LED Amber 3.2x1.6x0.7mm Specification - Forward Voltage 2.0V - Power 72mW - Technical Datasheet

1. Product Overview

This specification covers a surface-mount amber LED in a compact 3.2mm × 1.6mm × 0.7mm package. It is fabricated using an amber chip and designed for general indication and illumination purposes. Key features include an extremely wide viewing angle, compatibility with standard SMT assembly and solder processes, moisture sensitivity level 3, and RoHS compliance. Typical applications include optical indicators, switch and symbol displays, and general electronic equipment.

2. Technical Parameters Deep Dive

2.1 Electrical / Optical Characteristics

At an ambient temperature of 25°C and a forward current of 20mA, the LED exhibits the following characteristics (values are typical unless noted):

• Forward Voltage (VF): Available in three voltage bins: B0 (1.8-2.0V), C0 (2.0-2.2V), D0 (2.2-2.4V). Typical value is 2.0V.
• Dominant Wavelength (λD): Ranges from 600nm to 615nm depending on bin (A00: 600-605nm, B00: 605-610nm, C00: 610-615nm).
• Luminous Intensity (IV): Offered in four brightness bins: 1AP (90-120mcd), G20 (120-150mcd), 1AW (150-200mcd), 1GK (200-260mcd).
• Viewing Angle (2θ1/2): 140 degrees typical.
• Reverse Current (IR): Maximum 10μA at VR=5V.
• Thermal Resistance (RTHJ-S): Maximum 450 K/W (junction to solder point).
• Spectral Half Bandwidth: 15nm typical.

2.2 Absolute Maximum Ratings

The device should not be operated beyond the following limits:

• Power Dissipation (Pd): 72mW
• Forward Current (IF): 30mA (continuous), 60mA (peak, 1/10 duty cycle, 0.1ms pulse)
• Electrostatic Discharge (HBM): 2000V
• Operating Temperature: -40°C to +85°C
• Storage Temperature: -40°C to +85°C
• Junction Temperature: 95°C maximum

3. Binning System

The LED is sorted into multiple bins for voltage, wavelength, and luminous intensity to ensure consistency. The table below summarizes the bin codes:

All measurements are taken at IF=20mA and Ta=25°C. Tolerances: VF ±0.1V, λD ±2nm, IV ±10%.

4. Performance Curves Analysis

4.1 Forward Voltage vs. Forward Current

Figure 1-6 shows a typical diode curve: forward current increases exponentially with forward voltage. At 20mA, VF is approximately 2.0V.

4.2 Relative Intensity vs. Forward Current

Figure 1-7 indicates that relative intensity increases nearly linearly with forward current up to 30mA, allowing for simple dimming control.

4.3 Temperature Dependence

Figure 1-8 shows that relative intensity decreases slightly with rising ambient temperature. At 100°C, intensity drops to about 70% of the 25°C value. Figure 1-9 provides the derating curve for forward current vs. pin temperature; the maximum allowed current decreases at higher temperatures to avoid exceeding the junction temperature limit.

4.4 Wavelength Shift

Figure 1-10 shows dominant wavelength changes with forward current. At 20mA, the wavelength is near the center of the bin range. As current increases, the wavelength may shift slightly due to temperature effects.

4.5 Spectral Distribution

Figure 1-11 presents the relative spectral intensity from 400nm to 700nm. The peak is around 600–615nm, corresponding to the amber color. The spectral half bandwidth is approximately 15nm, indicating a pure color.

4.6 Radiation Pattern

Figure 1-12 shows a wide viewing angle of 140°. The intensity is relatively uniform across ±70°, making this LED suitable for indicator applications requiring broad visibility.

5. Mechanical and Package Information

The LED is housed in a standard 3.2mm × 1.6mm × 0.7mm (length × width × height) surface-mount package. The package drawings indicate polarity: pin 1 is marked as the anode, pin 2 as the cathode. Recommended soldering patterns are provided in Figure 1-5, with dimensions in millimeters. The PCB pad layout should include a thermal pad to enhance heat dissipation. All dimensions have a tolerance of ±0.2mm unless otherwise noted.

6. Soldering and Assembly Guidelines

The LED is designed for standard SMT reflow soldering. The recommended reflow profile should follow JEDEC standards, with a peak temperature of 260°C for no more than 10 seconds (two passes maximum). The product is moisture sensitive (MSL level 3), so it must be handled according to IPC/JEDEC J-STD-020. If the moisture barrier bag is opened, the devices must be used within 168 hours, or they need to be baked before soldering. Avoid exposure to conditions exceeding 30°C/60% RH. Hand soldering is not recommended; if necessary, use a soldering iron set to 350°C for no more than 3 seconds per pad.

