eNewsletter

July 2008

DDP has developed an energy-efficient LED light engine well suited for landscape and path lighting applications.  DDP's efficient 3.8 watt, 100-lumen forward-fit solution delivers 5,100 K light evenly over a 120° area.

DDP has already delivered such LED forward-fit solutions to NightTide Landscape Lighting, Inc.  The LED assembly provides a soft, white light for NightTide Landscape Lighting's high-quality pathway light product line. DDP's LED solution displaces the reflected light previously provided by a 20 W MR-11 lamp hidden in the shroud of the path light. The LED light engine effectively manages heat, maintaining the longevity of the LED lights.

"Our high-performance path and landscape lighting solutions provide the appropriate amount of energy-efficient light at the proper viewing angle for landscape and walkway lighting applications," said Tony Toniolo, president of DDP.  "DDP typically thrives on helping OEM's bridge the gap between traditional light sources and new solid-state lighting technology."

DDP's path and landscape lighting solution features an economical 26 lumen per watt efficacy and a low thermal resistance of 40°C per watt.

DDP's LED products can be designed to meet most any design requirements, including specific color and brightness levels.

Candelabra Base Replaces 12W Incandescent Bulbs

LEDtronics has released the Flame Tip LED Chandelier Bulbs that offers beautiful lighting in many versatile applications. The DEC01-B10E12 series LED bulb comes in a flame-tip shape, UV-protected, plastic lens covering that allows the LEDs to shine in multiple directions (three dimensions), while still being protected from the environment. This hardy bulb is perfect in any situation that allows for E12 candelabra screw-base 120-volt AC attachments, such as decorative chandelier lighting.

These high quality, Flame Tip Chandelier white LED bulbs can directly replace E12 candelabra-base incandescent bulbs, allowing a long lifespan of up to 50,000 hours. Furthermore, being made with LEDs, they are resistant to shock and vibrations, and unaffected by frequent switching, they will not burn out from being switched on and off. The DEC01-B10E12 series LED Chandelier consumes 1.2 watts of power. These bulbs require no retrofitting kits and will install like a normal bulb, allowing you to replace old and outdated power-hungry incandescent bulbs easily.

The Flame Tip E12 Candelabra screw-base LED Chandelier Bulb comes in warm white (3,000 K) and filament white (2,200 K) LED light colors. Other LED light colors can be made as well and are available through custom ordering. These DEC01-B10E12 series LED Chandelier bulbs come in a 270° viewing angle, available with either a Water-Clear Flame Lens or Frosted Flame Lens. These DEC01-B10E12 series LED Chandelier bulbs can put out 23 Lumens while consuming 1.2 watts of power.

The DEC01-B10E12 series LED Chandelier bulb retails for $29.95 each. Large-quantity discounts are available. Availability is stock to 4 to 6 weeks for special requirements. Flame Tip LED Chandelier Bulbs carry a 3-year limited warranty.

36 V 2.2 MHz Buck LED Driver Powers 500 mA LEDs from a 2 mm by 3 mm DFN

Linear Technology has released the LT3592, a 36 V step-down DC/DC converter designed to operate as a constant current LED driver. Its internal 36 V, 900 mA switch enables it to drive up to six 500 mA white LED in a single string from a 36 V input for industrial and LED signage applications. It can also drive two 500 mA LEDs from a 12 V lead acid battery input for automotive applications. Series connection of the LEDs provides identical LED currents, resulting in uniform brightness and eliminating the need for ballast resistors. The LT3592’s switching frequency can be adjusted from 400 kHz to 2.2 MHz via a single resistor. This enables designers to set the switching frequency above critical frequency bands such as AM radio while minimizing external component size. Offered in a 2 mm by 3 mm DFN-10 or MSOP-10 package, the LT3592 provides a very compact 500 mA LED driving solution.

LED current levels of either 10 percent or 100 percent of the programmed value are selectable by driving the LT3592’s Bright pin. The LT3592 utilizes a fixed frequency, high side sense, current mode architecture that provides fast transient response and cycle-by-cycle current limiting. Other features include shorted and open LED protection, single wire LED capability and thermal shutdown.

The LT3592EDDB and LT3592EMSE are both available from stock in 2 mm by 3 mm DFN-10 or MSOP-10E packages, respectively, priced starting at $1.65 each and $1.75, respectively, in 1,000-piece quantities. For applications requiring a wider temperature range, I-grade versions, namely the LT3592IDDB and LT3592IMSE, are also available from stock. 1, 000-piece pricing starts at $1.90 each and $2.01, respectively.

