eNewsletter

September 2007

Vishay Releases High-Intensity Power SMD LEDs in CLCC6 Ceramic Package with Low Heat Dissipation and Optical Efficiency up to 35 lm/W

Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. has released the industry’s first series of high-intensity yellow, amber and white power SMD LEDs in the CLCC6 ceramic package. The VLMx61 series offers a very low thermal resistance and high optical power for thermal-sensitive applications.

The CLCC6 ceramic package of the VLMK61, VLMY61 and VLMW61 devices allows the additional current drive for a maximum light output while maintaining a high service life of up to 50,000 hours. Its high-efficiency heat dissipation makes the CLCC6 a suitable light source for clustered or matrix designs where the cumulative heat is a key consideration.

The LEDs in the VLMx61 series are optimized for backlighting and illumination in automotive and transport, consumer and general applications. Typical end products include handheld mobile devices; traffic lights; household appliances such as washer, dryers and refrigerators; and exterior automotive lighting, such as turn and brake lights.

All devices in the series offer a 60° half-intensity angle and are compatible with IR-reflow solder processes, in accordance with CECC 00802 and J-STD-020C. Preconditioned according to JEDEC Level 4a standards, the CLCC6 package is lead (Pb)-free and RoHS-compliant and is Automotive-qualified AEC-Q101.

Device Specification Table

Samples and production quantities of the VLMx61 high-intensity power SMD LEDs are available now, with lead times of six weeks for larger orders. Pricing for US delivery is $0.70/piece for the amber and yellow LEDs and ranges from $1.00/piece to $1.50/piece for the white LEDs.

The Toshiba TLWK1100B white LEDs are available with samples priced at $0.60/each.

New Smart Force Solutions Offer Brightness Stability Over Wide Input Range With Superior Thermal Management For LED-Backlit LCDs

Endicott Research Group (ERG) has released two new Smart Force LED driver boards as standard products for a wide range of industrial LCDs. Both provide full function LED drivers in a compact size, with wide range dimming, wide input voltage and full brightness and enable control. ERG also offers Smart Force LED Rails for use with the driver boards that utilize a proprietary new design to provide thermal management superior to any other technology on the market.

The SFDL series driver board provides high efficiency power (max. current 180 mA) to LED rails used in LCDs up to 12.1-inch diagonal, with wide range dimming, wide input voltage and full brightness and enable control. It measures 1.10 inch by 3.93 inch (27.9 by 99.8 mm) and is less than 8 mm high. It provides an onboard PWM dimming ratio of 1000:1 and external PWM dimming to 5000:1.

The SFDC series driver board is a full-function LED driver (max. current 1000 mA) for high-power HBLED backlight rails used in LCDs up to 20.1-inch diagonal. It provides an onboard PWM dimming ratio of 1000:1 and external PWM dimming to a ratio of 20,000:1. It measures 1.10 inch by 5.61 inch (27.9 by 142.5 mm) and is less than 12 mm high.

Both drivers can be used with OEM panels’ existing LED backlights or with ERG’s Smart Force LED Rails. The proprietary thermal management technology utilized inside the rails addresses the major challenge for LED BLUs: keeping the LEDs cool. It is a technologically more efficient way to conduct heat from the LEDs that keeps the junction temperature at or below the recommended operating temperature, which is critical to preventing overheating and ensuring cool, high-brightness, long-life operation of the LED BLU.

ERG offers Smart Force LED rails as a drop-in replacement for CCFL rails for a number of OEM LCDs. “This provides the often simpler and less costly option of replacing the lamps and power source in an existing LCD rather than re-designing the whole system,” said Tom Novitsky, ERG’s vice president of Engineering. “It’s fast and easy to do.”

ERG’s Smart Force LED solutions are available as standalone driver boards or as kits that include the driver board and LED rails. They provide a cost-efficient, plug-and-play solution for the user who is transitioning from CCFL to LED backlighting.

Pricing for the Smart Force LED Driver boards varies according to LCD size. Pricing for an SFDL series driver board designed to backlight an NEC NL 10276BC13-01C 6.5” TFT LCD, e.g., is $25 in 1,000 piece quantities. Delivery is typically 4 weeks A.R.O.

