A Guide to the Optoelectronic Devices and Associated Hardware Listed under FSC 5980

For professionals involved in procurement and maintenance, utilizing Federal Supply Classes (FSCs) is a reliable way to consistently source the appropriate components for any given application. Each FSC organizes a specific subset of items, with FSC 5980 in particular encompassing optoelectronic devices and associated hardware. In this blog, we will touch on the diverse array of part types within FSC 5980 to help readers gain insight into their functions and the overall significance of this class.

What Is FSC 5980?

FSC 5980 serves to standardize the identification and procurement of devices and hardware that merge optical and electronic technologies. As such, this class includes optoelectronic devices, assemblies which display information, emitters, and nondisplay optoelectronic devices like couplers, detectors, and switches that perform an active function in an electronic system. Meanwhile, items such as electric lighting fixtures, lamps, and other such hardware are specifically excluded, providing separation between simpler lighting components and the specialized products found within FSC 5980.

Notable FSC 5980 Items

Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs)

Constructed from materials like gallium arsenide or gallium phosphide, LEDs are semiconductor devices that emit light when an electric current passes through them. They operate through electroluminescence, where electrons recombine with holes within the semiconductor material at the junction of a p-n diode, releasing energy in the form of photons. LEDs are utilized in an array of applications, with the variations listed under FSC 5980 including:

• Surface-Mount LEDs: These LEDs are designed to be directly placed onto the surface of printed circuit boards (PCBs) with solder pads instead of traditional leads. This facilitates automated assembly processes and allows for more compact and efficient circuit layouts, making them ideal for high-density applications like backlighting in displays and status indicators.
• Through-Hole LEDs: Featuring protruding leads that are inserted into holes on PCBs and soldered on the opposite side, through-hole LEDs provide robust mechanical bonds suitable for industrial equipment and large display panels.

Photodetectors

Photodetectors convert light into electrical signals, enabling the detection and measurement of optical information. They function in distinct ways to meet certain operational needs, with some subtypes including:

• Photodiodes: These semiconductor devices generate an electrical current based on the intensity of incoming light, and are known to respond very rapidly to changes in lighting levels. This functionality is perfect for applications that require precise light detection, such as optical communication systems, light meters, and safety equipment.
• Phototransistors: Combining the principles of photodiodes and transistors, phototransistors incorporate transistor amplification to produce a stronger electrical signal in response to light exposure. Their heightened sensitivity also allows them to detect even the lowest levels of light.

Display Devices

Display technologies under FSC 5980 serve to present visual information across numerous devices. The most popular options include:

• LCD Displays: Liquid Crystal Displays (LCDs) utilize liquid crystals that modulate light to produce images. By applying varying electrical currents, the orientation of the liquid crystals changes, controlling light passage to the present numeric, alpha-numeric, symbolic, or graphic information. LCDs are prevalent in devices like monitors, televisions, and instrument panels due to their low power consumption and sharp image quality.
• OLED Displays: Organic Light-Emitting Diode (OLED) displays consist of organic compounds that emit light in response to an electric current. Each pixel emits its own light, eliminating the need for backlighting and allowing for thinner, more flexible displays with high contrast ratios for smartphones, wearable devices, and high-end televisions.

Other Optoelectronic Devices

Beyond the aforementioned components, FSC 5980 also includes other significant devices, such as:

• Fiber Optic Couplers: Designed to manage optical signals, these components split or combine light transmission within fiber optic networks. Using precision-engineered structures like fused biconical taper (FBT) or planar lightwave circuits (PLC), they ensure minimal signal loss or interference and optimize routing in high-speed data communication and industrial applications.
• Laser Diodes: These semiconductor devices generate highly focused, coherent light through stimulated emission, achieved by an active laser medium within a diode structure. Their compact size, efficiency, and ability to produce precise beams make them a vital component in devices like optical disc drives, laser printers, and barcode scanners.
• Infrared Emitters and Sensors: Operating with infrared wavelengths outside the visible spectrum, these devices enable non-contact sensing and wireless communication. Emitters generate infrared light, while photodetectors or thermopiles receive and interpret the signals. Applications like motion detection, remote controls, and thermal imaging rely on their ability to detect heat signatures and transmit signals unaffected by ambient visible light.

Choose Aftermarket Aviation Spares for Procuring FSC 5980 Components

For those seeking a reliable source for optoelectronic devices and associated hardware, Aftermarket Aviation Spares is a go-to solution with our comprehensive selection and organized FSC catalogs. Our inventory features a vast amount of quality-assured items from trusted manufacturers and suppliers, ensuring that you receive only the best components for your operations. We are committed to providing competitive pricing and timely procurement solutions tailored to the needs of our customers, so be sure to check out our website.