Table of Contents
- 1. Product Overview
- 2. Technical Parameters
- 2.1 Electrical and Optical Characteristics
- 2.2 Absolute Maximum Ratings
- 2.3 Thermal Resistance
- 3. Binning System
- 3.1 Forward Voltage Bins
- 3.2 Luminous Flux Bins
- 3.3 Chromaticity Bins
- 4. Performance Curves
- 4.1 Forward Voltage vs. Forward Current
- 4.2 Relative Intensity vs. Forward Current
- 4.3 Temperature Characteristics
- 4.4 Spectrum Distribution
- 4.5 Radiation Pattern
- 5. Mechanical and Packaging Information
- 5.1 Package Dimensions
- 5.2 Recommended Soldering Pattern
- 5.3 Polarity Identification
- 5.4 Carrier Tape and Reel Dimensions
- 5.5 Packaging Quantity and Labeling
- 6. Soldering and Assembly Guidelines
- 6.1 Reflow Soldering Profile
- 6.2 Cautions
- 6.3 Storage Conditions
- 7. Reliability Test Information
- 7.1 Test Items and Conditions
- 7.2 Failure Criteria
- 8. Handling Precautions
- 9. Application Notes
- 9.1 Typical Applications
- 9.2 Thermal Design Considerations
- 9.3 Circuit Design
- LED Specification Terminology
- Photoelectric Performance
- Electrical Parameters
- Thermal Management & Reliability
- Packaging & Materials
- Quality Control & Binning
- Testing & Certification
1. Product Overview
The RF-A3H10-W60P-E5 is a ceramic package high-power LED designed primarily for automotive exterior lighting applications. It adopts a robust ceramic substrate and silicone encapsulation to ensure high reliability under extreme thermal and mechanical stress. This LED delivers a luminous flux of 360–460 lm at a forward current of 1000 mA, with a compact footprint of only 2.00 mm × 1.60 mm × 0.80 mm. The device is qualified according to AEC-Q102, making it suitable for headlamps, daytime running lamps, fog lamps, and other exterior lighting systems that demand long lifetime and consistent performance.
Key features include Pb-free reflow soldering compatibility, moisture sensitivity level 2, compliance with RoHS and REACH, and electrostatic discharge protection up to 8000 V (HBM). The LED operates over a wide temperature range from −40 °C to +125 °C, with a maximum junction temperature of 150 °C.
2. Technical Parameters
2.1 Electrical and Optical Characteristics
At a solder temperature of 25 °C and forward current of 1000 mA, the typical forward voltage is 2.8 V, with a guaranteed range of 2.8 V minimum to 3.4 V maximum. The reverse current at 5 V is below 10 µA. The luminous flux typically reaches 360 lm, with a bin range from 360 lm to 460 lm. The viewing angle (half-power) is 120° (typical). The color rendering index (Ra) is not specified in this datasheet, indicating that the product targets luminance rather than color quality.
2.2 Absolute Maximum Ratings
The device can withstand a power dissipation up to 5100 mW, forward continuous current up to 1500 mA, and peak forward current of 2000 mA (1/10 duty cycle, 10 ms pulse). Reverse voltage must not exceed 5 V. The operating temperature range is −40 °C to +125 °C, storage temperature same, and junction temperature maximum is 150 °C. ESD sensitivity (HBM) is rated at 8000 V.
2.3 Thermal Resistance
Thermal resistance from junction to solder point (RthJ-S) is typically 3.1 °C/W and maximum 4.1 °C/W at 1000 mA. This low thermal resistance ensures efficient heat transfer to the PCB, essential for maintaining junction temperature within safe limits during high-current operation.
