Vishay Intertechnology Transmissive Sensors Offer Greater Vertical Headroom and Design Flexibility for Industrial and Consumer Applications

Rhea-AI Summary

Vishay Intertechnology (NYSE: VSH) expanded its transmissive sensor family on January 7, 2026 with two new SMD devices: the single-channel VT171P and dual-channel VT172U.

Key product facts: compact 5.5 mm x 4 mm x 5.7 mm package, 42% increased dome height vs prior industrial devices, 3 mm gap, 0.3 mm apertures, typical output current 1.5 mA, wavelength 950 nm, rise/fall times 14 μs and 21 μs, MSL1 (unlimited floor life), Pb-free reflow compatible, RoHS and halogen-free. Samples and production units are available now with 10-week lead times.

Positive

• Dome height +42% vs previous-generation industrial devices
• Compact SMD package 5.5 mm x 4 mm x 5.7 mm
• Typical output current 1.5 mA
• Fast rise/fall times 14 μs / 21 μs
• MSL1 rating: unlimited floor life and Pb-free reflow compatible

Negative

• Samples and production have a 10-week lead time

Key Figures

Package size 5.5 mm x 4 mm x 5.7 mm SMD package dimensions for VT171P and VT172U

Dome height increase 42 % Increased dome height vs previous-generation industrial devices

Output current 1.5 mA Typical output current for both transmissive sensors

Operating wavelength 950 nm Infrared emitter wavelength for VT171P and VT172U

Gap width 3 mm Gap width of the transmissive sensors

Aperture size 0.3 mm Aperture dimension for each device

Rise time 14 μs Typical signal rise time

Fall time 21 μs Typical signal fall time

Market Reality Check

$16.19 Last Close

Volume Volume 1,645,639 vs 20-day average of 1,250,132, indicating elevated trading activity. normal

Technical Price $16.56 is trading above the $15.05 200-day moving average.

Peers on Argus 1 Down

VSH gained 7.39% with higher volume, while key peers like DIOD, SYNA, POWI, SIMO, and SMTC also showed positive price changes between 4.02% and 10.46%. Momentum scanner data flagged only QRVO, which moved -8.99% without news, suggesting VSH’s move is more company-specific than a uniform sector reaction.

Historical Context

Date	Event	Sentiment	Move	Catalyst
Dec 17	Product launch	Positive	-2.1%	Introduction of thin film chip fuses with fast and very fast acting performance.
Dec 11	Product award	Positive	+0.3%	Space-grade planar transformers received a 2025 AspenCore EE Awards Asia recognition.
Dec 10	Product launch	Positive	+2.9%	Launch of AEC-Q200 qualified glass-protected NTC thermistor in 0402 case size.
Dec 09	Product award	Positive	+0.5%	VEML4031X00 ambient light sensor won a 2025 AspenCore World Electronics award.
Dec 03	Product launch	Positive	+6.4%	Introduction of 1200 V SiC MOSFET power modules in MAACPAK PressFit packages.

Pattern Detected

Recent product and award announcements have usually seen positive price alignment, with 4 aligned reactions and 1 divergence.

Recent Company History

Over the last month, Vishay has issued a series of product and recognition announcements. On Dec 3, 2025, new 1200 V SiC MOSFET power modules coincided with a 6.41% gain. Subsequent news included an ambient light sensor award on Dec 9, an AEC‑Q200 NTC thermistor on Dec 10, and a space‑grade planar transformer award on Dec 11, all with modest positive reactions. A thin‑film fuse launch on Dec 17 saw a -2.08% move. Today’s transmissive sensor launch fits this pattern of frequent incremental product updates.

Market Pulse Summary

This announcement adds new transmissive sensors with a compact 5.5 mm x 4 mm x 5.7 mm package, increased dome height, and 1.5 mA typical output current to Vishay’s portfolio. It follows a series of late‑2025 product launches and awards across sensors, thermistors, and power modules. Investors monitoring this name may focus on how such niche components support broader industrial, consumer, and telecom demand, as well as future disclosures that quantify revenue impact from these introductions.

Key Terms

surface-mount technical

"two new surface-mount devices for industrial, consumer, and telecom applications"

Surface-mount describes a method of attaching electronic parts directly onto the flat surface of a circuit board instead of threading them through holes. For investors, it matters because this manufacturing approach typically enables smaller, cheaper and faster-produced products with higher assembly automation, affecting production costs, supply-chain flexibility and the competitiveness of companies that make or rely on electronic devices—like choosing stickers over sewing items on by hand.

phototransistor technical

"includes an infrared emitter and phototransistor detector located face-to-face"

A phototransistor is a light-sensitive electronic switch that changes its electrical output when exposed to light, combining a light detector and amplifier in one component. Investors care because it is a key part in devices like optical sensors, remote controls, and machine-vision systems; demand, manufacturing costs, and supply constraints for phototransistors can affect revenue and margins for companies in electronics, automotive, and industrial markets—think of it as the eye and reflex that trigger a gadget’s response to light.

infrared emitter technical

"The single-channel VT171P includes an infrared emitter and phototransistor detector"

An infrared emitter is a small electronic device that produces light just beyond the red end of the visible spectrum — like an invisible flashlight — used to send signals, illuminate heat-sensitive scenes, or enable proximity and motion sensors. Investors care because demand for these emitters tracks markets such as consumer electronics, automotive driver-assistance, industrial sensing, medical imaging and security; changes in their cost, supply or adoption can affect product competitiveness, revenue and margins.

