eNewsletter

March 2010

Lunera Lighting Introduces Industrial LED Fixture for Parking Garages
Lunera Lighting, Inc. has released a new damp rated, industrial version of its 2200 series LED fixture designed for parking garage environments. The modular, easy to install parking garage luminaire has seen strong interest because of the fast payback realized from the energy savings, lower maintenance costs and improved security it delivers.

“As a member of the National Parking Association, Lunera is excited to help propel the parking garage industry forward to being more energy efficient.  Since electricity costs are a major driver of total garage expenses, LEDs are not just green, they put more green right to the bottom line,” said Michael Lesyna, Lunera president and CEO.

The tough, low profile 2200 2 feet by 2 feet LED fixture is dry/damp rated and equipped with an industrial surface mount kit.  Lunera’s ultra efficient fixtures typically deliver uniform lighting at less than 50 percent of the ASHRAE standard illumination requirements for parking facilities.  The environmentally friendly fixture is now available and has experienced notable initial success. Lunera representatives can assist interested parties with a facility payback analysis and a consultation on available government subsidies that can reduce initial costs by up to $150 per fixture.

“Making the change to LED lighting is a natural choice for parking garages. The uniform quality of the light delivered by the 2200 LED fixtures provides significant energy savings while improving light levels, which adds to the safety and security of the building,” said Tom Quinn, Lunera VP of Sales and Marketing. “By creating the 2200 series, we are supporting the mainstream adoption of LED lighting into a greater variety of commercial facilities.”

New DYMAX BlueWave LED Prime UVA Spot-Curing System
The BlueWave LED Prime UVA high-intensity spot-curing system has advantages over conventional spot-curing systems including no consumable bulbs to change, no warm-up, cool cures and constant intensity for thousands of hours.

The BlueWave LED Prime UVA generates curing energy using high-intensity LEDs and produces nearly double the intensity of any LED spot-curing lamp on the market today.  This system delivers maximum curing energy through a 5 mm diameter lightguide, with an output up to 15 W/cm2.  While providing more power, the design also eliminates the safety concerns from the high heat generated by units with the LED array at the end of the wand. In addition, the relatively narrow frequency band produced by LEDs generates cooler curing temperatures at the substrate level. The unit is CE certified, RoHS compliant, offers user-friendly operation and boasts a useful LED life of over 50,000 hours. All of these features make the BlueWave LED Prime UVA the suitable curing system for manufacturers looking to complement their green initiatives.

The BlueWave LED Prime UVA also includes an intensity adjustment feature which allows users to adjust and control intensity output from 0 percent to 100 percent to assist with process validation and control.  Intensity level measurement is easily accomplished with a radiometer.  The DYMAX ACCU-CAL 50-LED radiometer is used to take readings through the lightguide in process development and actual production settings, providing the most accurate and consistent method of light-intensity measurement.  DYMAX offers single and multi-legged lightguides that are compatible with the BlueWave LED Prime UVA. This spot-curing system is well suited for spot curing of various coatings as well as adhesive bonding of polycarbonate, PVC, PET, metal, glass, and many other substrates.

New Ultra-Thin Auto Focus LED for Use in Digital Still Cameras
Avago Technologies, a supplier of analog interface components for communications, industrial and consumer applications, has released a new miniature auto focus LED for use in ultra-slim digital still camera designs. Avago’s ASMT-FJ60, which is an enhancement to its ASMT-FJ30 auto focus LED series, is well suited for use as an auxiliary auto focus flash in camera applications that require long distance illumination and a narrow radiation pattern. With a footprint that can fit on the head of a pencil eraser, the ASMT-FJ60 offers improved brightness and is one the thinnest auto focus LEDs in the industry. Additionally, this new auto focus LED will enable designers to further reduce the overall thickness and size of digital still cameras. 

Avago’s ASMT-FJ60 flash LED is an easy to install miniature surface mount technology (SMT) dome LED lamp which incorporates an untinted, non-diffused lens that provides light output within a narrow 10° radiation pattern to assist the auto focus function in digital still cameras operating in low-light or dark environments. Moreover, it also provides greater functionality per square inch of printed circuit board (PCB) space while achieving improved performance in terms of brightness and power consumption. As a result, design engineers can pack more functionality, features and performance in less space to make even smaller digital cameras that will enhance the end user’s overall experience.