AnalogicTech’s New WLED Drivers Reduce Footprint of Mid-range Camera Phones        

Advanced Analogic Technologies, Inc. has released the AAT2848, a new tri-mode charge pump driver IC for white LED (WLED) backlight display and flash applications. By integrating four backlight channels capable of driving up to 30 mA each with two flash channels capable of driving up to 300 mA each, or 600 mA in parallel, in a small 3 mm by 3 mmTQFN33-20 package, this new device offers mid-range camera phone designers a highly attractive space-saving solution. 

 “Until recently designers building mid-range camera phones featuring cameras with 2 to 5 megapixel resolution needed to use independent devices for backlight and flash functions,” said Phil Dewsbury, product line manager at AnalogicTech. “By integrating into a single compact IC both the backlight function and flash output current levels one would expect only from a discrete flash driver IC, the AAT2848 helps handset designers reduce board space, minimize component count and simplify their design.” 

The AAT2848 is a tri-mode charge pump offering 1X, 1.5X and 2X operation. The IC drives four backlight LED channels at up to 30 mA each using the charge pump in dual mode (1x and 1.5x) and two flash LED channels at up to 300 mA each in tri-mode (1x, 1.5x and 2x).

To enable, disable and set LED current, the AAT2848 features two of AnalogicTech’s patented Simple Serial Control (S2Cwire) serial digital interfaces. For backlight functions the device can set current to any of 32 programmable levels. The flash LED outputs can be set independently across 16 programmable levels. Full-scale current is independently set for backlight and flash using external resistors.

The new driver IC also features an innovative fade-in/fade-out function which gradually increases backlight LED brightness from off to fully on across a 63-step linear progression. Fade time is controllable by an external capacitor. By replacing microprocessor-based software schemes for the same function, this feature offers a smoother transition to full brightness while reducing software overhead.

The device also adds a user-programmable safety timer to protect the flash LEDs from thermal damage. This function can be used to terminate a flash event after a pre-determined period of time. Both the safety timer and flash/strobe operation is enabled via a separate flash enable pin.
  
The AAT2848 also comes with integrated short-circuit and over-temperature protection. Soft start circuitry prevents excessive inrush current at start-up and during mode transitions. 
 
Qualified across the -40 C to 85º C temperature range, the AAT2848 is available in a Pb-free, 20-pin TQFN package. The device sells for $1.42 in 1,000 quantities.

Osram Launches Ostar Projection SMT LED

The new Ostar Projection SMT LED from Osram Opto Semiconductors is compact and has improved efficiency and is designed for integration into ultra-miniature pico projection applications where space is at a premium. This compact LED module measures 5.8 by 4.7 by 1.5 mm and, in contrast to its predecessor, does not require additional connectors on board for electrical interface. Thanks to SMT (surface mount technology), this new version of the Ostar Projection LED is now suitable for standard soldering processes.

The Ostar Projection SMT LED is well suited for applications such as the pico projectors now being integrated into cell phone and other mobile appliances. Pico projectors can be either integrated directly into the phone housing or attached to the phone as an accessory.

An embedded cell phone pico projector typically measures 1.5 cm by 3.0 cm; in this configuration, the Ostar Projection SMT LED provides a system brightness of 10 screen lumens (lm) with a power consumption of 1 W. The larger accessory versions of pico projectors, which measure 7.5 cm x 7.5 cm, can be operated with a higher wattage and can achieve brightness values of more than 15 lm.

“Personal mobile device projection is the next wave of technology that will be integrated into today’s function-rich cell phones,” said Mike Godwin, director, LED marketing, Osram Opto Semiconductors, Inc. “The Ostar Projection SMT LED shows the versatility of Osram LEDs in next-generation consumer applications, making it possible to achieve high-performance operation from micro-sized packages.”

A single Ostar Projection SMT LED module contains four 1 mm² RGB chips – two green, one red and one blue. As an alternative to this RGB version, the Ostar Projection SMT LED is also available with four monochrome ultra-white, red, green or blue chips. Depending on the color, the chips are based on Thinfilm or ThinGaN technology and are designed for optimum efficiency. The chips are located together with ESD protection diodes on a ceramic carrier with a monolithic glass window to provide cover and protection. Besides pico projectors, the compact but powerful Ostar Projection SMT LED also lends itself to other applications such as specialty and fiber lighting.

Samples of the Ostar Projection SMT LED are available now; volume production will commence in Fall 2008.

