltage and 40% power conversion efficiency under the specified datasheet test conditions.
Key Features
- 1206 SMD VCSEL package
- Single-channel VCSEL
- Typical central wavelength: 940nm
- High reliability
- Wavelength stabilization
- Light emission angle: 10°
- Typical operating current: 10mA
- Typical forward voltage: 1.8V
- Typical power conversion efficiency: 40%
- Pb-free product compliant with EU RoHS requirements
- Moisture proof grade: L3
Product Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model | 1206VCA940R8 |
| Product Type | 1206 SMD VCSEL |
| Channel | Single Channel |
| Wavelength | 940 nm |
| Specified Peak Power | 7.2 mW |
| VCSEL Chip Dimension | 160 × 160 × 100 µm |
| Typical Operating Current | 10 mA |
| Typical Forward Voltage | 1.8 V |
| Typical Power Conversion Efficiency | 40% |
| Light Emission Angle | 10° |
| Moisture Proof Grade | L3 |
| Compliance | Pb-free / RoHS compliant |
Detailed Electrical and Optical Characteristics
The following detailed specifications are provided at
Ta = 25°C
. The datasheet notes that certain measurements are tested at the suggested bias current with the backside temperature of the chip at 50°C under CW operation.
| Category | Parameter | Symbol | Unit | Min. | Typical | Max. | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical | Threshold Current | Ith | mA | — | 1.35 | 2 | #1, #2 |
| Electrical | Operating Current | Io | mA | — | 10 | — | — |
| Electrical | Forward Voltage | Vo | V | 1.6 | 1.8 | 2.2 | #1 |
| Optical | Central Wavelength | λp | nm | 934 | 940 | 946 | #1 |
| Optical | Divergence | Θ | ° | 20 | 23 | 26 | Full width, 1/e², #1 |
| Optical | Optical Power | Po | W* | 6.5 | 7.2 | 8.5 | Peak, #1 |
| Optical | Dead Emitters | Nde | ea | — | — | 0 | #1, #3 |
| Opti-electrical | Slope Efficiency | ηSE | mW/mA | 0.75 | 0.83 | — | #1, #2 |
| Opti-electrical | Power Conversion Efficiency | PCE | % | 36 | 40 | — | #1 |
Datasheet Unit Note:
The detailed specification table prints the optical power unit as “W”, while the Product Summary specifies 7.2mW and the LIV chart also uses mW on the power axis. The original detailed-table unit is retained here to avoid silently altering the source data. Please confirm the intended unit with the supplier if required.
Detailed Specification Notes
- #1: Tested at the suggested bias current, with the temperature on the backside of the chip at 50°C under CW operation.
- #2: Linear regression between 3mA and 6mA.
- #3: Dead emitters are defined as emitters with output power below 50% of the average of all emitters in the unit.
Typical LIV Performance at 50°C
The LIV performance chart in the datasheet shows the relationship between drive current, optical power and forward voltage at 50°C. Optical power increases with current while the corresponding forward voltage rises gradually across the plotted operating range.

Typical Power Conversion Efficiency
The datasheet provides a typical PCE performance curve at 50°C. The detailed specifications list a typical power conversion efficiency of
40%
under the stated test conditions.

Optical Divergence and Emission Angle
The datasheet lists a
light emission angle of 10°
in the Features section. In the detailed optical specifications, divergence is separately specified as
20° minimum, 23° typical and 26° maximum
using the full-width 1/e² definition. These values are retained separately because they are presented under different definitions in the original datasheet.
1206 SMD Package Dimensions
The device uses a compact 1206 surface-mount package. According to the external dimension drawing,
terminal 1 is the cathode
and
terminal 2 is the anode
. The drawing also provides the recommended soldering pad dimensions for PCB integration.
| Package Parameter | Dimension |
|---|---|
| Package Length | 3.2 ± 0.2 mm |
| Overall Height | 2.0 ± 0.2 mm |
| Base Height | 0.5 ± 0.1 mm |
| Terminal 1 | Cathode |
| Terminal 2 | Anode |

Absolute Maximum Ratings
The following values are specified as absolute maximum ratings and should not be interpreted as recommended continuous operating conditions.
| Parameter | Rating |
|---|---|
| Continuous Forward Current | 15 mA |
| Maximum Reverse Bias Voltage | 5 V |
| ESD Threshold (Human Body Model) | Not specified in the datasheet table |
| Storage Temperature Range | -40°C to +125°C |
| Substrate Temperature During Operation | -20°C to +85°C |
Tape and Reel Packaging
The 1206VCA940R8 is supplied in
tape-and-reel packaging with 1500 pieces per reel
. The original reel and carrier tape drawings are shown below for automated surface-mount assembly reference.


Storage and Handling
The datasheet specifies moisture-controlled storage requirements before and after opening the package. Following these conditions helps protect the device before mounting and soldering.
- Do not open the moisture-proof bag before the devices are ready for use.
- Before opening, store at 30°C or below and 60% RH or below.
- The maximum storage period before opening the package is 1 year.
- After opening, keep the devices at 30°C / 35% RH or below.
- Use the devices within 7 days after opening.
- If baking is required before mounting, the specified condition is 60 ± 5°C for 12 hours.
Soldering Precautions
Proper soldering and electrical handling are important for maintaining device reliability. The datasheet specifies precautions for current limiting, transient voltage protection and reflow soldering.
- Use a current-limiting resistor so that the device operates within the rated current.
- Avoid instantaneous high voltage during circuit turn-on and turn-off.
- Reflow soldering should not be performed more than two times.
- Do not apply mechanical stress to the device during soldering.
- Do not warp the circuit board before it has returned to normal ambient conditions after soldering.
Request a Quote
Contact LumiLaserChip for pricing, sample availability, lead time and technical information for the
1206VCA940R8 940nm 1206 SMD VCSEL
. When requesting a quotation, please provide your required quantity, application and relevant optical or electrical requirements so that we can evaluate the appropriate supply option for your project.
VCSEL Optical Design
For VCSEL integration, review the operating wavelength, optical output and drive conditions, package footprint, optical emission pattern and temperature behavior shown in the product specifications.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of photonic device is 940nm 1206 SMD VCSEL Laser Diode – 1206VCA940R8?
940nm 1206 SMD VCSEL Laser Diode – 1206VCA940R8 belongs to the VCSEL product family and is used for laser emission applications.
What wavelength or spectral range does 940nm 1206 SMD VCSEL Laser Diode – 1206VCA940R8 use?
The specified wavelength or spectral range is 940 nm. Refer to the technical specifications above for operating conditions and applicable tolerances.
What package is available for 940nm 1206 SMD VCSEL Laser Diode – 1206VCA940R8?
The product is listed in 1206 SMD format. Check the package drawing and pin or fiber details above before integration.
What applications are associated with 940nm 1206 SMD VCSEL Laser Diode – 1206VCA940R8?
The product is listed for 3D & Proximity Sensing. Suitability should be evaluated against the required optical and electrical specifications.
Related Technical Resources
Additional information
| Device Technology | VCSEL |
|---|---|
| Wavelength Band | 700–999 nm |
| Application | 3D & Proximity Sensing |
| Package Type | 1206 SMD |
| Device Function | Laser Emission |
| Wavelength / Spectral Range | 940 nm |
| Optical Interface | PCB Surface Mount |