Technologies and Devices International, Inc. (TDI), a developer and supplier of compound nitride semiconductor materials, has released the world's first InGaN substrate materials. InGaN is the key compound semiconductor material used for the fabrication of GaN-based ultra violet (UV), blue, green and white LEDs and blue laser diodes (LDs). InGaN materials serve as the light emitting regions of these light-emitting devices and determine device parameters including efficiency, light output power and lifetime. InGaN substrates are needed to provide material match for InGaN-based device epitaxial structures and to boost device performance.

"Our success with the InGaN epitaxial process exemplifies our business strategy to bring the most advanced substrate materials to the LED and solid-state lighting market at the fastest possible pace," said Vladimir Dmitriev, president and CEO of TDI. "Since the first demonstration of high quality InGaN materials grown by hydride vapor phase epitaxy (HVPE) in 2006, we have been receiving continuous requests from our customers regarding these new products. We are pleased to announce the expansion of our substrate materials offering to include InGaN substrates. Support provided by the US Department of Energy and Department of Defense for this product development is greatly appreciated. We view this effort as one of the key components to enable advanced light emitting devices, particularly for solid state lighting applications."

"No other existing substrates provide such an excellent material match between the substrate and the InGaN-based light emitting epitaxial structure," said Alexander Syrkin, a senior crystal growth specialist for the company. "Composition of the InGaN can be carefully controlled to produce substrate materials matching customer device structure requests. Crystal lattice and thermal match between the substrate and the overgrown InGaN device has been predicted for a long time to reduce defects in the light emitting regions, increase light emitting efficiency and device lifetime. With these substrates, this is now possible."

New substrates consist of an InGaN layer deposited on 2-inch GaN/sapphire template. Targeted applications are high brightness UV, blue and green light emitting devices including light emitting diodes and, potentially, blue and green laser diodes. Currently InGaN template substrates are available in limited quantities. Volume production of InGaN template substrates is scheduled to begin in early 2008.

Using electrodes to stimulate light-emitting natural phosphors embedded between thin plastic sheets, CeeLite LEC panels have provided high-quality, uniform illumination for electronics and surface lighting projects over the past two years. Growing market demand, however, has fueled the need for the LEC panels to be more robust, allowing for use as complete lighting systems for self-installed interior signage applications and outdoor environments with harsh weather conditions. As a result, CeeLite needed to enhance the traditional flexible films originally used for the LEC panel surface with a system that would provide optimal barrier properties to withstand outdoor environmental conditions, including moisture, heat and humidity. After researching various options, CeeLite turned to Eastman for its encapsulation technology.

Eastman’s proprietary encapsulation technology uses Spectar copolyester as the transparent substrate to encapsulate a variety of images, textiles, botanicals and natural inclusions, along with Light Emitting Capacitor (LEC) panels, for architectural and surface lighting applications. Sheet made of Spectar combines crystal-clear aesthetics with excellent durability. Its inherent toughness allows the sheet to be used in the ultra-thin gauges that CeeLite LEC panels require and its chemical resistance enables trouble-free cleaning with most agents used on outdoor panels. In addition, Spectar is also easy-to-fabricate, which permits cutting, drilling, routing, and screwing without the need for special tools.

“The balanced features of Eastman’s encapsulation technology will allow CeeLite customers to use our products in new applications to transform any surface into a light source," said Gabrielle Santulli, marketing director, CeeLite. "This will provide a more energy-efficient alternative to traditional lighting sources, since CeeLite LEC panels consume minimal quantities of electricity relative to incandescent, neon and florescent lights.”

In the past, Eastman's encapsulation technology has been focused on decorative aesthetic applications that require design flexibility and dramatic visual effects. Working with CeeLite will allow Eastman to accelerate growth of this technology through encapsulation of functional lighting inclusions.

“Our partnership with CeeLite will serve to meet the increasingly diverse needs of professionals relying on solutions from the lighting industry,” says Ryan Ferrara, field market development manager, Eastman. “We are happy to be a part of this new innovation and look forward to continuing our relationship with CeeLite in the future.”

Lighting designers no longer need to be experts in LED binning and temperature specifications. Instead they can focus on desired lighting effects, bringing solutions to market more quickly and efficiently.

