eNewsletter

April 2007

DOE SSL Commercial Product Testing Program
Solid-state lighting (SSL) technologies are undergoing rapid changes and improvements and products arriving on the market exhibit a wide range of performance. Industry groups, standards setting organizations and the US Department of Energy (DOE) is moving quickly to develop needed standards and test procedures for SSL products. In the meantime, however, there is a need for reliable, unbiased product performance information to foster the developing market for high-performance SSL products.

The DOE SSL Commercial Product Testing Program will:

• Guide DOE planning for SSL R&D and commercialization support activities, including ENERGY STAR program planning
• Support DOE technology procurement activities and associated technology demonstrations
• Provide objective product performance information to the public in the early years, helping buyers and specifiers have confidence that new SSL products will perform as claimed
• Guide the development, refinement, and adoption of credible, standardized test procedures and measurements for SSL products

DOE will support testing of a wide, representative array of SSL products available for general illumination, using test procedures currently under development by standards organizations. Guidelines for selecting products for testing will ensure that the overall set of tests provides insight on a range of lighting applications and product categories, a range of performance characteristics, a mix of manufacturers, a variety of LED devices, and variations in geometric configurations that may affect testing and performance.
Testing Program Reports
The Department will allow its test results to be distributed in the public interest for noncommercial, educational purposes only. Detailed test reports will only be provided to users who provide their name, affiliation, and confirmation of agreement to abide by DOE's "No Commercial Use Policy." DOE encourages stakeholders to report any apparent commercial use of test results from the DOE SSL Commercial Product Testing Program by sending a message to doe.ssl.updates@ee.doe.gov.

Philips Lumileds Releases Luxeon Rebel, the Smallest, Brightest Power LED

Philips Lumileds has released the Luxeon Rebel power LEDs with new packaging technology that dramatically reduces the size of the LED and enables entirely new approaches to solid-state lighting design. Engineered for operation between 350 mA and 1,000 mA, Luxeon Rebel is the first power LED to offer guaranteed minimum performance. Minimum performance specifications enable greater design and manufacturing consistency and allow customers to purchase the light output performance appropriate for each application. For applications requiring high efficacy, cool-white Luxeon Rebel can exceed 70 lumens per watt at 350 mA. When total light output needs to be maximized, Luxeon Rebel delivers more than 160 lumens at higher drive currents. Warm-white, neutral-white and cool-white color temperatures in addition to standard InGaN and AlInGaP colors provide the most complete color palette for lighting designers and specifiers. Luxeon Rebel establishes new power LED benchmarks for size, engineering parameters, reliability and lifetime.

Luxeon Rebel is 3 mm by 4.5 mm with a foot print area 75 percent smaller than other surface mount power LEDs. Its light output and efficacy performance from a 1mm² chip makes it a leader in lumens/mm², lumens/watt and lumens/dollar. The small footprint and a low profile, 2.1 mm, enable significantly reduced color mixing and diffusion depths so that luminaire designs can be as much as much as 50 percent slimmer than with conventional power LEDs. The small size also reduces the amount of PCB required so that manufacturing costs may be lowered. Although small, Luxeon Rebel is extremely robust. The ceramic based package is designed to withstand high heat with a maximum junction temperature of 150°C and it is the first power LED for lighting to be rated for unlimited shelf life further simplifying inventory management and manufacturing.

Luxeon Rebel is the first power LED from Philips Lumileds to offer white LEDs in warm, neutral and cool-white with typical Correlated Color Temperatures (CCTs) of 3,000°K, 4,100°K and 6,500°K respectively. The Luxeon Rebel white binning structure includes a CCT range from 2,670°K to 3,500°K for warm-white, 3,500°K to 4,500°K for neutral-white, and 4,500°K to 10,000°K for cool-white. Sampling of the warm-white and neutral-white products begins immediately with volume production later this year. For lighting designers, the addition of a neutral-white range makes it easier to appropriately target the color temperature characteristics for many applications. The company’s patented conformal coating process minimizes CCT variation and maximizes color uniformity.

“Luxeon Rebel will cause a rapid change in solid-state lighting design,” said David Eastley, product manager. “Luxeon Rebel takes advantage of our latest chip, phosphor and packaging technologies to accelerate the use of LEDs in a wide range of lighting applications, particularly residential and other ‘white lighting’ applications for which LED options have been limited.”

“We also recognize that there is a technical communication gap between the semiconductor and lighting communities so we are taking the lead in defining new references for reliability — lumen maintenance and lifetime — and tools that allow reliability to be analyzed based on temperature and drive current variations. These measures along with our flux-differentiation, guaranteed performance and improved white color temperature selection make it easier than ever to create lighting solutions.”

