 Laird Technologies Releases Enhanced Tlam SS LLD Thermally Conductive PCB Substrate
Laird Technologies, Inc., a designer and supplier of customized performance-critical components and systems for advanced electronics and wireless products, has released its enhanced Tlam SS LLD for use as a thermally conductive printed circuit board (PCB) substrate.
The Tlam SS is a versatile, thermally-enhanced PCB substrate system specifically designed for heat dissipation in bright and ultra-bright LED module applications. The thermally conductive PCB substrate provides 8-10 times the heat dissipation as compared to conventional FR4-based PCBs; a key ability in keeping components cool.
A copper circuit layer and aluminum or copper base plate are bonded together with an LLD dielectric, which is essential to the high-performance of the PCB substrate. The dielectric can fit, and is processed through, standard FR4 print-and-etch operations without various parameter modifications. These dielectrics provide electrical isolation, thermal transfer, and an adhesion layer for the substrate.
“The enhanced Tlam SS LLD substrate improves thermal transference from the heat source to the heat sink through PCBs, reducing the thermal stress placed on the PCB,” said Jeffrey Chuang, Laird Technologies Tlam Product manager. “These new improvements benefit the LED market by providing a higher performing, lower cost thermal interface that extends operational life to the LED apparatus.”
The Tlam SS LLD boards are processed through standard pick-and-place surface mount technology (SMT) and manual wire bond operations. Standard constructions are made with one or two ounce copper and 0.040 (1) or 0.059 (1.5) inch (mm) thick aluminum, grade 5052; 0.040 (1) or 0.062 (1.6) inch (mm) thick aluminum, grade 6061; with a copper base available.
Micrel Launches High Power Monolithic Boost LED Driver with 3.5A Integrated FET
Micrel, Inc., an producer of analog, high bandwidth communications and Ethernet IC solutions, has rolled out the MIC3223, a high power Boost regulator for driving high power LEDs. MIC3223 is a monolithic switching regulator with integrated 3.5 A, 37 V power switch and can be used for driving high brightness 1 W or 3 W LEDs. The MIC3223 is currently available in volume quantities, with pricing starting at $1.46 for 1,000 quantities.
"Micrel's MIC3223 provides the performance, flexibility and ease-of-use required by LED lighting system designers to meet backlighting challenges," said Doyle Slack, senior marketing director of analog power, linear and RF at Micrel. "In addition to the low feedback reference voltage and an integrated high current power MOSFET, the MIC3223 provides the ability to drive an external N-channel switch to control the brightness of the series connected high power LEDs."
The MIC3223 is capable of driving up to 10 LEDs in series with ±5 percent current accuracy from an input voltage range of 4.5 V to 20 V. With its peak current mode control boost architecture and integrated power switch delivering greater than 90 percent efficiency, the solution is well positioned to provide constant current with changes in input voltage and output load. The device implements a fixed 1.0 MHz PWM control scheme to allow flexibility in the design. The LED current can be programmed to a wide range of values through the use of an external resistor. The MIC3223 features a PWM dimming input and an output driver to drive an external N-channel FET for PWM dimming at frequencies up to 20 kHz. It also offers an enable pin for very low power shutdown and an UVLO. The device has a wide range of protection features including output over voltage protection and an over temperature protection. In addition to enhanced power driving capability/reliability, the MIC3223 comes in an exposed pad TSSOP-16L package and operates over a junction temperature range of -40°C to 125°C.
Dialight’s New DuroSite LED High Bay Fixture Achieves 77 Lumens per Watt
Dialight has introduced its new ultra-bright DuroSite LED High Bay fixtures. The new CE compliant fixture incorporates Cree’s Xlamp XP-G LEDs, delivering nearly 12,000 lumens while consuming 150 watts, providing unparalleled levels of quality overhead light and significantly reducing energy consumption and cost.
With its unique high lumens per watt efficacy, the High Bay fixture combines the latest in LED technology, precision optics and next generation thermal management practices to direct crisp, clear, cool white light where it’s needed, when it’s needed. Sustaining more than 80 percent lumen capacity over 60,000 operating hours, the LED fixture is virtually maintenance free, lasting upwards of 10+ years.
