PLCC-2 LED 67-11-PA0602H-AM Datasheet - Phosphor Converted Amber/Yellow - 120deg Viewing Angle - 3.1V - 60mA - English Technical Document

1. Product Overview

This document details the specifications for a high-brightness, surface-mount LED in a PLCC-2 package. The device utilizes phosphor conversion technology to emit light in the amber/yellow spectrum, making it suitable for applications requiring high visibility and reliability. Its primary design targets are automotive interior environments and other industrial applications where consistent performance under varying conditions is critical.

The core advantages of this LED include its high typical luminous intensity of 4500 millicandelas (mcd) at a standard drive current of 60mA, combined with a wide 120-degree viewing angle. This ensures uniform light distribution. Furthermore, the component is qualified to the AEC-Q102 standard for discrete optoelectronic semiconductors in automotive applications, ensuring it meets stringent reliability requirements for temperature cycling, humidity resistance, and long-term operation.

2. In-Depth Technical Parameter Analysis

2.1 Photometric and Color Characteristics

The key photometric parameter is the luminous intensity, specified with a typical value of 4500 mcd at IF=60mA. The minimum and maximum values are 2800 mcd and 9000 mcd respectively, indicating the production spread. The dominant wavelength is defined by the CIE 1931 chromaticity coordinates, with a typical value of (0.57, 0.42). A tolerance of ±0.005 is applied to these coordinates. The wide viewing angle of 120 degrees (±5 deg tolerance) is a result of the package and lens design, providing a broad emission pattern ideal for backlighting and indicator applications.

2.2 Electrical and Thermal Parameters

The forward voltage (VF) has a typical value of 3.1V at 60mA, with a range from 2.50V to 3.75V. The absolute maximum continuous forward current is 80mA, with a power dissipation limit of 300mW. The thermal resistance from the junction to the solder point is a critical parameter for reliability. Two values are given: a \"real\" thermal resistance (Rth JS real) of 130 K/W and an \"electrical\" thermal resistance (Rth JS el) of 100 K/W. The electrical method is typically derived from the temperature-sensitive forward voltage parameter and is used for in-situ junction temperature estimation.

2.3 Absolute Maximum Ratings and Reliability

Strict limits define the safe operating area. The junction temperature (TJ) must not exceed 125°C. The device can withstand a surge current (IFM) of 250mA for pulses ≤10μs at a low duty cycle. It is rated for an ESD withstand level of 8 kV (Human Body Model). The soldering process must follow a reflow profile with a peak temperature of 260°C for a maximum of 30 seconds. The operating and storage temperature range is from -40°C to +110°C.

3. Binning System Explanation

The LED production process results in natural variations. A binning system ensures customers receive parts within specified performance windows.

3.1 Luminous Intensity Binning

Luminous intensity is sorted into alphanumeric bins covering a vast range from 11.2 mcd to over 22,400 mcd. Each bin, such as \"CA\" or \"DB\", defines a minimum and maximum intensity value. For this specific product, the typical output of 4500 mcd falls within the \"DA\" bin (4500-5600 mcd). The datasheet highlights the \"possible output bins\" for this product variant.

3.2 Chromaticity Coordinate Binning

The amber/yellow color is controlled through chromaticity coordinate bins on the CIE 1931 diagram. Two primary bin codes are defined: YA and YB. Each code is defined by a set of three (x, y) coordinate pairs that form a triangle on the color chart. The typical coordinates (0.57, 0.42) lie within the defined area, and parts are sorted to ensure their color falls within one of these specified triangles with a ±0.005 measurement tolerance.

3.3 Forward Voltage Binning

A partial forward voltage binning table is shown, with an example bin code \"1012\" for a voltage range of 1.00V to 1.25V. This indicates that voltage binning is also part of the product classification, although the specific bins for the typical 3.1V forward voltage of this amber LED are not listed in the provided excerpt.

4. Performance Curve Analysis

4.1 Spectral Distribution and Radiation Pattern

The relative spectral distribution graph shows a broad emission peak characteristic of a phosphor-converted LED, centered in the amber/yellow region without a sharp blue or UV peak from the primary emitter, indicating good phosphor conversion efficiency. The radiation pattern diagram is typical for a lambertian or near-lambertian emitter housed in a PLCC package, confirming the wide viewing angle.

4.2 Current vs. Voltage and Intensity

The Forward Current vs. Forward Voltage (I-V) curve shows the exponential relationship typical of a diode. The Relative Luminous Intensity vs. Forward Current graph demonstrates that light output increases sub-linearly with current, emphasizing the importance of driving the LED at its specified nominal current (60mA) for optimal efficiency and lifetime.