The ASMT-FJ60 package also provides convenience in the assembly process and is available in 1,000 unit tape and reels to facilitate pick and place operations. As a result, design engineers will benefit from shorter time to market and overall cost savings.

Avago’s ASMT-FJ60 SMT LEDs are priced at $0.30 in 10,000-piece quantities. They are supplied in 16 mm tape on 380 mm (15-inch) diameter reels for compatibility with automated manufacturing processes. Samples and production quantities are available now through Avago’s direct sales channel and worldwide distribution partners.

Aimtec Releases AC/DC LED Drivers
Aimtec has unveiled an extensive new line of AC/DC constant current in rugged IP67 rated enclosures. The newest selection AC/DC Constant Current LED drivers accept a universal input voltage range of 90 to 264 VAC at 47 to 63 Hz, with certain models accepting inputs of 170 to 250 VAC at 40 to 63 Hz.  Wide output voltages range from 2 VDC to 90 VDC feature short circuit, over current and over voltage protection to preserve the longevity and performance under fault conditions, even when operated at or near full load.  Constant output currents range from 0.3 A to 4 A, and some feature Power Factor Correction (PFC) as high as 0.98, which helps to reduce the power consumption and improve overall energy efficiency of the LED application.

Boasting efficient rates as high as 88 percent, input to output isolation up to 3,000 VAC and a small form factor, Aimtec’s AC/DC LED drivers provide turn key solutions that minimize the applications’ energy costs and carbon footprint.

Functional at an operating temperature range of -40°C to 55°C at full load, within waterproof and dust tight IP67 enclosures, these rugged power supplies can withstand water immersion of up to 1m in depth and protect against all dust infiltration.  Priced starting at $7.52/1,000 pieces, Aimtec’s AC/DC LED drivers are designed to be used in street signs, traffic lights, architectural and industrial lighting applications, in addition to major house hold appliances.  Safety standards include GB195110.1-2004/IEC61347-1:2003, EN55015, EN61000, EN61547.

Supertex LED Driver Uses Closed-Loop System to Deliver Maximum LED Light Performance
Supertex, a recognized leader in high voltage analog and mixed signal integrated circuits (ICs), has introduced the HV9963, a closed-loop LED driver IC with pulse width modulated (PWM) dimming capability designed to optimize LED performance and efficiency and extend LED life. The IC excels in DC/DC applications such as RGB or white LED backlighting, LCD TVs and monitors, and LED lamps for general lighting.

The HV9963 utilizes a closed-loop system to control the current going to the
LED string, which is an active, real-time system that continuously monitors the LED current via sense resistors. The HV9963 includes a 1.0MHz transconductance amplifier with a tri-state output, which closes feedback loops in the sensing process and provides accurate current control. It can be synchronized in applications requiring multiple LED drivers to prevent the system sub-harmonic oscillations that are often associated with driving multiple driver schemes.

The HV9963 also features hiccup mode protection for both short- and open circuit conditions and a high PWM dimming ratio. The IC operates in a constant frequency mode for use in a variety of converter topologies such as buck, boost and SEPIC.

“The HV9963’s closed-loop system enables accurate line and load control of the LED current over its entire operating range,” said Ahmed Masood, vice president of Marketing for Supertex. “This IC also includes controls that allow PWM dimming at very low duty cycles, resulting in a contrast ratio of up to 5,000:1.”

The HV9963 is available in a 16-lead SOIC package (HV9963NG-G). The part is RoHS compliant. Samples are available from stock. Lead-time for production quantities is four to six weeks ARO. Pricing is $0.85 each for the HV9963NG-G in 1,000 quantities.

ETC Introduces Fire and Ice LED Fixtures
ETC has introduced two bold color-spectrum-specific versions: Fire and Ice. Fire features a warm wash of saturated reds, oranges and ambers never before seen from LEDs or gels. Ice provides, in one powerhouse fixture, a palette of brilliant deep indigo, blue, cyan, green (and a touch of red) -- the gamut of blue washes that designers seek for their light plots. Integral to the new Selador Vivid line-up, Fire and Ice offer these rich, lush colors while equaling or exceeding the brightness performance of conventional tungsten PAR fixtures and saving on electricity.

“These are truly the tools of a new stage-lighting design: super high-intensity LED color-washes bright enough to blend seamlessly with your conventional-fixtures’ output -- while slashing power consumption,” said Tom Littrell, ETC Fixtures Product Manager. “Ice, with its bright, rich hues is up to 90 percent more efficient than conventional PAR washlights gelled blue.”