3. Binning System
3.1 Forward Voltage Bins
At IF = 1000 mA, forward voltage is sorted into three bins:
- G0: 2.8 – 3.0 V
- H0: 3.0 – 3.2 V
- I0: 3.2 – 3.4 V
3.2 Luminous Flux Bins
Luminous flux is categorized into four bins:
- BG: 360 – 380 lm
- BH: 380 – 400 lm
- FD: 400 – 430 lm
- FE: 430 – 460 lm
3.3 Chromaticity Bins
Three chromaticity bins are defined based on CIE 1931 coordinates. The bins correspond to white regions typically used for automotive lighting:
- 57N: vertices (0.3221,0.3255) → (0.3206,0.3474) → (0.3375,0.3628) → (0.3365,0.3381)
- 60N: (0.3157,0.3211) → (0.3142,0.3430) → (0.3311,0.3584) → (0.3301,0.3337)
- 65N: (0.3029,0.3286) → (0.3206,0.3463) → (0.3222,0.3243) → (0.3069,0.3095)
These bins ensure consistent color appearance across production lots.
4. Performance Curves
4.1 Forward Voltage vs. Forward Current
At room temperature, forward voltage increases gradually from about 2.6 V at 200 mA to 3.4 V at 1500 mA. The curve exhibits typical diode behavior. Designers must account for this voltage variation to avoid exceeding absolute maximum ratings.
4.2 Relative Intensity vs. Forward Current
Relative luminous intensity rises almost linearly with current up to 1500 mA, reaching approximately 140% of the intensity at 1000 mA. At low currents (200 mA), intensity is about 20% of the value at 1000 mA.
4.3 Temperature Characteristics
As solder temperature increases from −40 °C to 125 °C, relative luminous intensity decreases to about 80% at 125 °C. Forward voltage also drops with rising temperature (about 0.1 V over the range). Chromaticity coordinates shift slightly with temperature, remaining within acceptable limits for automotive applications.
4.4 Spectrum Distribution
The LED emits white light with a broad spectrum from 400 nm to 750 nm. The spectral peak lies around 450 nm (blue) with a secondary phosphor-converted yellow component, resulting in a correlated color temperature (CCT) typical of automotive white LEDs.
4.5 Radiation Pattern
The radiation diagram shows a Lambertian-like distribution with a half-power angle of ±60° (120° total). The intensity falls off gradually from the center, ensuring homogeneous illumination in reflector or lens optics.
5. Mechanical and Packaging Information
5.1 Package Dimensions
The LED package measures 2.00 mm × 1.60 mm (top view) with a height of 0.80 mm. The bottom view reveals two large anode and cathode pads (1.85 mm × 0.55 mm and 1.00 mm × 1.45 mm). Polarity is indicated by a small notch on the package corner. All dimensions have a tolerance of ±0.2 mm unless otherwise specified.
5.2 Recommended Soldering Pattern
To ensure proper heat dissipation and mechanical reliability, the recommended PCB land pattern includes two rectangular pads: one of 1.95 mm × 0.65 mm for the cathode and another of 1.05 mm × 0.60 mm for the anode, with a 0.60 mm gap between them. The solder pad geometry should match the bottom metallization to avoid bridging.
5.3 Polarity Identification
The polarity is clearly marked by the package outline. The bottom view shows the anode pad is larger (left side) and the cathode pad smaller (right side), aligning with the soldering pattern diagram.
5.4 Carrier Tape and Reel Dimensions
The LEDs are supplied in 8 mm wide carrier tape with 4 mm pitch. Pocket dimensions are 2.30 mm × 1.80 mm (B0 × A0) with depth 0.95 mm. Each reel holds 4000 pieces. Reel dimensions: outer diameter 180 mm, hub diameter 60 mm, width 12 mm.
5.5 Packaging Quantity and Labeling
Standard packaging: 4000 pcs per reel. The reel comes with a moisture barrier bag and desiccant. Labels include part number, lot number, bin code (flux and chromaticity), forward voltage bin, quantity, and date.
6. Soldering and Assembly Guidelines
6.1 Reflow Soldering Profile
The recommended reflow profile follows JEDEC J-STD-020. Key parameters:
- Average ramp-up rate: 3 °C/s max (from Tsmax to TP)
- Preheat: 150–200 °C for 60–120 s
- Time above 217 °C: 60 s max
- Peak temperature: 260 °C max, time within 5 °C of peak: 30 s max
- Cooling rate: 6 °C/s max
- Total time from 25 °C to peak: 8 min max
Do not perform more than two reflow cycles. If the interval between two reflows exceeds 24 hours, the LEDs may absorb moisture and require baking before the second pass.