The Innova Awards are announced annually by LED Journal and feature leading companies within the LED market who have shown, through their products and services, the most innovative and advanced technology breakthroughs in LEDs. The solid-state lighting and LED industry is constantly changing and evolving, the Innova Awards are designed to recognize companies each year for industry leadership, product development excellence, best new technology, and outstanding LED applications, which will eventually lead to the widespread adoption of LED technology in the marketplace.

Nominations will be accepted only electronically by email. Send your nomination in the body of your email letter and include supporting material as attachments. Submit to Heather Krier: heatherk@infowebcom.com. The total length of each nomination should be a maximum of 1,000 words. All nominations must be received by August 1, 2008. Winners will be featured in the November/December 2008 issue of LED Journal. 

Click Here for 2007 Winners

LED Journal Now Available in PDF Format

Download the latest issue at www.ledjournal.com

Texas-Sized Savings: United Supermarkets uses GE Lumination LED Refrigerated Display Lighting to Slash Energy Costs

Texas-based United Supermarkets, LLC, has retrofitted low- and medium-temperature refrigerated display cases in all of its 47 stores with a GE ecomagination product – LED solution from Lumination, a GE Consumer & Industrial business.

The Lumination LED Refrigerated Display Lighting solution replaces United Supermarket's traditional T12 fluorescent lamps and T8 fluorescent lamps. In all, United retrofitted more than 3,600 doors in its reach-in door merchandisers with the GE LED solution. United expects to save more than $633,000 annually in energy and maintenance savings ($369,000 in energy savings and $264,000 in maintenance savings).

"United Supermarkets wanted to lower energy costs in its refrigerated coolers while improving the look of its product facings," said Philip Fritz, product manager - display lighting, Lumination. "By replacing existing fluorescent lighting with GE's efficient, long-life LED Refrigerated Display Lighting Solution, United Supermarkets is realizing both objectives."

The expected payback is 1.8 years through energy savings and many years of virtually maintenance-free service with a rated life of up to 50,000 hours. The LEDs also provide uniform color and up to three times the light-level uniformity of fluorescent lamps.

The GE LEDs can be turned off at night without any adverse effect on performance or lifetime. For United Supermarkets, that capability means it has reduced the total hours of operation for the lighting in its refrigerated coolers from 24 hours each day with fluorescent lamps to 16 hours per day with LEDs.

"Lowering our energy costs is very important to us," said Michael Molina, vice president of facilities and design at United Supermarkets. "The LED retrofit in our refrigerated coolers is providing significant energy savings. Doing all we can to be environmentally conscious is also important. We are a 92-year-old company now in its third generation of family ownership, and we want to make our operations better now and for the next generation."

The combined environmental impact of the 47-store retrofit represents an annual 2.9-million pound reduction of carbon dioxide emissions. It also equals the good that comes from planting more than 364 acres of trees or removing about 257 cars from the road for every year the LED lighting operates in place of fluorescent lighting.

To date, GE has more than 20 customer installations of its LED Refrigerated Display Lighting solution worldwide. Eight of the top 10 U.S. grocers/supermarkets are testing or using the solution.

Primary benefits of GE's RoHS-compliant, UL-approved LED Refrigerated Display Lighting solution include:
Improved product visibility with reduced light-source glare on products and floors; Hidden light source provides better access to products for stockers and consumers; More robust and, unlike fluorescent lamps, it doesn't contain glass or mercury and it doesn't produce UV or infrared light; Up to 78 percent energy savings compared with VHO fluorescent lamps in a 5-door fixture; and More than two times the life of fluorescent lamps in a cold environment reduces maintenance costs and hassles (50,000 vs. 18,000 hours).

GE's LED Refrigerated Display Lighting solution also saves watts by lessening the load on the compressor. For every light watt reduced in a frozen food case, the compressor works less hard, saving approximately 0.45 watts. On a 5-door case, the additional energy savings from a reduced load on the compressor, can reach 70 watts vs. T8 fluorescent; 134 watts vs. HO fluorescent; and 330 watts vs. VHO fluorescent.

Lighting Science Group Selected as LED Lighting Partner for Integrated Entertainment Resort Project

Lighting Science Group, a developer and integrator of LED lighting solutions, has been selected as the LED lighting systems partner for a dome-shaped theater in City of Dreams, an integrated urban entertainment resort project in Macau’s Cotai, developed by leading entertainment company, Melco Crown Entertainment Limited.
 