Cypress has integrated the Luxeon K2 device specifications and temperature characteristics into the content library of PSoC Express 3.0 embedded visual design software. PSoC Express 3.0 supports Cypress’s new EZ-Color HB LED controllers. With other LED controllers, engineers must input specific device binning and temperature performance data in order to ensure accurate color over the life of the design.

“We are pleased to support the Luxeon K2 family with our first HB LED design solution,” said Scott Harmel, vice president of marketing for Cypress’s Consumer and Computation Division. “The Luxeon K2 devices provide the world’s best LED light output, and are the perfect showcase for the EZ-Color solution.”

“Innovative new products such as the EZ-Color solution are key to bringing LED technology into areas that were ‘never before possible’,” said Doug Silkwood, vice president of marketing for Philips Lumileds. “We expect customers to be delighted by the combination of our LEDs and Cypress’s software and controller technology.”

Gallium Lighting announces the introduction of the first commercial LED downlight featuring the Lumileds Rebel LED.

The Rebel LED provides an efficacy of up to 91 lumens per watt, which is 20 percent higher than the most efficient compact fluorescent lamps. Because Rebel LEDs have a hemispherical light distribution, the optical efficiency of an LED downlight is typically higher than a comparable compact fluorescent downlight. Independent Testing Laboratories, Inc. recently verified that Gallium's GS6 downlight can deliver more than 1,000 lumens while consuming 21 watts, which is almost twice the efficacy of a comparable compact fluorescent downlight.

The Rebel LED also has a rated life of 50,000 hours, which is four times the life of compact fluorescent lamps. When operated during normal business hours, Rebel LEDs have a service life of 25 years.

"Since LEDs contain no mercury, our products have always been greener than compact fluorescent luminaires," said Keith Bahde, Ph.D., president of Gallium Lighting. "With the latest generation of LEDs, we now offer substantial energy savings as well. Coupled with the maintenance cost savings, LED lighting provides an attractive return on investment. LEDs now outperform compact fluorescent in every respect."

Philips Lighting Company Introduces LED Linear Product Line

Philips Lighting Company, the US-based lighting company affiliated with Royal Philips Electronics, has introduced the LED Linear line of luminaire products. Representing Philips SSL Luminaires' further expansion in the fast-growing solid state lighting solutions arena in the US, the LED Linear offers a brighter, slimmer breakthrough for illuminating outdoor and indoor applications.

Philips LED Linear provides designers with the ability to illuminate the ins and outs of buildings, bridges, monuments, walls and surfaces and expertly blend, fill and graze light over a variety of distances. Its thin profile allows for un-obstructive set-back mounting four inches in width from any surface it illuminates while generating a choice of high intensity white or colored light lasting up to 50,000 hours. By contrast, other competitive luminaires either produce less light within the same confines or are far bulkier in equaling the same light output.

"Philips LED Linear has been designed to deliver but not distract as it transforms façades and surfaces into vibrant curtains of light," said Philip Warner, director of marketing and business development, Philips SSL Luminaires, NA. "The entire LED Linear line brilliantly extends Philips' 'sense and simplicity' promise of advanced, energy-efficient solutions our customers are seeking to highlight structures and attract the public at large."

Available in four lengths ranging from one foot to four feet, the LED Linear fits the contemporary installation to the historical icon. Today, it is already used to bathe the famous landmark exterior of The Plaza Hotel in New York City in warm white tones as well as to instill a soothing, ambient experience for patients by projecting colored light on normally white hospital walls.

The LED Linear offers a suitable internal combination: high-power Luxeon K2 LEDs to ensure bright 45 W/ft light in warm white (3,000°K), neutral white (4,000°K) or DMX controllable and customized red, green, blue (RGB) color with a variety of advanced proprietary optics to accommodate countless design specifications. The luminaire can swivel and project a 6º by 50º wide beam of optimal color blending on surfaces, as well as point a 6º by 6º narrow beam to enhance long throw applications with great precision.

Equally as important, the LED Linear contains a sophisticated internal thermal management system, ensuring high reliability, low maintenance and a long lifetime. Able to withstand temperature extremes from -40ºF to 122ºF, the robust system is suitable for wet locations. The LED Linear also offers a low power option, which is well suited for shorter throws or low light level applications.