“Advanced Dialight products like our new DuroSite LED High Bay luminaires are setting a new standard for high brightness LED lighting technology and performance as well as for environmental responsibility,” said Roy Burton, Dialight’s group chief executive. “Our high bay overhead lighting solutions require fewer fixtures to achieve the same level of illumination in comparison to older conventional technologies and require far less energy to operate. Lower energy consumption not only lowers CO2 emissions by almost one metric ton per fixture, but reduces energy costs, significantly decreasing total cost of ownership over time.”
Designed to replace conventional lighting in a wide variety of rugged applications, the IP-66 rated high light output High Bay fixtures are well suited for both indoor and outdoor applications that require bright, efficiently delivered overhead illumination such as warehouses, cold storage facilities and manufacturing plants.
The Dialight DuroSite LED High Bay fixtures utilize Cree XLamp XP-G LEDs, known for their wide viewing angle, symmetrical package and electrically neutral thermal path, which afford exceptionally high light output and maximum efficacy. These luminaires feature instant on/off operation, requiring no warm up time for full illumination. They are also free of hazardous materials including mercury.
LED Luminaires for Every Occasion
With these new LED luminaires, Osram proves that the efficient semiconductor diodes are a real alternative to conventional technology. The LEDvance downlight range sets new trends as an energy-saving replacement for halogen lamps and CFL downlights. Short payback times and easy handling together with an aesthetically pleasing design are the distinguishing features of the LEDvance product range. The narrow LED luminaire LEDvance Polybar is suitable for lighting strip installations of up to 20 meters.
LEDvance Polybar is a well suited solution for all applications requiring a modular solution, easy handling and linear light. The mains voltage lighting strip with ON/OFF switch is available in three different lengths with different outputs: 250 mm / 6 W, 500 mm / 12 W as well as 750 mm / 18 W. The luminaires fitted with Osram Oslon LED permit targeted light distribution and can be through-wired to a length of up to 20 meters. Three different light colors are available: white with 3,000 K and fine white with 4,000 or
5,400 K respectively.
 The Osram LEDvance Downlight range provides easy-to-install LED luminaires for different applications. These downlights can be integrated into ceilings, fitted as very slim light strips or built into shelves. The various models replace halogen lamps as well as CFL downlights. Another impressive feature in addition to their efficiency of at least 50 lm/W is their lifespan of up to 50,000 hours. Because of their outstanding energy efficiency and the corresponding savings in energy costs, their payback times are short.
LEDvance Downlight S has been specifically designed for integration into furniture, shelves or niches - the luminaire develops significantly less heat than its halogen counterparts, thus providing much more flexibility for use in a wider range of applications. Because of its compact size and low installation depth of 13 mm, Downlight S can also be fitted to all standard items of furniture. Available in color temperatures of 3,000 and 4,000 K, this luminaire replaces 20 W halogen lamps.
 LEDvance Downlight M replaces 50 W halogen lamps and is designed for installation in ceilings. The luminaire is available in two versions with a beam angle of 12° or 36° and is the environmentally friendly way to provide accent lighting.
If high light levels are required, the right choice is for the extremely powerful, but energy-saving LEDvance Downlights L and XL. These ceiling spotlights illuminate foyers, hallways, hotels, shops and much more. The luminaires are fitted with Oslon LED, permitting high system efficiency and with a direct mains connection for easy installation. Osram Downlight L replaces an 18 W or a 26 W compact fluorescent lamp and is a suitable alternative for a number of 75 W halogen applications with a high lighting requirement. The Downlight XL version replaces two 18 W or two 26 W compact fluorescent downlights.
With the LEDvance Downlight product range, Osram offers a highly efficient LED alternative for all applications with a reduced CO2 output in addition to energy savings.