Avago Introduces Industry’s First High-Brightness Tri-color Surface Mount LEDs for Indoor and Outdoor Color Signs

Avago Technologies has released a new series of high-brightness surface mount (SMT) tri-color light emitting diodes (LEDs) that will enable designers to develop large indoor and outdoor electronic displays that provide sharper and more vivid images and graphics. This new series of high-brightness RGB LEDs from Avago are available in standard PLCC-4 packaging and have been specifically designed to operate in extreme outdoor conditions.

Avago’s new ASMT-QTB2 series of high-brightness AllnGaP and InGaN tri-color LEDs, which are made from an enhanced silicone resin material, provide high reliability, long life and significantly less color degradation over time. Moreover, the ASMT-QTB2 series offers a super wide viewing angle of 120° to improve visibility of large outdoor displays in bright sunlight. Typical applications for Avago’s new high-brightness ASMT-QTB2 RGB LEDs include stadium scoreboards, billboards, marquee signs and electronic variable messages signs.

In addition to the high brightness, long life and compact size, Avago’s ASMT-QTB2 SMT LEDs provide two significant advantages in the production environment: They can be easily soldered using conventional surface mount techniques to minimize production costs and the package is qualified to a Joint Electronic Device Engineering Council (JEDEC) moisture sensitive level (MSL) rating of 2a. For manufacturers, this rating means that these LEDs can be kept in the open air (30°C, 60 percent relative humidity) for up to four weeks after being removed from its sealed package without the need to remove absorbed moisture.

The InGaN and AllnGaP technology incorporated in Avago’s ASMT-QTB2 LED package offers low thermal resistance, which allows more efficient heat transfer from the package to the motherboard thereby maintaining long-term device reliability. Moreover, it is compatible with standard surface mount technology reflow soldering processes. With a robust MSL 2a moisture sensitivity rating, customers will have greater flexibility during assembly of their products.

Avago’s ASMT-QTB2 is priced from $0.73 each in minimum quantities of 2,000. Samples and production quantities are available now through Avago’s direct sales channel and worldwide distribution partners.

LEDdynamics Inc., a manufacturer of constant current drivers for LEDs, has released a driver module to power large LED arrays in series, from low voltage power sources. The LuxDrive 4015 BoostPuck is capable of driving 10 LEDs at 350 mA in series from 12 Vdc. Measuring 0.83 inches by 0.43 inches, its compact size makes it a suitable solution for OEM’s interested in integrating the driver directly into a fixture, or unable to use a remote driver, due to size or other constraints.

The 4015 BoostPuck is a drop-in module and does not require any electrical engineering knowledge to install. It boosts the input voltage as necessary to power an array of LEDs in series. The BoostPuck offers advanced features such as dimming, flash and strobe operation. With the use of a dimming module, the BoostPuck will provide 0 to 10 V dimming control capable of interfacing with traditional commercial dimming systems.

The BoostPuck provides a stable platform for powering LEDs and can achieve up to 95 percent efficiency. This is especially important for OEM's who seek to design and manufacture LED fixtures and light systems which meet energy efficiency standards, such as California's Title 24.

STMicroelectronics Introduces First Auto-Shutdown LED Driver to Address Energy-Saving Programs

STMicroelectronics, a producer of ICs for driving HB LEDs, has introduced the first LED driver to include auto-power-saving features. The STP16CPS05, an innovative member of ST's Power Logic family, allows manufacturers to meet the high power-efficiency requirements of industrial lighting, signage and transport applications by guaranteeing savings of 80 percent compared to existing solutions.

An evolutionary advantage over the previous STP16Cx596 Power Logic series, the new constant-current LED drivers allow the individual ICs to go into a shutdown mode when no active inputs are detected. As a result, the STP16CPS05 can save power without external intervention, making it a well-suited solution to support all worldwide energy-saving programs, which encourage power efficiency in lighting applications.

The STP16CPS05 Power Logic series features a clock and data re-synchronization function, which is useful when the devices are connected in cascade. The IC is available in four package types, of which one, the thermally efficient exposed-pad TSSOP, comes with outstanding heat dissipation features.

Operating over a wide temperature range of –40°C to 125°C, the STP16CPS05 can work with a power supply from 3.3 V up to 5 V; its output current is programmable from 5mA to 80 mA to suit applications requiring mid-current range and high-precision LED control.

In production now, the STP16CPS05 is $0.80 in quantities of 100,000 pieces.  