Smaller size, sleeker look, brighter light, longer life and low maintenance describe the advantages the Philips LED Linear luminaire offers. Pricing is available upon request.

LED Driver Supplier Guide

The November/December issue of LED Journal will include the first ever LED Driver Supplier Guide, which will include new product releases and company profiles. Please submit new LED driver press releases for consideration, or for more information on how to get your company listed in the LED Driver Supplier Guide contact Heather Krier at heatherk@infowebcom.com .

Advertising in this special issue is a great way to get your drivers and components in front of the entire LED market! Company/Product profiles are available for $750, or you can make a bigger splash with a display ad (ask about special discounts for the LED Driver Supplier Guide)! Contact Jessi Carter at jessic@infowebcom.com or 720-528-3771 x124.

The LED Journal Knowledge Center is a place you will find the latest information and resources for the LED industry including white papers, webinars, archived articles, market reports, training courses, standards/regulations, industry links, literature & books, R&D and a calendar of events. Check back often as we are continually updating the content.

http://www.ledjournal.com/led_knowledgecenter.htm

Please send new information or content to be posted in the Knowledge Center to Heather Krier at heatherk@infowebcom.com.

LED lamp sales can reach $1 billion for large-area LED backlights (notebook, monitor and TV) for LCD displays by 2011 according to a newly released study by the McLaughlin Consulting Group.

The key to the “fast track” is the value consumers place on the display features LEDs deliver. Leveraging the consumer value means answering these key questions:

• What will consumers pay for desirable display features such as wider color gamut and higher dynamic range/contrast?
• How do consumers value bundles of features?
• How can feature bundles be priced to enable rapid growth?

MCG has quantified the price consumers will pay for improved display features. The methodology enables effective market segmentation, targeting the best markets first and reveals the right price points and timing to generate rapid consumer adoption. The report shows when and how to penetrate the target markets to assure profitable rapid growth.

The consumer value is balanced against detailed cost and performance modeling. MCG’s proprietary cost models were built up using light management components previously developed for the Brightness Enhancement Films Report and the Projection Cost Model. The cost of optical films is balanced with the costs of backlight architectures including edge-lit white LEDs, edge-lit and area RGB LEDs, CCFLs and wide color gamut CCFLs.

Although the fast-track forecast assumes the ideal scenario for marketing and sales rollout, it also incorporates the most competitive environment. The forecast scenario assumes that LCDs with wide color gamut CCFLs will be sold at the lowest possible profitable pricing (brands don’t position WCG CCFLs as a premium product). In this conservative scenario of wide-gamut CCFL competition, MCG forecasts:

a) Area RGB LEDs will achieve greater than 50 percent market share in 46 inch LCD TVs in 2012

b) Edge-lit RGB LEDs will achieve greater than 50 percent market share in dual-use (data and video) portable notebooks in 2011

c) White edge-lit LEDs will be achieve greater than 50 percent market share in portable data-only use notebooks in 2012

A key finding of the report is that consumers are very price-sensitive to the features that LEDs deliver in displays. If the display industry attempts to introduce LCDs with LED backlights at a price premium even slightly above MCG’s recommendations, mass adoption of LEDs could be delayed by up to five years.

The price premium for each market segment must not only cover the higher costs for LEDs. It must also motivate both the supply chain (through higher margins) and consumers (through a better value proposition than CCFLs). And the better the value proposition to consumers compared to CCFLs, the faster consumers will switch to TVs, monitors and notebooks that incorporate LEDs.

The time-line for LEDs to replace CCFLs is of critical importance not only to the LED industry, but also to LCD panel and end product makers. The LED industry wants a fast transition to maximize its return on investment to date in improving LED performance. The time line is also important for LCD panel and LCD TV, monitor and notebook makers since the companies that can successfully lead the transition to LEDs will gain market share and improved competitiveness.

The model includes both cost and consumer value and allows companies that incorporate LEDs into LCDs to do detailed cost, performance and pricing tradeoffs to enable the wisest investment of R&D and marketing funds to ensure the highest return as quickly as possible.