 DuPont Microcircuit Materials Expands Innovative Offerings for Printed Electronics
DuPont Microcircuit Materials (MCM) is expanding its portfolio of silver conductive inks formulated for use in printed electronics, to meet the need for low-cost processing in the high-growth and emerging markets for Touch Screens and devices such as OLEDs. The new screen printable inks include: DuPont 7723, a low temperature firing silver ink suitable for printing on glass, and DuPont 9169, a low temperature curing Ag ink designed for flexible substrates.
"DuPont Microcircuit Materials has developed a broad range of conductive inks for printed electronic applications, and we continue to advance our technology offering by customizing materials for specific applications to meet our customers’ needs better and faster,” said Walt Cheng, global business director, DuPont Microcircuit Materials. “We look at where the market is expanding, target key areas where more cost-effective solutions are needed and pursue those areas most aggressively. Touch Screen technology, OLED and thin film photovoltaics are all areas where we expect to grow by helping our customers succeed.”
According to industry estimates, the printed electronics market is expected to reach $10 billion by 2012, and as much as $300 billion by 2025. Estimates for growth in the global Touch Screen module market are similarly strong with a forecast to grow to $6.4 billion by 2013 and the market for OLED lighting and displays could reach more than $6.7 billion in 2014. DuPont MCM continues to build its portfolio of products for these and other high-growth markets, with leading materials including DuPont Solamet photovoltaic metallization inks for higher efficiency solar cells.
New DuPont 7723 delivers improved adhesion to Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) coated glass, it is lead-free and solderable, well suited for use in Touch Screen devices. DuPont 9169 has high conductivity, strong adhesion to ITO coated flexible substrates, low contact resistance to ITO, and fine line capability. Both products are recommended where high performance on coated substrates is critical, such as in Touch Screens and OLEDs.
These are the latest in the broad and growing line of DuPont MCM functional inks used for forming conductive traces, capacitor and resistor elements, and dielectric and encapsulating layers that are compatible with many substrate surfaces including polyester, glass and ceramic. MCM ink technologies are suitable for screen print, flexo, gravure, photo-imaging, pad printing and other processing techniques. Ink jet materials are in development. Printed electronic materials include biomedical sensor materials, flexible display materials, LuxPrint electroluminescent materials, membrane touch switch materials, materials for printed batteries, printable materials for printed wiring boards, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) antenna materials, Solamet photovoltaic metallization, touch sensor materials and other printed electronic applications.
 LED Driver for Boost, Buck or Buck-Boost High Current LED Applications Offers Maximum Junction Temperature of 150ºC
Linear Technology has released the H-grade version of the LT3517. The LT3517 is a high side current sense DC/DC converter designed to drive high current LEDs at constant current. Its 3 V to 30 V input voltage range with transient protection to 40 V makes it well suited for a range of applications, including automotive, industrial and architectural lighting. The H-grade version operates with a junction temperature up to 150ºC, compared to the E- and I-grade versions' 125ºC maximum junction temperature. All electrical specifications are identical for the E-, I- and H-grade versions. The H-grade parts are tested and guaranteed to the maximum junction temperature of 150ºC, making them well suited for automotive and industrial applications which are subjected to high ambient temperatures.
The LT3517 can drive up to four 300 mA white LEDs from a nominal 12 V input, making it well suited for applications such as automotive display backlighting. The LT3517 senses output current at the high side of the LED, enabling buck, buck-boost or boost configurations. The device delivers efficiencies up to 90 percent in boost mode from a 4 mm by 4 mm QFN package. The LT3517 offers True Color PWM dimming, which ensures constant LED color with dimming ranges of up to 5,000:1. For less demanding dimming requirements, the CTRL pin can be used to provide 10:1 analog dimming. Its fixed frequency, current mode architecture offers stable operation over a wide range of supply and output voltages. A frequency adjust pin enables the user to program the frequency between 250 kHz and 2.5 MHz to optimize efficiency while minimizing external component size.
The LT3517HUF is available from stock in 16-pin QFN package, priced starting at $3.49 each in 1,000-piece quantities.
