LED Component Datasheet - Revision 2 - Lifecycle: Forever - Release Date: 2014-12-01 - English Technical Document

1. Product Overview

This document provides the complete technical specifications and application guidelines for a specific LED (Light Emitting Diode) component. The core information presented indicates this is a stable, mature product. The lifecycle phase is documented as \"Revision 2,\" signifying this is the second official revision of its technical data sheet, implying prior iterations and refinements based on manufacturing experience or minor design updates. Crucially, the \"Expired Period\" is listed as \"Forever,\" denoting that this revision of the specifications is considered permanently valid and will not be superseded by an expiration date, a common marker for obsolete parts. The official release date for this revision is 2014-12-01. This combination of a revision number and a \"forever\" status suggests a component that has reached a final, standardized specification state, suitable for long-term design projects requiring stable part parameters.

The LED is designed for general illumination or indicator applications, offering reliability and consistent performance. Its core advantage lies in its finalized and permanent specification set, providing design engineers with certainty regarding its long-term availability and technical characteristics. The target market includes consumer electronics, automotive interior lighting, signage, and general-purpose lighting modules where a proven, stable component is preferred over newer, potentially unproven alternatives.

2. In-Depth Objective Interpretation of Technical Parameters

While the provided excerpt focuses on document metadata, a comprehensive LED datasheet would contain detailed technical parameters. The following sections outline the critical data typically found and their significance.

2.1 Photometric and Color Characteristics

The photometric properties define the light output and quality. Key parameters include:

• Luminous Flux (Φ_v): Measured in lumens (lm), this indicates the total perceived power of light emitted. A typical value for a mid-power LED could range from 20 lm to 120 lm depending on the chip technology and driving conditions.
• Luminous Efficacy: Expressed in lumens per watt (lm/W), this is a measure of energy efficiency, calculated as luminous flux divided by electrical input power. Higher values indicate more efficient conversion of electricity to visible light.
• Dominant Wavelength (λ_d) or Correlated Color Temperature (CCT): For colored LEDs (e.g., red, blue, green), the dominant wavelength specifies the peak color. For white LEDs, the CCT, measured in Kelvin (K), defines the shade of white (e.g., 2700K for warm white, 6500K for cool white).
• Color Rendering Index (CRI or R_a): For white LEDs, CRI indicates how accurately the light source reveals the true colors of objects compared to a natural reference light. A CRI above 80 is considered good for general lighting.
• Viewing Angle: The angular span over which the luminous intensity is at least half of its maximum value (often denoted as 2θ_1/2). Common angles are 120° or 140° for wide dispersion.

2.2 Electrical Parameters

These parameters are crucial for circuit design and driver selection.

• Forward Voltage (V_f): The voltage drop across the LED when operating at a specified forward current. It varies with chip material (e.g., ~2.0V for red, ~3.2V for blue/white) and increases slightly with temperature.
• Forward Current (I_f): The recommended operating current, typically between 20mA and 150mA for standard packages. Exceeding the maximum rated current drastically reduces lifespan.
• Reverse Voltage (V_r): The maximum voltage the LED can withstand when connected in reverse bias without damage. This is usually a low value (e.g., 5V).
• Power Dissipation (P_d): The maximum allowable power the package can dissipate as heat, calculated as V_f * I_f under typical conditions.

2.3 Thermal Characteristics

LED performance and longevity are highly temperature-dependent.

• Junction Temperature (T_j): The temperature at the semiconductor chip's p-n junction. The maximum rated T_j (e.g., 125°C) is a critical limit; operation above this temperature causes rapid degradation.
• Thermal Resistance (R_θJA or R_θJC): Measured in °C/W, this indicates how effectively heat travels from the junction to the ambient air (JA) or to the case/board (JC). Lower values mean better heat dissipation.
• Storage Temperature Range: The allowable temperature range for the LED when not powered.

3. Binning System Explanation

Manufacturing variations lead to slight differences between individual LEDs. Binning groups parts with similar characteristics to ensure consistency in mass production.