Moisture Sensitivity Level technical

"With a Moisture Sensitivity Level rating of 1 (MSL1), the VT171P and VT172U"

A moisture sensitivity level is a classification that tells how susceptible an electronic component or packaged device is to damage from absorbed moisture during standard manufacturing steps like soldering. Investors should care because a higher sensitivity can increase the risk of production defects, extra handling or storage costs, slower assembly lines, and potential product recalls—factors that affect manufacturing yield, delivery schedules and profit margins.

reflow solder technical

"Compatible with lead (Pb)-free reflow solder processes according to JEDEC-STD-020"

Reflow solder is a manufacturing process that joins small electronic parts to circuit boards by heating pre-applied solder until it melts, flows into place, and then cools to form electrical and mechanical connections. Investors should care because the consistency and capacity of reflow soldering affect product reliability, production yield and unit costs—much like oven settings determine whether baked goods come out right—so problems or improvements can influence margins, delivery schedules and reputation.

RoHS-compliant regulatory

"the devices are halogen-free, RoHS-compliant, and Vishay Green"

RoHS-compliant means a product meets rules that limit or ban certain hazardous chemicals in electrical and electronic equipment, ensuring the item does not contain those restricted substances above set limits. For investors this matters because compliance affects a company's ability to sell in regulated markets, avoid fines and recalls, and manage production costs and supply-chain risks—similar to a food product following a recipe that omits banned ingredients to stay sellable and safe.

JEDEC-STD-020 technical

"reflow solder processes according to JEDEC-STD-020, the devices are halogen-free"

A JEDEC standard that classifies how sensitive packaged semiconductor parts are to moisture and how they tolerate the heat of soldering during assembly. Think of parts like sponges that can absorb humidity and then “pop” or crack when exposed to oven-like reflow temperatures; the standard sets levels and handling rules so manufacturers know how to store, ship, and bake parts before use. Investors care because moisture sensitivity affects manufacturing yield, product reliability, lead times and costs, all of which influence margins and supply risk.

AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.

Single- and Dual-Channel Devices Offered in Compact 5.5 mm x 4 mm x 5.7 mm SMD Package for Position Sensing and Optical Encoding Applications

MALVERN, Pa., Jan. 07, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. (NYSE: VSH) today announced that it has expanded its transmissive sensor family with the introduction of two new surface-mount devices for industrial, consumer, and telecom applications. Offered in a compact 5.5 mm by 4 mm by 5.7 mm package, the Vishay Semiconductors single-channel VT171P and dual-channel VT172U feature a 42 % increased dome height compared with previous-generation industrial devices.

Thanks to their high dome height, the devices released today allow for increased flexibility in mechanical designs, while offering more vertical headroom for large code wheels in turn-and-push applications. They can be used as position sensors for encoders in industrial automation systems and drives and tools; consumer entertainment products, appliances, and health and care devices; switches, relays, and antennas; and mobile broadband routers. Both sensors can detect motion and speed. With dual channels, the VT172U can also be used to detect direction.

The single-channel VT171P includes an infrared emitter and phototransistor detector located face-to-face in a surface-mount package, while the dual-channel VT172U includes an infrared emitter and two phototransistor detectors. Both sensors deliver a typical output current of 1.5 mA and operate at a wavelength of 950 nm. The devices feature a 3 mm gap width and apertures of 0.3 mm, and fast rise and fall times of 14 μs and 21 μs, respectively.

With a Moisture Sensitivity Level rating of 1 (MSL1), the VT171P and VT172U have an unlimited floor life. Compatible with lead (Pb)-free reflow solder processes according to JEDEC-STD-020, the devices are halogen-free, RoHS-compliant, and Vishay Green.

Samples and production quantities of the transmissive sensors are available now, with lead times of 10 weeks.

Vishay manufactures one of the world’s largest portfolios of discrete semiconductors and passive electronic components that are essential to innovative designs in the automotive, industrial, computing, consumer, telecommunications, military, aerospace, and medical markets. Serving customers worldwide, Vishay is The DNA of tech.^® Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. is a Fortune 1000 Company listed on the NYSE (VSH). More on Vishay at www.Vishay.com.

The DNA of tech^® is a registered trademark of Vishay Intertechnology, Inc.

Vishay on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/VishayIntertechnology
Vishay Twitter feed: http://twitter.com/vishayindust

Links to product datasheets:
http://www.vishay.com/ppg?80507 (VT171P)
http://www.vishay.com/ppg?80508 (VT172U)

Link to product photo:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/vishay/albums/72177720331326058

For more information please contact:
Vishay Intertechnology
Peter Henrici, +1 408 567-8400
peter.henrici@vishay.com
or
Redpines
Bob Decker, +1 415 409-0233
bob.decker@redpinesgroup.com

FAQ

What are the new Vishay transmissive sensors announced on January 7, 2026 (VSH)?

Vishay introduced the single-channel VT171P and dual-channel VT172U transmissive SMD sensors in a 5.5 mm x 4 mm x 5.7 mm package.

How does the 42% increased dome height affect VT171P and VT172U designs?

The increased dome height provides greater vertical headroom and more mechanical design flexibility for large code wheels and turn-and-push applications.

What are the electrical and timing specs for VT171P and VT172U (VSH)?

Both devices typically deliver 1.5 mA output current, operate at 950 nm, with rise/fall times of 14 μs and 21 μs respectively.

Can VT172U detect direction and motion for encoders?

Yes. The dual-channel VT172U supports detection of motion, speed, and direction; the VT171P detects motion and speed.

Are the new Vishay transmissive sensors RoHS-compliant and ready for Pb-free assembly?

Yes. Both sensors are RoHS-compliant, halogen-free, Vishay Green, and compatible with Pb-free JEDEC-STD-020 reflow processes.

When can customers obtain VT171P and VT172U samples or production units (VSH)?

Samples and production quantities are available now, with a quoted lead time of 10 weeks.