 New LED Module Product Line Brings Cree TrueWhite Technology to Lighting Manufacturers
Cree, Inc. has introduced a new class of products designed to accelerate the adoption of LED lighting by traditional lighting fixture manufacturers and speed time-to-market for their new LED-based fixtures. With this new line of LED module products, Cree customers will now have access to Cree’s award-winning TrueWhite technology allowing them to deliver efficient, high-quality light in a compact, easy-to-use product.
The first product in the new line is the Cree LED Module LMR4, created to overcome common design issues manufacturers have faced when trying to incorporate LED solutions into their lighting fixtures.
“Cree customers now have access to our industry-proven TrueWhite technology, allowing them to quickly deliver better products to the market, faster,” said Chuck Swoboda, Cree chairman and chief executive officer. “Cree TrueWhite technology is already installed in thousands of locations including restaurants, retail stores, and others that demand both high-quality light and energy-efficiency.”
The Cree LED Module LMR4 uniquely integrates driver electronics, optics and primary thermal management, making the compact Cree module drop-in-ready. Designed to last 35,000 hours while consuming just 12 watts of power, it delivers 700 lumens at a warm-white color temperature of 2,700 with a CRI >90. Fixture manufacturers have the option to include a specially designed heat sink to accommodate specific high-heat applications, like downlights for insulated ceilings.
The LMR4 (120V) is UL recognized and the LMR4 (230V) complies with multiple international standards. Fixture makers seeking Energy Star qualification will have access to specification and performance data, including LM-80 reports, which can speed regulatory approvals.
“We’ve never seen or worked with any LED product as simple as the Cree LED Module,” said Miroslav Masar, OMS, LED Department director. “We anticipate our new downlight will be available in summer 2010—and that’s less than six months from when we started working with prototypes of the module. In a fast-paced industry like lighting, this is a keen advantage for us.”
The Cree LED Module LMR4 can be ordered now for summer 2010 general availability.
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TV-use Edge-type LED Backlight Unit (BLU) Technology Advancement and Cost Saving Accelerates
Displaybank, a in market research and consulting company for the display and solar industries, has announced that the edge-type LED BLU technology used in LED LCD TV shows rapid advancement. Edge-type technology that places LEDs as “Bar” type to four-sides of the TFT-LCD panel is seeing accelerated evolution in terms of method that lowers number of LED bars used and also of cost saving. These and other findings are disclosed in Displaybank’s newly updated Large-size BLU/LED BLU Industry Trend and Analysis report, which covers backlight industry on a monthly basis
The edge-type LED LCD TV products that was launched in year 2009 had six LED bars in four-sides of panel but in 2010, products that have LED bars in only two-side are being launched and in some small-sized application, product with one-side two LED bar is being launched.
Duke Lee, Senior analyst in Display component research group at Displaybank said, “In order to decrease number of LED bars used, additional component related to heat emission is needed to be applied as well as additional LED packages; and, the area of chip work as variable. However, by lowering number of LEDs used that have high cost share, the cost of LED LCD TV models in 2010 would certainly show lower cost level than the models launched in 2009.”
Displaybank forecasts that the average price of LED BLU in 2009, which was $226.10 would decline to $129.00 in 2010 that will reflect 43 percent price decrease based on the 40-inch sized product.
Andy Yu, Senior vice president in Display research group at Displaybank said, “The technological advancement can be considered as the industry’s efforts to respond to the LED shortages by lowering number of LEDs applied with the cost saving factor. The explosive demand increases for LED LCD TVs lead to endless concerns on shortages for LEDs as well as other related component but major TV makers are continuously updating their new product lineup with not only LED LCD TV but “3D” LED LCD TVs.”
Displaybank forecasts the market size of LED LCD TV in 2010 to be 32 million units that grow nine times Y/Y and this correspond to 19 percent of the total LCD TV market size.
LED Street Lighting Field Test Results Published
LED technology continues to rapidly mature and is pursued as a street lighting alternative to traditional lamp sources categorized as high intensity discharge (HID) lamps, such as high pressure sodium luminaires. In order to quantify the performance of new LED street lighting options, lighting specifiers must compare the claimed benefits of LED fixtures, including long life, reduced maintenance and energy savings to existing HID sources.