LSG will illuminate and animate the screen inside of the dome using existing portfolio and custom solutions. The contract worth is approximately $1.4 million, which includes manufacturing and installations.

As part of the project, LSG will work closely with audio and visual suppliers to create a dynamic experience to visitors of City of Dreams. The production will combine high definition video content, a customized musical score, thousands of theatrical lights and a variety of sensory effects to create a spectacular 10-minute visual extravaganza that is sure to become a must-see for every visitor to Macau.

“As the pace of development accelerates around the world, leading architects and developers are recognizing the unprecedented effects, performance and efficiency offered by LED lighting systems,” said Govi Rao, chairman and chief executive officer of LSG. “State-of-the-art and eco-friendly, LEDs are proving to be a natural fit for innovative projects in fast-growth regions. We are excited about making this eye-dazzling lighting project a reality.”

LSG expects to begin shipping the components for the project in July 2008 with installation projected to be completed in January 2009. LSG is working with select lighting designer partners for the project, including Lightswitch of San Francisco.

Hubbell Lighting, Inc. Selects Richard Abernethy as Vice President

The management of Hubbell Lighting, Inc., Greenville, SC, is pleased to announce the appointment of Richard P. Abernethy to the position of vice president, Life Safety Brand Management.

Richard comes to Hubbell Lighting, Inc. from Dialight Corporation, where he served as National Sales Manager of Solid State Lighting, and previously, from Lithonia Lighting, where he held various positions including Vice President of Outdoor Products and Vice President, Marketing-Lithonia Emergency Systems.

With 27 years experience in the lighting industry combined with his specific knowledge of the emergency lighting products market, Richard brings a wealth of management expertise to his new position. Past accomplishments include significant market growth and profitability, patentable product innovations and alternate distribution channel development.

As Vice President, Life Safety Brand Management, he will focus on the management of Hubbell Lighting, Inc.’s life safety product brands, to include new product and market development opportunities, strategic planning and execution and brand profitability.

SEMICON West 2008
July 15-17
San Francisco, Calif.

SEMICON West 2008–Infinite Innovations, Infinite Ideas SEMICON West is the place to see the companies, technologies, and people driving the future of micro design and manufacturing. No other event this year has more new products, more new technologies, and more solutions than SEMICON West.
From the latest developments in cutting-edge materials, to the systems and technologies driving semiconductor designs to the limits of Moore's Law, you'll find everything and everyone in the industry at SEMICON West.

Registration is now open! Plan now to participate and get ready to discover the infinite opportunities shaping the design and manufacture of semiconductors, MEMS, photovoltaics, flexible electronics, and more!

For more information, visit www.semiconwest.org.

LEDs 2008
September 29 - October 1, 2008
Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina

Plan now to attend the world’s most compelling business meeting and exhibition dedicated exclusively to the high-brightness LED industry. The 9th 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.

Program announced! Visit www.leds2008.com for full program details.

LED Measurement and Standards
October 2 - 3, 2008
Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina

Preceded by the 9th Annual LEDs conference, LED Measurement and Standards strategy forum will discuss recent issues and concerns with LED testing methods, proposed solutions to testing discrepancies and continued efforts toward stabilizing LED testing techniques.
For more information, please contact Mike Robert at +1 207 781 9631 or mrobert@intertechusa.com

IMAPS 2008
41st International Symposium on Microelectronics
Bringing Together The Entire Microelectronics Supply Chain!
November 2-6, 2008
Rhode Island Convention Center - Providence, Rhode Island, USA

The 41st International Symposium on Microelectronics will be held at the Rhode Island Convention Center, Providence, Rhode Island – USA and is being sponsored by the International Microelectronics And Packaging Society (IMAPS). The 41st Symposium on Microelectronics will focus in the areas of Industry, Systems & Applications, Design and Materials & Process. Sessions are tentatively planned to highlight the major contributions of the work in each these four areas of concentration.
http://www.imaps.org/imaps2008/index.htm

Solid State Lighting Summit
November 18-19, 2008
San Diego, CA

LEDS will make big money soon - but are you going to see the profits you deserve?

Other events give you the latest forecasts and market trends. They tell you where LEDs might sell, what new applications are out there and what the latest market research is. 

But the Solid State Lighting Summit has been created to  help you find out what you need to do to make it happen - what partnerships you  need to win, what technology barriers you need to break and where to invest your time and money to bring it all together.

You owe it to yourself to be one of the elite members of the industry - an SSL Insider!
Visit www.sslinsider.com today and get involved.