In a typical color application, Fire and Ice fixtures produce more light and can consume less than 70 watts of power compared to their gelled tungsten counterparts at 575 watts.
“Most productions regularly employ deep colors in their rigs -- keeping blues and reds in use at all times,” said Littrell. “Fire and Ice provide those coveted color spectrums at brightness levels that are usable all over the stage.”

Going beyond theater or broadcast-production use, Fire and Ice are smart green choices for any specialty lighting application. By replacing high-powered single-color warm and cool conventional fixtures in houses of worship or themed environments (amusement parks, restaurants, retail, casinos, etc.), facilities can reap bankable power and maintenance savings. Fire and Ice can be used for dramatic accent lighting as well, lowering power consumption in any installation.

Changes in LED technology have also prompted ETC to upgrade its Vivid fixture to the even greener new Vivid-R, which provides much higher light output than the original fixture, a 50 percent increase, while consuming 10 percent less power. Vivid-R combines high-power Luxeon Rebel LEDs and high-efficiency lenses for its color production and lighting punch. And because of the low heat output of all Selador Series LED fixtures, Vivid-R’s colors can be blazing without overheating the talent.

e:cue lighting control has Introduced DMX2CC, High Power LED Dimmers
e:cue lighting control, an Osram Company, has introduced DMX2CC dimmers for smooth and flicker-free dimming of high power LEDs. Using continuous current dimming method, DMX2CC dimmers enable control of 1 W and 3 W LEDs via a DMX control unit.

Available in six-channel and 12-channel versions, these devices feature a self-diagnostic test function preventing damages to the unit and LEDs caused by incorrect wiring, open or short circuit and overheating.
A DMX out port repeats and amplifies the DMX signal for convenient daisy chaining in projects where one DMX input signal must be distributed among several of these devices. DMX2CC is easily set up with auto and manual DMX addressing modes, and conveniently mountable inside equipment racks using standardized 35 mm wide DIN rail.

High-Performance Thermal Putty
Fujipoly has released its highest performance thermal interface silicone putty. SARCON XR-Um-Al is a uniquely formulated gap filler compound that has a putty-like consistency. This physical property contributes to the material’s extremely low contact and thermal resistance while maintaining a thermal conductivity of 17 watt/m-k.

SARCON XR-Um-Al is manufactured with a thin aluminum carrier film for customer-friendly application.  The low adhesion aluminum barrier enables users to remove the carrier film after installation with no pull-out effect. This thermal interface material is available in sheets up to 50 mm by 50 mm with thicknesses ranging from 0.2 mm to 0.5 mm.

SARCON XR-Um-Al complies with UL 94 V-0 flame retardancy specifications and is most commonly used to transfer heat from between CPUs and semiconductors to close proximity heat sinks. 

Sharp MiniZeni: Small, Flat and Bright
Sharp has developed a new series of high-power LED modules. The six new models of the MiniZeni series, which is the young daughter of the Zenigata series, represent yet another addition to the Sharp LED portfolio. The future-orientated product variants are characterized by four special features: they have compact outer dimensions and are extremely flat, economical and bright. Sharp MiniZeni LED modules are substantially smaller than the models of the ZENIGATA LED modules; with dimensions of 15 by 12 by 1.6 millimeters, they only require 56 percent of the volume of their parent with approximately the same light output. A ceramic plate is also used as the carrier material. With a light output of up to 410 lumens (depending on the module), a substantially improved CRI value of at least 87 at all color temperatures, Sharp sets new standards in light technology.

The new models are available in two series: a 6.7 W and a 3.6W series. Sharp achieves high flexibility in the lighting design through the modular structure of its LED multi-chip modules. The fundamental components here are individual blue LEDs, coated with phosphorous, that are interconnected in a matrix and installed on the ceramic plate. With the 6.7 W Sharp MiniZeni series, the square LED matrix consists of a total of 45 LEDs that are arranged in 15 parallel-switched series of threes and achieve a luminous flux of 355 to 410 lm, depending on the model. On the other hand, the matrix of the 3.6 W consists of a total of 24 LEDs that are arranged in eight parallel-switched series of three and achieve a luminous flux of up to 230 lm.