The Lighting Research Center (LRC) at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute recently released a new publication detailing field test evaluation results of an LED street lighting installation in a suburban business park in upstate New York. “Through real-world environment case studies, LRC’s DELTA program provides objective information regarding the performance and acceptance of products,” said Jennifer Brons, LRC research scientist and DELTA Program manager.
In this recent case study, DELTA evaluated 16 Edge LED luminaires, manufactured and donated by BetaLED, lining a curved, three-lane street built to service a new office building in North Greenbush, New York. The mission was to examine and measure system performance, photometric performance, energy savings, light pollution and whether volunteers visiting the site accepted the LED street lighting system. The results are detailed in Field Test DELTA Snapshots: LED Street Lighting.
The Edge luminaires use a system of LED bars, each bar housing 20 high-output white LEDs. Based on the desired light output, lighting specifiers select the number of bars per luminaire. In this installation, the Edge luminaires have three LED light bars each and are mounted on poles 30 feet high and spaced 130 to 180 feet apart. DELTA compared the installation to neighboring high pressure sodium (HPS) street lighting system in the same business park.
Study findings
- Most visitors considered the lighting to be, overall, the same as or better than other roadways at night.
- Relative to the neighboring HPS installation, the LED installation uses less power while providing better uniformity.
For complete details, a PDF version of the publication is available for free download at
www.lrc.rpi.edu/programs/DELTA/pdf/FTDelta_LEDStreetLighting.pdf.
 Acriche LED Achieves Luminous Efficacy of 150 lm/w
Seoul Semiconductor has announced that it will begin production in late 2010 on a new lamp capable of 150 lm/w. This efficacy will surpass available DC LEDs.
The company also announced that Acriche has begun mass-production of its technology AC-powered lamp, which recently achieved a luminous efficacy of 100 lm/w.
Production of the Acriche LED has become more important since the European Union began enforcing a ban on the sale of incandescent light bulbs of more than 100 watts last September and legislated against the use of existing inefficient electric light bulbs in all countries in the future.
Acriche LEDs are more efficient than halogen lamps, incandescent light bulbs and fluorescent lamps and they are the only light source that can be driven by a common alternating current power source without the need of an AC-DC converter.
Two of the world’s three largest lighting companies have already chosen the Acriche 100 lm/w for use in lighting applications. In addition, more than 100 companies are beginning to expand the applications.
“With the results of these developments, Seoul Semiconductor enhances its reputation as an environmentally friendly LED company by speeding up the development of Acriche products with high efficiency and high reliability required in the LED lighting market,” said Mr. S.M. Lee, Sr. vice president of Seoul Semiconductor.
Philips and Future Lighting Solutions Extend Relationship to Provide More Comprehensive LED Solutions
Royal Philips Electronics is expanding its existing relationship with the LED lighting components provider Future Lighting Solutions. Through a new arrangement, the companies will offer a broad range of LED lighting component solutions for OEM customers to develop further into finished products.
Future Lighting Solutions has enjoyed a 10-year exclusive LED distribution relationship with the Philips Lumileds business. Under the new arrangement, Philips and Future will expand this relationship to provide OEM customers with a comprehensive range of Philips LED lighting solutions, including LED drivers, LED modules and other key components. Philips and Future will cooperate closer to strengthen their provision of product choice, design support, logistics and other services to accelerate and enable LED solutions.
Future Lighting Solutions will become a direct supplier of basic LED light engine components under the Philips LED licensing program. These components can be utilized, with the cooperation of Philips, by licensees of the program to help qualify their finished luminaires under the no-royalty-due provisions of the program.
Commenting on the collaboration, Rudy Provoost, CEO of Philips Lighting, said, “We have enjoyed an excellent working relationship with Future over the last ten years via our distribution agreement for LUXEON LEDs. This exciting expansion of our relationship will allow Philips and Future to enhance our offer to the OEM market, serving existing and new customers with a broader portfolio of LED lighting solutions and services.”