6.2 Cautions
Avoid mechanical stress on the silicone lens during and after soldering. Do not warp the PCB after mounting. Use a double-head soldering iron if rework is necessary. Do not rapidly cool the device after soldering.
6.3 Storage Conditions
Before opening the vacuum-sealed bag: store at ≤30 °C and ≤75% RH for up to one year. After opening: use within 24 hours at ≤30 °C and ≤60% RH. If exceeded, bake at 60±5 °C for ≥24 hours before use.
7. Reliability Test Information
7.1 Test Items and Conditions
Reliability tests include reflow soldering (260 °C, 10 s, 2 cycles), moisture sensitivity level 2 preconditioning (85 °C/60% RH, 168 h), thermal shock (−40 °C to 125 °C, 1000 cycles), life test (125 °C, 1000 mA, 1000 h), and high temperature/high humidity life test (85 °C/85% RH, 1000 mA, 1000 h). All tests are performed on 20 samples with acceptance criteria 0/1 failures.
7.2 Failure Criteria
After each test, the following limits apply:
- Forward voltage change: ≤ 1.1 × USL (upper spec limit)
- Reverse current: ≤ 2.0 × USL
- Luminous flux drop: ≥ 0.7 × LSL (lower spec limit)
8. Handling Precautions
LED operating environment and mating materials must contain sulfur content below 100 ppm. Bromine and chlorine content must each be below 900 ppm, and their total below 1500 ppm. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from fixture materials can penetrate the silicone encapsulant and cause discoloration; therefore, only compatible adhesives and coatings should be used. Handle LEDs with tools gripping the side surfaces, never press the lens directly. ESD protection is mandatory during handling and assembly. For cleaning, isopropyl alcohol is recommended; avoid ultrasonic cleaning.
9. Application Notes
9.1 Typical Applications
This LED is ideal for automotive exterior lighting such as daytime running lamps, low/high beam headlamps, and fog lamps. Its small ceramic package enables compact optical designs, while high luminous flux and wide beam angle provide efficient light distribution.
9.2 Thermal Design Considerations
Because the junction temperature must stay below 150 °C, proper heat sinking is critical. The low thermal resistance (3.1 °C/W typical) allows use of standard FR4 PCBs with thermal vias, but for maximum current, metal-core PCBs (MCPCB) are recommended. A thermal simulation should be performed to ensure the solder temperature does not exceed 105 °C at maximum current.
9.3 Circuit Design
Always include a current-limiting resistor or constant-current driver to prevent thermal runaway. Reverse voltage protection should be provided; if the LED is subjected to reverse bias, leakage current may cause damage. When paralleling multiple LEDs, ensure matched forward voltages (same bin) to balance current distribution.
LED Specification Terminology
Complete explanation of LED technical terms
Photoelectric Performance
| Term | Unit/Representation | Simple Explanation | Why Important |
|---|---|---|---|
| Luminous Efficacy | lm/W (lumens per watt) | Light output per watt of electricity, higher means more energy efficient. | Directly determines energy efficiency grade and electricity cost. |
| Luminous Flux | lm (lumens) | Total light emitted by source, commonly called "brightness". | Determines if the light is bright enough. |
| Viewing Angle | ° (degrees), e.g., 120° | Angle where light intensity drops to half, determines beam width. | Affects illumination range and uniformity. |
| CCT (Color Temperature) | K (Kelvin), e.g., 2700K/6500K | Warmth/coolness of light, lower values yellowish/warm, higher whitish/cool. | Determines lighting atmosphere and suitable scenarios. |
| CRI / Ra | Unitless, 0–100 | Ability to render object colors accurately, Ra≥80 is good. | Affects color authenticity, used in high-demand places like malls, museums. |
| SDCM | MacAdam ellipse steps, e.g., "5-step" | Color consistency metric, smaller steps mean more consistent color. | Ensures uniform color across same batch of LEDs. |
| Dominant Wavelength | nm (nanometers), e.g., 620nm (red) | Wavelength corresponding to color of colored LEDs. | Determines hue of red, yellow, green monochrome LEDs. |
| Spectral Distribution | Wavelength vs intensity curve | Shows intensity distribution across wavelengths. | Affects color rendering and quality. |