LCS LED Characterization Systems

SphereOptics has released the LCS Series LED Characterization Systems, which are designed with measurement accuracy, flexibility and ease-of-use in mind. The LCS-100 base station is the foundation of the LED measurement solutions product line. At the heart of the test station is a fast scanning 16 bit, 2,048 element CCD spectrometer that covers the 350 to 1,050 wavelength. Simply by adding a LCS series integrating spheres, ILEDA or ILEDB adapters, power supply, or our goniometer module users can achieve any geometry required for measuring the critical optical, spectral, color and purity characteristics of LEDs, lamps and large light sources. The systems meet the design requirement of CIE 127 for LED measurement.

The system’s Window XP compatible software is intuitive and guides the user through all measurement procedures. The software includes automatic routines to simplify measurements and ensure accuracy for each measurement.

Results can be downloaded to database programs such as MS Excel, Word or Access.

Software Features:

• Displays current and voltage settings on screen
• Calculates and displays center wavelength, FWHM, Centroid and Purity
• Displays LED, lamp standard and auxiliary lamp parameters
• Easily enter LED and lamp information for test identification
• Print function automatically generates data and test reports
• Export data easily for QC and statistical analysis
• Tracks calibration lamp hours

System Features:

• Fast scanning CCD Spectrometer technology
• Achieve 24 to 180 spectral scans per second
• 1.5 nm spectral resolution
• < 0.5 percent wavelength accuracy
• Calibrated neutral density filters to regulate dynamic range
• Built-in self calibration function
• USB 2.0 computer connection
• Meets design requirements of CIE 127 for LED measurement

Microlens Molded Light Guide Technology Maximizes Benefits of LED Edge-Lighting for Illumination of Flat Panel Displays

Modular edge lighting utilizing patented MicroLens light extraction technology from Global Lighting Technologies (GLT) provides the most efficient LED-based edge lighting technology available for today’s flat panel displays.

The MicroLens concept brings molded-in optics, higher brightness (more output/watt), thinner construction and a scalable design to illumination of LCDs from <1 inch to >50 inch diagonal, using HB LEDs as the light source. GLT’s MicroLens molded light guides enable outstanding edge-lit backlighting performance and they can reduce the high cost, thickness and power consumption associated with traditional direct backlighting methods that use an LED array under the display.

MicroLens edge lights, according to GLT, provide exceptional output and uniformity and can be used with a wide range of LED light sources, including RGB and white phosphor LEDs.

MicroLens’ proprietary “transition area” and “lens arrays” help to spread the light uniformly, reducing the number of LEDs required, while its micro-optical elements precisely extract light for optimal performance.

“Compared to other edge-lighting technologies, MicroLens enables more dramatic improvements in color mixing and visual appearance,” said David DeAgazio, GLT’s director of Sales Worldwide. “With up to 180,000 unique optical features per square inch (or 2,800 per cm 2), MicroLens provides superior control over output and uniformity. In addition, it provides scalability to large sizes in an ultra-thin form factor and offers the obvious cost advantages of a smaller form factor with fewer components.”

MicroLens light guides can be designed for applications requiring extreme thinness and are currently being developed in sizes under 0.5 mm thick. GLT provides fully integrated edge-lighting modules with LEDs, films, flex circuit or PCB with connector and MicroLens light guide. With mechanical holding features that can be designed into the backlight, or onto a custom-designed backlight frame, MicroLens edge-lighting modules are designed for easy integration into the host application.

Applications include LCD and keypad backlights for mobile phones, MP3 players, camcorders, digital cameras, PDAs, GPS devices, handheld games, portable DVD players, scanners, automotive interior displays, programmable touch screen thermostats, home security system controllers, fish finders, instrumentation and control displays, handheld, notebook and desktop computers and LCD TVs.

Pricing for GLT’s MicroLens edge-lighting modules depends upon application, size and volume, with single-LED edge lights available under $1.00 each.

Konica Minolta, GE Form Strategic Alliance to Accelerate the Commercialization of OLED Lighting

Konica Minolta Holdings, Inc., Konica Minolta Technology Center, Inc. (collectively KM) and the General Electric Company have signed a strategic alliance agreement to accelerate the development and commercialization of OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) devices for lighting applications. The goal is to bring OLED lighting to market within the next 3 years.

OLEDs are thin, organic materials sandwiched between two electrodes, which illuminate when an electrical charge is applied. They represent the next evolution in lighting products. Their widespread design capabilities will provide an entirely different way for people to light their homes or businesses. Moreover, OLEDs have the potential to deliver dramatically improved levels of efficiency and environmental performance, while achieving at least the same quality of illumination found in traditional products in the marketplace today.

Masatoshi Matsuzaki, president, Konica Minolta Technology Center, Inc., said, "Having such unprecedented attractive features as flexible, thin, light weight and sheet form, OLED lighting is considered one of the most promising new business opportunities for us in the future. We are delighted to collaborate with GE to accelerate the development and launching of this revolutionary new lighting technology."