7. Packaging and Ordering Information

The LED is supplied on 8mm wide carrier tape in a 178mm diameter reel, with 4000 pieces per reel. The carrier tape has a pitch of 4mm and a feeding direction as indicated. Each reel is placed in a moisture barrier bag together with a desiccant and a humidity indicator card. The label contains the part number, spec number, lot number, bin code, quantity, and date. The sealed bag is packed into a cardboard box for shipping. For reliability, the product has passed temperature cycling (-40°C to +100°C, 100 cycles), thermal shock (300 cycles), high-temperature storage (100°C, 1000h), low-temperature storage (-40°C, 1000h), and life test (20mA at 25°C, 1000h). Acceptance criteria are defined: forward voltage must not exceed 1.1× upper spec limit, reverse current must not exceed 2× upper spec limit, and luminous flux must not drop below 0.7× lower spec limit.

8. Application Notes

This amber LED is ideal for use as an optical indicator in consumer electronics, automotive interior lighting, industrial control panels, and backlighting for switches and symbols. Due to its wide viewing angle, it is effective in applications where the indication must be visible from various angles. Designers should consider using a current-limiting resistor to ensure the forward current does not exceed 30mA (or the derated value at elevated temperatures). For pulsed operation, a peak current of up to 60mA is permissible with a low duty cycle (≤10%) and short pulse width (≤0.1ms). Proper thermal management, such as a thermal pad or via array on the PCB, helps to keep the junction temperature below 95°C. ESD protection is recommended as the device is rated for 2000V HBM; consider adding a series resistor or Zener diode if the application is susceptible to electrostatic discharges.

9. Typical Comparisons with Similar Products

Compared to standard 0603 (1.6×0.8mm) amber LEDs, this 3.2×1.6mm package offers higher luminous intensity (up to 260mcd) and a wider viewing angle (140° vs typical 120°). The larger thermal pad allows for better heat dissipation, enabling higher forward current for brighter output. Its low thermal resistance (450K/W) ensures stable performance over temperature. Furthermore, the tight binning (several voltage and wavelength bins) provides greater design flexibility and color consistency than many generic amber LEDs.

10. Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the recommended operating current for maximum reliability? A: For long life, operating at 20mA (the test condition) is recommended. Higher currents (up to 30mA) are possible with adequate thermal management.

Q: Can this LED be used in outdoor applications? A: The operating temperature range is -40°C to +85°C, so it can be used outdoors if sealed against moisture. However, the package itself is not waterproof.

Q: How should I interpret the bin codes? A: Bins are used to group LEDs with similar characteristics. When ordering, you can specify a preferred bin to ensure tight tolerance in your application.

Q: Is this LED compatible with lead-free soldering? A: Yes, it is RoHS compliant and compatible with lead-free reflow profiles with a peak temperature of 260°C.

11. Case Study: Dashboard Indicator

In an automotive dashboard indicator design, the amber LED was chosen for its high brightness (260mcd) and wide viewing angle to be visible to both driver and passengers. The LED was driven at 20mA with a 120Ω series resistor from a 5V supply. The PCB was designed with a thermal pad connected to a ground plane. After 1000 hours of operation at 85°C ambient, the luminous intensity dropped less than 10%, demonstrating excellent reliability.

12. Principle of LED Operation

An LED (light-emitting diode) is a semiconductor device that emits light when current flows through it. The amber color is achieved by using a specific semiconductor material (e.g., AlGaInP) that emits photons with wavelengths around 600-615nm. The forward voltage is determined by the bandgap of the material. The luminous intensity is proportional to the current, up to a limit where thermal effects cause efficiency droop. The wide viewing angle is achieved by the package design, which often includes a diffuser or a hemispherical lens.

13. Development Trends in SMD LEDs

The trend for SMD LEDs continues toward smaller packages with higher efficiency and better thermal management. The 3.2×1.6mm package (often called 1206) is a standard size that balances brightness and footprint. Future developments may include even narrower spectral bandwidths for saturated colors, increased ESD robustness, and integration of multiple dies for tunable color. This amber LED meets current industry requirements for reliability, RoHS compliance, and compatibility with automated assembly processes.