Electrical Parameters
| Term | Symbol | Simple Explanation | Design Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forward Voltage | Vf | Minimum voltage to turn on LED, like "starting threshold". | Driver voltage must be ≥Vf, voltages add up for series LEDs. |
| Forward Current | If | Current value for normal LED operation. | Usually constant current drive, current determines brightness & lifespan. |
| Max Pulse Current | Ifp | Peak current tolerable for short periods, used for dimming or flashing. | Pulse width & duty cycle must be strictly controlled to avoid damage. |
| Reverse Voltage | Vr | Max reverse voltage LED can withstand, beyond may cause breakdown. | Circuit must prevent reverse connection or voltage spikes. |
| Thermal Resistance | Rth (°C/W) | Resistance to heat transfer from chip to solder, lower is better. | High thermal resistance requires stronger heat dissipation. |
| ESD Immunity | V (HBM), e.g., 1000V | Ability to withstand electrostatic discharge, higher means less vulnerable. | Anti-static measures needed in production, especially for sensitive LEDs. |
Thermal Management & Reliability
| Term | Key Metric | Simple Explanation | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junction Temperature | Tj (°C) | Actual operating temperature inside LED chip. | Every 10°C reduction may double lifespan; too high causes light decay, color shift. |
| Lumen Depreciation | L70 / L80 (hours) | Time for brightness to drop to 70% or 80% of initial. | Directly defines LED "service life". |
| Lumen Maintenance | % (e.g., 70%) | Percentage of brightness retained after time. | Indicates brightness retention over long-term use. |
| Color Shift | Δu′v′ or MacAdam ellipse | Degree of color change during use. | Affects color consistency in lighting scenes. |
| Thermal Aging | Material degradation | Deterioration due to long-term high temperature. | May cause brightness drop, color change, or open-circuit failure. |
Packaging & Materials
| Term | Common Types | Simple Explanation | Features & Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Package Type | EMC, PPA, Ceramic | Housing material protecting chip, providing optical/thermal interface. | EMC: good heat resistance, low cost; Ceramic: better heat dissipation, longer life. |
| Chip Structure | Front, Flip Chip | Chip electrode arrangement. | Flip chip: better heat dissipation, higher efficacy, for high-power. |
| Phosphor Coating | YAG, Silicate, Nitride | Covers blue chip, converts some to yellow/red, mixes to white. | Different phosphors affect efficacy, CCT, and CRI. |
| Lens/Optics | Flat, Microlens, TIR | Optical structure on surface controlling light distribution. | Determines viewing angle and light distribution curve. |
Quality Control & Binning
| Term | Binning Content | Simple Explanation | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Luminous Flux Bin | Code e.g., 2G, 2H | Grouped by brightness, each group has min/max lumen values. | Ensures uniform brightness in same batch. |
| Voltage Bin | Code e.g., 6W, 6X | Grouped by forward voltage range. | Facilitates driver matching, improves system efficiency. |
| Color Bin | 5-step MacAdam ellipse | Grouped by color coordinates, ensuring tight range. | Guarantees color consistency, avoids uneven color within fixture. |
| CCT Bin | 2700K, 3000K etc. | Grouped by CCT, each has corresponding coordinate range. | Meets different scene CCT requirements. |
Testing & Certification
| Term | Standard/Test | Simple Explanation | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| LM-80 | Lumen maintenance test | Long-term lighting at constant temperature, recording brightness decay. | Used to estimate LED life (with TM-21). |
| TM-21 | Life estimation standard | Estimates life under actual conditions based on LM-80 data. | Provides scientific life prediction. |
| IESNA | Illuminating Engineering Society | Covers optical, electrical, thermal test methods. | Industry-recognized test basis. |
| RoHS / REACH | Environmental certification | Ensures no harmful substances (lead, mercury). | Market access requirement internationally. |
| ENERGY STAR / DLC | Energy efficiency certification | Energy efficiency and performance certification for lighting. | Used in government procurement, subsidy programs, enhances competitiveness. |