The full report “The Fast Track for LEDs into Large-Area LCDs - Leveraging Consumer Valuation of LED Features” is available at www.mcgweb.com for $7,500 for a full site license.

Osram Opto Semiconductors and Lighting Science Group Collaborate on LED Fixtures for City of Raleigh Lighting Project

Lighting Science Group's Optimized Digital Lighting (ODL) low bay fixtures, with Osram Golden Dragon LEDs, will replace 12 metal halide lamps that are currently being used to illuminate the pedestrian tunnel that runs from the Avery C. Upchurch Government Complex to the municipal parking garage behind the complex . These highly energy-efficient and economical fixtures will offer a direct alternative to metal halide or high intensity discharge (HID) lamps. Each Lighting Science ODL low bay fixture will contain 112 Osram Golden Dragon LED light sources.

"Osram is pleased to be involved in the lighting project for the City of Raleigh and to be part of another successful collaboration with Lighting Science Group," Tom Shottes, president and CEO, Osram Opto Semiconductors Inc., said. "With Lighting Science's fixtures, we are able to extend the use of Osram's advanced LED technology in its Golden Dragon product into the industrial and commercial lighting markets."

"The collaboration between Osram and Lighting Science is a timely response to escalating concerns over rising energy costs and environmental quality," said Ron Lusk, Lighting Science Group's chairman and CEO. "This lighting project with Osram Opto Semiconductors enables us to bring energy-efficient lighting to the City of Raleigh, North Carolina, and hopefully expand market adoption of LED lighting to other cities around the world."

The cool, white light and high color rendering index of the ODL low bay fixtures provide excellent visibility for improved appearance. In addition, the cost savings in comparison to metal halide lighting are considerable: longer life reduces maintenance costs, high efficiency reduces electricity costs and solid state technology significantly reduces heat emissions.

The City of Raleigh is at the forefront of LED adoption into lighting applications, which include garage and parking lot lights, tunnel lighting, streetlights, architectural and accent lighting, portable lighting and pedestrian walkway lighting. The city expects to complete this LED lighting project by fall of 2007.

Understanding Power LED Lifetime Analysis
How intuitive graphical data sets help lighting designers accurately predict power LED
reliability in different operating environments.

September 2007

9/9-11/07
American Lighting Association Annual Conference
San Antonio, TX
www.americanlightingassoc.com

9/23-26/07
IESNA Street & Area Lighting Conference
Seattle, WA
www.iesna.org

10/3-5/07
SID Mobile Displays Conference
San Diego, CA
www.sidhottopics.org

10/11 - 10/12
Annual Symp. On Vehicle Displays
Dearborn, MI
www.sidchapters.org/

10/24-26/07
LEDs 2007
San Diego, CA
www.intertechusa.com

10/30 - 11/1
SAE Commercial Vehicle Engineering Congress and Expo
Rosemont, IL
www.sae.org/events/cve/

Vehicles and Photons 2007
October 11-12, 2007
Dearborn, Michigan

Vehicles and Photons 2007 (14th Annual Symposium on Vehicle Displays), organized by the Detroit chapter of the Society for Information Display (SID), will take place Oct. 11-12, 2007, at the University of Michigan-Dearborn Fairlane Center in Dearborn, Michigan.
The conference will feature a symposium covering the latest in automotive display technology, as well as an exhibition featuring tabletop presentations from leading display-industry companies. The symposium will offer a comprehensive look at all aspects of displays for vehicles, including the latest technology developments (including organic and flexible electronics, and nano-materials), the human vehicle interface, lighting, and system solutions.
For more information, including how to register and how to exhibit, visit www.vehicledisplay2007.org.

LEDs 2007
October 24-26, 2007
San Diego, CA

Don’t miss the LED industry’s premier business and technical conference and exhibition!

Join over 500 colleagues and business partners, as well as 85 exhibitors, at LEDs 2007 October 24-26

Plan now to attend the world’s most compelling business meeting and exhibition dedicated exclusively to the high-brightness LED industry; LEDs 2007,being held in San Diego on October 24-26. This eighth annual meeting will again bring together the leading manufacturers, materials and component suppliers, technology innovators, investors and end users to discuss all the market and technological developments occurring in the industry. By attending, you’ll meet the industry’s leaders and updated on dynamic markets, new technological developments and emerging commercial opportunities.   