Michael Idelchik, vice president, Advanced Technology Programs, GE Global Research, said, "The alliance of KM, a world leader in imaging products, and GE, a global leader in lighting products, represents an extraordinary opportunity to make the commercialization of OLED lighting products a reality. Both companies have achieved significant advances in OLED technologies at the research and development stage. Now, we will pool our substantial resources and expertise to accelerate the development of this transformational technology."

On June 30, 2006, KM announced that it had successfully developed a white OLED with a world record power efficiency of 64 lumens per watt at 1,000 candela per square meter—a brightness which is appropriate for lighting applications. Prior to this development, KM developed its own highly efficient and long–life blue phosphorescent materials. Applying these material technologies, along with multi–layer design technology and innovative optical design technology, KM succeeded in developing an OLED having a practical light emission level of approximately 10,000 hours.

GE, as part of its ecomagination initiative, has made substantial investments in OLED research that have resulted in world records for OLED lighting device size and efficiency. In 2004, GE researchers were able to demonstrate an OLED device that was fully functional as a 24–inch by 24–inch panel, which produced 1,200 lumens of light with an efficiency on par with today's incandescent bulb technology. This was the first demonstration that OLED technology could potentially be used for lighting applications. Since then, GE has more than doubled the level of OLED efficiency using device architectures that are scalable to a large area and can be produced cost–effectively.

In the coming months, KM and GE will further accelerate research and development of OLED lighting by sharing technologies and knowledge. KM's technology center will lead the research and development activities for KM. GE Global Research, GE's centralized research and development organization, and GE's Consumer and Industrial business division will lead research and development for GE.

April 2007

11-14/07
International Sign Expo 2007
Las Vegas, NV
www.signexpo.org

4/23-25/07
OLEDs ASIA
Taipei, Taiwan
www.intertechusa.com

May 2007

5/6-10/07
LightFair International 2007
New York, NY
www.lightfair.com/lightfair/V40/

5/14-17/07
Int'l Conference on Compound Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology
Austin, TX
www.mantech.org

EDS 2007
May 15 – 17, 2007
Paris Hotel - Las Vegas, NV

EDS, Electronic Distribution Show and Conference,  is the annual meeting place and market place for the global community of manufacturers of electronic components, instruments and accessories and the distributors and  manufacturers' representatives through whom their goods are brought to market.  
EDS includes product exhibits, educational programs, networking opportunities, as well as scheduled meeting between participating companies.  The emphasis at EDS is not on technology but on marketing -- on forging and maintaining business relationships among manufacturers, distributors, and representatives. 

EDS 2007 takes place May 15 to May 17 at the Paris Hotel, Las Vegas.  www.edsc.org 

IQPC’s 3 rd Automotive Lighting Conference will bridge the technical and design community. Case Studies will be delivered by a mix of experts who are driving the aspirations and desires in making a productive solution for automotive lighting.

Discussions will touch upon new, innovative areas to create excitement in the area of the industry.  

Hear Key Strategies And Insights Into:

• High Standards In Lighting
• Price Considerations for Design & Implementation
• Feasibility, scalability and cost-effectiveness of implementing new designs for interior and exterior lighting
• Using hybrid lighting, gliding systems and adaptive front lighting systems to minimize glare and improve visibility
• Fiber Optic & Distributive Lighting
• LEDs, New materials and Other Innovations for Improved Efficiency
• Latest research on human factor and safety engineering
• Impact of emerging markets in adoption of automotive lighting designs

For more information visit the event website at http://www.iqpc.com/us/autolighting

Or contact:

Christopher H. Brown
Marketing Manager
IQPC
chris.brown@iqpc.com

P.S Register using Promo code LED-en and take 15% off your 2 day conference price.

euroLED
June 5th-7th, 2007
Birmingham, UK

The fourth annual international euroLED 2007 Conference and Exhibition from 5 th-7 th June, UK, is dedicated to the science, technology and application of HB LEDs and other SSL technologies. A highlight of the global solid-state lighting calendar, euroLED offers a unique opportunity for global organisations to penetrate, expand and understand the European and global LED & solid-state lighting markets.  

Europe ’s largest conference and exhibition dedicated to LEDs and solid-state lighting continues to generate unprecedented industry participation from leading international organisations including Nokia, Cree, Nichia, Osram, Anglia Components, Philips Lumileds Lighting, Supertex, TridonicAtco, and many more.

The 2007 exhibition will feature over 50 international organisations and provide an opportunity for companies to address commercial and technical challenges and with international conference delegates and exhibition visitors.

To participate in Europe’s leading solid-state lighting experience, please contact Nina Blackmore, Conference Director on +44 (0)121 260 6333 or visit www.euroled.org.  

www.euroled.org