The benefit of multi-chip LEDs, compared with the large-scale single-chip LEDs with approximately the same luminous flux, lies in their homogeneous distribution of heat. Whereas the heat developing from high-power LEDs has to be transported away over a single point or a very small area, the lower temperatures of multi-chip LEDs resulting from low currents can be distributed and transported away over a larger area. This results in a substantial simplification of heat management.

The ceramic carrier material is also characterized by a high surface quality, resulting in low surface roughness. This simplifies connection to the cooling element, making it as seamless as possible and creating excellent heat dissipation.

The color temperature of the three white light LED lighting modules lies in the range of 2,700 to 5,000 K with the shades warm white and pure white. The models of the MiniZeni series have an improved CRI value of 87, due to various phosphorous mixtures, and thus ensure color fastness and attention to detail. This is vital everywhere where artificial light must not manipulate the illustration of the illuminated objects. High color rendering LED modules are therefore very much in demand in areas such as photography, medical technology (e.g. for OP lights), in shop window decoration and also in the presentation of merchandise. Merchandise can thus be effectively staged and give a store an unmistakeable image; you will also ensure an attractive purchasing experience for the customer. With regard to their high CRI values and their color temperatures, the series of the MiniZeni LED modules correspond to the requirements of the international Energy Star Program, which specifies a CRI value of at least 80. They can thus be used both in innovative LED lighting systems and in those places where fluorescent tubes have previously been used as the light source.

Due to the broad portfolio of its LED multi-chip modules, Sharp offers numerous marketable solutions for the use of LEDs as lighting for LED-based retrofit lamps. The luminous LED modules from Sharp are typically suitable for numerous applications such as office and commercial lighting, street lighting, architectural lighting, display lighting, backlighting, etc.

Samples can already be obtained via the Sharp sales offices and distribution partners in Europe.

NEMA Publishes LSD 49-2010 Solid State Lighting for Incandescent Replacement—Best Practices for Dimming
The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) has published LSD 49-2010 Solid State Lighting for Incandescent Replacement—Best Practices for Dimming.

This new white paper, produced by NEMA’s Solid State Lighting Section, provides recommendations for the dimming and design of screw-based incandescent replacement solid state lighting (SSL) products. The main objective of the paper is to encourage coordination among control, power supply and LED module manufacturers to achieve desired performance and product harmonization throughout the market. The section has also begun work on a related NEMA standard.

Because of the shared concern for high levels of performance and SSL consumer market acceptance, representatives from the US Department of Energy are actively participating in NEMA’s working group devoted to this subject. 

“In making these recommendations, our goal is to improve performance and to increase consumer satisfaction of SSL retrofit products in the large installed base of Edison sockets,” said Robert Hick of Leviton Manufacturing and chair of the section. “Achieving these goals will further market acceptance of SSL products and encourage demand for new SSL product designs. Both interchangeability and harmonization tend to increase market acceptance while decreasing costs, benefiting manufacturers and consumers.” 

This publication joins 37 other white papers in the NEMA LSD series, which covers a range of lighting topics. Other parts of the series cover topics such as ballast disconnects, occupancy sensors, and photoluminescent exit signage.

Conclusive Test Results Confirm PolyBrite International’s Borealis Streetlight Energy Savings
PolyBrite International, Inc. developer of Borealis LED lamps and lighting systems have announced that the City of Naperville has concluded their 6 month LED streetlight testing period with up to 60 percent savings in energy usage. Seven 120 watt Borealis LED streetlights with a like number of 350 watt HPS (High Pressure Sodium) streetlights were monitored from June 2009 through January 2010.  The Borealis LED streetlights on loan from PolyBrite International were tested along the south side of Diehl Road between Country Club Boulevard and Fairway Drive.

“The successful Borealis LED streetlight pilot test has saved the City of Naperville in electricity use, in turn saving tax payer dollars,” said Carl Scianna, President and CEO of PolyBrite International.  “The test concludes that Borealis LED streetlights consumed a remarkable average of 57.6 percent less energy than the HPS streetlights. The goal is to replace all public lighting with LEDs to significantly reduce electricity use and green house gas emissions...a win-win situation for our city budgets and for the environment.”

PolyBrite’s patented LED technology, used in all Borealis lamps and lighting systems, will reduce the city’s operating costs, including lower energy usage and reduced maintenance and bulb replacement. The City of Naperville’s cost saving calculations project an annual GHG (green house gas) savings by 2015 to be 4,739 metric tons of CO2e (Carbon dioxide equivalent) per year and an annual financial savings, by 2015, of at least $500,000 per year once all the streetlights and traffic signal are converted to LED.  These estimates are based on a conservative electricity rate and increases in energy costs would result in higher cost savings. 