Plus, to maximize your knowledge capital, join us for Fundamentals of LED Luminaire Design:
Relevant and Practical Instruction – a new all-day intensive seminar being held October 24th. Join industry experts from Cree, Heatron, Fraen, ON Semiconductor and Illumination Optics who will discuss thermal management, optics, drivers, luminaire and LED design. This seminar is geared towards newcomers in the industry, as well as those needing a thorough review. A second intensive technical seminar will also be held in the afternoon with details to follow in July.

With over 500 people expected at this year’s event – along with 85 exhibitors – you won’t want to miss out. This is the largest conference and exhibition dedicated to LEDs! Sign up by calling +207-781-9622, by fax +207-781-2150, by email at kblaisdell@intertechusa.com, or online at www.intertechusa.com/leds.html.

Join over 150 industry leaders at IntertechPira’s 9th annual international business and technical conference, OLEDs World Summit 2007. This must-attend event will provide an interactive forum for display developers, material and equipment manufacturers, users, and investors in organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) to discuss and debate critical issues facing OLED technology today. With recent corporate restructuring, consolidations and exits, the OLEDs industry continues to face stiff competition, shifting markets and tighter belts. Now is the time for OLED users and suppliers to discuss the future and plan new strategies to remain competitive against LCD! With the enticing glow of new applications in general illumination on the horizon, OLEDs still remain a viable and valuable technology - once obstacles are overcome! This relevant and insightful conference will address new and ongoing OLED issues, while providing the latest data and research to give attendees the ability to anticipate future roadblocks and plan for emerging opportunities.
Leading OLED organizations, display manufacturers, industry experts, research scientists, and marketing executives share the goals of OLED domination through increased production, longer lifetimes and cost control. Become a leader in the dynamic OLED market and bring your company to the top of this competitive industry - at the OLEDs World Summit 2007! http://www.intertechusa.com/conferences/conferenceDetail.aspx?displayDetail=overview&WCID=209

IMAPS 2007
November 11-15, 2007
San Jose, CA

IMAPS 2007 will celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the International Microelectronics And Packaging Society in San Jose, CA,  November 11-15, 2007. The Society began in 1967 in the "Bay Area" as ISHM, the International Society for Hybrid Microelectronics. This is an extremely important milestone in the history of our Society - so plan to join the celebration!
IMAPS 2007 is the largest symposium related to the microelectronics packaging industry in the world. IMAPS 2007 will feature a powerful technical program, a state-of-the-art exposition, progressive professional development courses, another informative Global Business Council Marketing Forum and many other events and activities to share the latest developments in microelectronics.

LDI 2007
November 12-18, 2007
Orlando, FL

LDI Has All the Answers You Need:

For professionals who work with production technologies in any “live””application including theater, concerts, film, corporate presentations, nightclubs, themed events, architecture LDI has been the only comprehensive source of information for 20 years. For additional details or to register online go to www.ldishow.com.

Don’t miss IntertechPira’s 3rd annual conference devoted exclusively to the digital signage industry!

Plan now to join over 100 colleagues and business partners at Power Signs 2007. This 3rd annual meeting will bring together leading suppliers, system designers and installers, network operators, advertising executives, media directors and planners, investors, and entrepreneurs. By attending, you’ll meet the industry’s leaders and get updated on the most current issues, trends, and applications for both indoor and outdoor digital signage markets. 

Chaired by Lyle Bunn of Alchemy, the conference will feature 16 presentations from companies including Clear Channel Outdoor, Panasonic, Nike, and Arbitron Out-of-Home. There will also be an expert panel, an exhibit area displaying the latest products and technologies, and plentiful networking opportunities. Plus, you won’t want to miss the preconference seminar: Digital Signage: Industry Fundamentals & Technology Considerations in Measuring Effectiveness – a three-hour intensive workshop being held the morning of December 4 th.

Sign up by phone +207-781-9631, by fax +207-781-2150, or by email mrobert@intertechusa.com. For more information or to register online, please visit our website: www.intertechusa.com/powersigns.