3.1 Wavelength/Color Temperature Binning

LEDs are sorted into bins based on their dominant wavelength (for colors) or CCT (for white). A typical binning scheme might have a 2.5nm or 5nm wavelength step. For white LEDs, bins may be defined in MacAdam ellipses on the CIE chromaticity diagram, with a \"3-step\" or \"5-step\" bin indicating color consistency.

3.2 Luminous Flux Binning

LEDs are categorized by their light output at a standard test current (e.g., 65mA). Bins are defined as a percentage range or a minimum flux value (e.g., Bin A: 20-23 lm, Bin B: 23-26 lm). This allows designers to select the required brightness level.

3.3 Forward Voltage Binning

To simplify driver design and ensure uniform brightness in arrays, LEDs are binned by their forward voltage at a specific current. Common bins might be V_f @ 65mA: 2.8V-3.0V, 3.0V-3.2V, etc.

4. Performance Curve Analysis

Graphical data provides deeper insight into LED behavior under varying conditions.

4.1 Current-Voltage (I-V) Characteristic Curve

This curve shows the relationship between forward current and forward voltage. It is non-linear, with a sharp increase in current once the turn-on voltage is exceeded. The curve shifts with temperature; higher temperature leads to a lower V_f for the same I_f.

4.2 Temperature Characteristics

Key graphs include Luminous Flux vs. Junction Temperature and Forward Voltage vs. Junction Temperature. Luminous flux typically decreases as T_j increases. Understanding this derating is essential for thermal management to maintain target light output.

3.3 Spectral Power Distribution (SPD)

For white LEDs, the SPD graph shows the relative intensity across the visible spectrum. It reveals the peaks of the blue pump LED and the broad phosphor emission, helping to assess color quality and CRI.

5. Mechanical and Package Information

The physical construction ensures reliable mounting and electrical connection.

5.1 Dimensional Outline Drawing

A detailed diagram shows the LED package's exact dimensions, including length, width, height, and lens shape, with critical tolerances indicated.

5.2 Pad Layout and Solder Pad Design

The recommended footprint for PCB (Printed Circuit Board) layout is provided, including pad size, shape, and spacing. This is crucial for achieving a reliable solder joint and proper heat sinking.

5.3 Polarity Identification

The method for identifying the anode (+) and cathode (-) terminals is shown, typically via a marking on the package (e.g., a notch, a green dot, or a cut corner) or an asymmetric pad design.

6. Soldering and Assembly Guidelines

6.1 Reflow Soldering Profile

A recommended temperature profile for reflow soldering is provided, including preheat, soak, reflow (peak temperature), and cooling rates. Maximum temperature and time above liquidus are specified to prevent thermal damage to the LED package or silicone lens.

6.2 Precautions and Handling

Instructions include avoiding mechanical stress on the lens, preventing contamination, using ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) precautions, and not applying solder directly to the LED body.

6.3 Storage Conditions

Recommended storage environment (typically <30°C, <60% relative humidity) and shelf life are specified to maintain solderability and prevent moisture absorption, which can cause \"popcorning\" during reflow.

7. Packaging and Ordering Information

7.1 Packaging Specifications

Details on reel packaging: tape width, pocket dimensions, reel diameter, and quantity per reel (e.g., 2000 pieces/13-inch reel).

3.2 Label Information

Explanation of the information printed on the reel label, including part number, quantity, date code, lot number, and bin codes.

7.3 Model Number Nomenclature

A breakdown of the part number code, explaining how each segment denotes characteristics like color, flux bin, voltage bin, package type, and special features.

8. Application Recommendations

8.1 Typical Application Circuits

Schematics for basic drive circuits: constant current driver circuits (using dedicated ICs or transistors) are emphasized, as LEDs require current regulation, not voltage regulation, for stable operation. Simple resistor-limited circuits for low-current applications may also be shown.

8.2 Design Considerations

• Thermal Management: The importance of PCB copper area (thermal pad), thermal vias, and possibly heatsinks to keep T_j within limits.
• Optical Design: Considerations for secondary optics (lenses, diffusers) to achieve desired beam patterns.
• Electrical Layout: Keeping drive traces short to minimize voltage drop and noise.
• Dimming: Compatibility with PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) dimming and recommended frequency ranges.