Borealis LED streetlights produce a sharp, pure color without glare and feature an instant on with no cold starting as compared to HPS street lights, which typically take several minutes to get to full brightness. Motion sensors and lighting controls can also be used with Borealis LED lighting since they can be turned on and off instantly.  Furthermore, Borealis LED streetlights are better equipped to withstand extreme hot and cold temperatures and provide more control over what is illuminated, thus reducing light pollution making it a well suited solution for public lighting.

The City of Naperville requested public input and approval of the test installations.  The response from the community has been extremely positive.

TDI Wins $600,000 Maryland Award to Boost Production of SSL Materials
Technologies and Devices International, Inc. (TDI), part of the Oxford Instruments Group, today announced it has been awarded $600,000 by the Maryland Energy Administration to help industry expedite the broad adoption of energy-efficient LED lighting. This Clean Energy Economic Development Initiative award will enable TDI to hire three new scientists and engineers in 2010 and put it on track to create dozens more direct and indirect Maryland high-tech jobs by 2015. The award will help complete materials and process development and begin transferring that production technology to drive down manufacturing costs associated with LED lighting.

“This award will not only benefit TDI and Maryland, but also better position the US to compete in the global solid-state lighting market,” said TDI President Bernard Scanlan. “Governor O’Malley and his team are working to create jobs by putting Maryland on the road to benefit from emerging technologies that will create jobs, cut taxpayers’ electricity bills, and reduce US dependence on foreign oil.”

TDI’s proprietary Hydride Vapor Phase Epitaxy (HVPE) technology has allowed it to develop CrystalFlex, a prototype high-volume, industrial-scale manufacturing machine for free-standing Gallium Nitride (GaN) materials. TDI collaborators include the University of Maryland and other US researchers and manufacturers.

The US Department of Energy has identified the development of free-standing GaN substrates and their manufacture by HVPE as key technologies to enable reduced LED manufacturing costs with improved LED performance. Upon project completion, TDI’s high-volume manufacturing equipment will permit increased US production of free-standing GaN substrates to meet growing global demand.

Federal studies have shown that 22 percent of all electricity consumed in the US is for lighting. DOE projects that replacing incandescent light bulbs and fluorescent tubes with highly efficient LEDs would save taxpayers more than $17 billion in annual US energy costs and result in a 33 percent reduction in US electricity consumption relative to a scenario with no SSL on the market. The broad adoption of LEDs also would result in the need for 29 million fewer barrels of oil annually for electricity generation and reduce CO2 gas emissions by 155 million tons. Oxford Instruments aims to pursue responsible development and deeper understanding of the world through science and technology, and this award will contribute enormously to this endeavor.

3/23 - 3/25
Phosphor Global Summit 2010
San Diego, CA

MARCH 2010

3/23 - 3/25
Phosphor Global Summit 2010
San Diego, CA

APRIL 2010

4/7 - 4/10
ISA International Sign Expo 2010
Orlando, FL

4/13 - 4/15
SAE 2010 World Congress
Detroit, MI

4/18 - 4/21
NAILD
Panama City, FL

ISA 2010
4/7 - 4/10, 2010
Orlando, Fla.

See What One Show Can Do! The International Sign Association’s International Sign Expo returns to Orlando, Florida, April 7–10, 2010, with the latest sign trends and technologies driving the growth of the visual communications industry.
 
There’s plenty to boost your bottom line at the largest sign show in the world:

• Eye-catching Exhibits ­ including the New Product Showcase and ISA’s Green Product Showcase
• Expert Education ­ presenting 60 new ISA Sign Academy sessions
• Exciting Special Events ­ featuring a keynote from Roger Shultz of NBC’s The Biggest Loser

Education and networking events start April 7. Trade show floor open April 8–10.
 
Register and book housing today!
 
For more information, contact ISA at (703) 836-4012 or expo@signs.org.

5/12 - 5/14
Lightfair International 2010
Las Vegas, NV

As the world’s largest annual architectural and commercial lighting trade show and conference, LIGHTFAIR® INTERNATIONAL blends continuing education courses with innovative products ranging from high-end design to cutting-edge technology.