“This agreement will enable our customers to further speed their time to market, reduce their total systems costs, and simplify their supply chain by sourcing devices from one partner,” said Gerry Duggan, Executive Vice-President of Future Electronics, the parent company of Future Lighting Solutions. “This is another important step in our mission to accelerate the adoption of solid state lighting.”
NEMA Publishes SSL 3-2010 High-Power White LED Binning for General Illumination
The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) has published SSL 3-2010 High-Power White LED Binning for General Illumination. This marks NEMA’s first solid state lighting (SSL) standard.
Produced by NEMA’s Solid State Lighting Section, SSL 3 provides standardized categorization areas (bins) for the colors of “white” light-emitting diodes (LEDs) used for general lighting. LED manufacturers use binning to manage variations in LED performance during mass production. When manufacturers use different binning structures and labeling, LED system integrators and assemblers face unnecessary testing, verification, qualification and validation processes.
The bin structures established by SSL 3 promote continuity among suppliers. The standard also sets a level of expectation for color characterization that result in a reasonable number of bins for stocking purposes. The bin structures are based on ANSI color standards for fluorescent lamps as specific in ANSI_NEMA_ANSLG C78.377-2008.
“As the first solid state lighting application standard for color in general lighting, SSL 3 will streamline the binning process, alleviating stock and consistency issues for LED integrators,” said Robert Hick of Leviton, and chair of the section. “Upcoming revisions of the standard will address additional characteristics for binning. SSL 3 demonstrates lighting manufacturers’ commitment to work together to make energy-efficient SSL technology easier for integrators to adopt on a large scale.”
The contents and scope of SSL 3 may be viewed, or a hardcopy or electronic copy purchased for $37, by visiting www.nema.org/stds/ssl3.cfm, or by contacting IHS at 800-854-7179 (within the U.S.), 303-397-7956 (international), 303-397-2740 (fax), or global.ihs.com |
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APRIL
4/18 - 4/21
NAILD
Panama City, FL
4/21 - 4/22
2010 DOE Solid-State Lighting Manufacturing R&D Workshop
San Jose, CA
MAY
5/4 - 5/6
LED Lighting Institute
Troy, NY
5/11- 5/13
EDS 2010
Las Vegas, NV
5/12 - 5/14
Lightfair International 2010
Las Vegas, NV
5/17- 5/20
Conference on Compound Semiconductor Manufacturing
Portland, OR
5/23 - 5/28
SID 2010
Seattle, WA
 Lightfair International 2010
5/12 - 5/14, 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.
 SID International Symposium, Seminar and Exhibition
May 23-28, 2010
Seattle, WA
The 48th SID International Symposium, Seminar and Exhibition, or Display Week 2010, will take place May 23-28, 2010, at the Washington State Convention Center in Seattle. Display Week is the premier international gathering of scientists, engineers, manufacturers and users in the field of electronic-information displays. Display Week is where the future of displays is envisioned and it’s the only venue that provides display enthusiasts with a glimpse into what will be on the market in 2-3 years. Some of the exciting areas showcased this year include OLED, e-paper, flexible displays, greener manufacturing techniques, 3D, touch, etc. Come see what new technology is shaping the future. For more information, visit www.sid2010.org or follow us on Twitter at @DisplayWeek.
 SEMICON West 2010
July 13-15, 2010
Moscone Center, San Francisco, CA
SEMICON West 2010 will be the hub of activity for products and technologies for the design and manufacture of microelectronics, the microelectronics supply chain, and emerging markets and technologies. Hear keynote speakers from Intel, Applied Materials, IBM, and LAM. Attend the Extreme Electronics mini-conferences on MEMS, photovoltaics, flexible electronics and displays, nano-electronics, and solid state lighting (LEDs). Spend time at the TechXPOTs, which feature sessions on key industry segments, technologies, and trends, or the new TechSITEs with short sessions on a wide variety of topics and invited technical presentations and non-commercial exhibitor demonstrations. Stop by the exhibitor booths. Be part of the excitement. Join the thousands of semiconductor professionals this year at SEMICON West. www.semiconwest.org
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ZigBee Resource Guide