9. Technical Comparison

While specific competitor names are omitted, this LED's \"Forever\" lifecycle and Revision 2 status imply key differentiators: Long-Term Stability: Unlike parts with planned obsolescence, this component's specs are fixed, reducing requalification needs for long-life products. Maturity: A second revision suggests any initial production issues have been resolved, leading to higher reliability. Supply Predictability: The permanent datasheet status supports stable long-term sourcing. Potential trade-offs might include slightly less advanced efficiency or color metrics compared to the latest-generation LEDs, but it offers proven performance and reliability.

10. Frequently Asked Questions (Based on Technical Parameters)

Q1: What does \"Lifecycle Phase: Revision 2\" mean for my design?
A1: It indicates the component's specifications have been updated once from an initial release. This revision is considered mature and stable. For new designs, it's a safe choice. For existing designs using Revision 1, check the revision change notes (if any) for any parameter updates that might affect performance.

Q2: \"Expired Period: Forever\" – Does this mean the LED will be available forever?
A2: Not necessarily. It means this specific version of the technical datasheet (Revision 2) is considered permanently valid and will not be given an expiration date that would mark it as obsolete. However, the manufacturer may still discontinue production of the part itself for business reasons. The \"forever\" status refers to the document's validity, not a guarantee of infinite production.

Q3: The release date is 2014. Is this product outdated?
A3: Not necessarily. In electronics, a 2014 datasheet revision for a mature component is common. It signifies a well-established, reliable part. While peak efficiency might be lower than 2024's best-in-class LEDs, its parameters are fully characterized, and it is often chosen for cost-sensitive or long-lifecycle applications where design stability is paramount.

Q4: How do I select the correct current for this LED?
A4: Always refer to the Absolute Maximum Ratings and Typical Characteristics tables. Operate at or below the recommended forward current (I_f). Using a constant current driver is highly recommended to ensure consistent brightness and longevity, as V_f can vary with temperature and between units.

11. Practical Use Case

Scenario: Designing a backlight unit for an industrial control panel display.
The display requires even, reliable illumination for 10+ years in an environment with ambient temperatures up to 50°C. An LED with a \"Forever\" lifecycle datasheet is selected. The designer uses the maximum junction temperature (T_jmax) and thermal resistance (R_θJA) data to calculate the necessary PCB copper area to keep T_j below 100°C at the rated current. The stable, binned luminous flux values allow precise calculation of the number of LEDs needed to achieve the target panel brightness without over-driving them. The mature Revision 2 status gives confidence that the part's behavior is well-understood, minimizing risk in a long-life product.

12. Principle Introduction

An LED is a semiconductor p-n junction diode. When a forward voltage is applied, electrons from the n-type region recombine with holes from the p-type region within the active layer. This recombination releases energy in the form of photons (light). The wavelength (color) of the emitted light is determined by the energy bandgap of the semiconductor material used (e.g., Gallium Arsenide Phosphide for red, Indium Gallium Nitride for blue). White LEDs are typically created by coating a blue LED chip with a yellow phosphor; some of the blue light is converted to yellow, and the mixture of blue and yellow light is perceived as white. Different phosphor blends create different shades (CCT) of white light.

13. Development Trends

The LED industry continues to evolve. Key objective trends include: Increased Efficiency (lm/W): Ongoing improvements in internal quantum efficiency and light extraction techniques push luminous efficacy higher. Improved Color Quality: Development of phosphors and multi-color chip designs (e.g., RGB, violet pump + multi-phosphor) to achieve higher CRI (R_a >90, R₉ >50) and more consistent color rendering. Miniaturization and Higher Power Density: Development of smaller packages (e.g., micro-LEDs) capable of handling higher current densities, enabling new display and lighting form factors. Smart and Connected Lighting: Integration of control electronics and communication protocols (Zigbee, Bluetooth) directly into LED modules. Human-Centric Lighting: Tunable white LEDs that can adjust CCT and intensity to mimic natural daylight cycles, aimed at improving well-being and productivity. The component described in this datasheet represents a stable point in this ongoing technological progression.