4.3 Temperature Dependence

Several graphs detail temperature effects. The Relative Forward Voltage vs. Junction Temperature curve has a negative slope, which is the principle used for the electrical thermal resistance measurement. The Relative Luminous Intensity vs. Junction Temperature graph shows intensity decreasing as temperature rises, a key consideration for thermal management in the application. The Chromaticity Coordinates Shift vs. Junction Temperature indicates minor color shift with temperature, which is well-controlled.

4.4 Derating and Pulsed Operation

The Forward Current Derating Curve is crucial for design. It shows the maximum permissible continuous forward current must be reduced as the solder pad temperature (Ts) increases. For example, at Ts=110°C, the maximum current is only 31mA. The Permissible Pulse Handling Capability chart defines the allowable surge current (IFA) for a given pulse width (tp) and duty cycle (D), allowing for brief over-current driving in multiplexed or pulsed applications.

5. Mechanical and Package Information

The LED uses a standard PLCC-2 (Plastic Leaded Chip Carrier) surface-mount package. This package type features a plastic body with leads on two sides, forming a \"gull-wing\" shape for soldering. The mechanical drawing (implied by section 7) would define the exact length, width, height, lead spacing, and tolerances. The package includes a molded lens that shapes the light output to achieve the 120-degree viewing angle.

6. Soldering and Assembly Guidelines

6.1 Recommended Soldering Pad and Polarity

A recommended soldering pad layout (section 8) is provided to ensure reliable solder joints and proper heat dissipation. The pad design typically includes thermal relief patterns. The polarity is indicated by the package marking or internal die structure; the anode and cathode must be connected correctly.

6.2 Reflow Soldering Profile

A specific reflow soldering profile (section 9) must be followed. The critical parameter is the peak temperature of 260°C, which the package can withstand for a maximum of 30 seconds. The profile includes preheat, soak, reflow, and cooling stages to minimize thermal shock and ensure proper solder joint formation without damaging the LED component.

7. Packaging and Ordering Information

The LEDs are supplied in tape and reel packaging suitable for automated pick-and-place assembly machines. The ordering information (section 6) and part number structure (section 5) allow for the selection of specific bins for luminous intensity, color, and forward voltage, enabling precise matching for application requirements.

8. Application Recommendations

8.1 Typical Application Scenarios

The primary applications listed are automotive interior lighting, backlighting for switches, and instrument clusters. The AEC-Q102 qualification, wide temperature range, and sulfur robustness (Class B1) make it specifically suitable for the harsh environment inside vehicles, where exposure to temperature extremes, humidity, and atmospheric contaminants is common.

8.2 Design Considerations

Designers must consider several factors:

• Current Limiting: Always use a series resistor or constant current driver to set the forward current, respecting the absolute maximum ratings and derating curve.
• Thermal Management: The high thermal resistance necessitates adequate PCB copper area (thermal pad) to dissipate heat and keep the solder point temperature low, preserving luminous output and longevity.
• ESD Protection: While rated for 8kV HBM, standard ESD handling precautions during assembly are recommended.
• Sulfur Resistance: For applications in sulfur-rich environments, the Class B1 rating should be verified against the specific application requirements.

9. Technical Comparison and Differentiation

Compared to standard non-automotive grade LEDs, the key differentiators of this product are its formal AEC-Q102 qualification and specified sulfur robustness. Compared to other automotive LEDs, its combination of high brightness (4500mcd typ) from a small PLCC-2 package and a very wide 120-degree viewing angle is a significant advantage for space-constrained, wide-area illumination tasks like switch backlighting.

10. Frequently Asked Questions (Based on Technical Parameters)

Q: Can I drive this LED at 80mA continuously?

A: Only if the solder pad temperature (Ts) is kept at or below 86°C, as per the derating curve. At higher ambient temperatures, the current must be reduced.

Q: What is the difference between \"real\" and \"electrical\" thermal resistance?

A: The \"real\" Rth (130 K/W) is measured directly. The \"electrical\" Rth (100 K/W) is calculated using the temperature coefficient of the forward voltage and is used as a practical method to estimate junction temperature during operation.

Q: How stable is the color over current and temperature?

A: The graphs show very small shifts in CIE coordinates (Δx, Δy) with both varying current and junction temperature, indicating good color stability, which is important for consistent appearance in multi-LED applications.

11. Practical Application Case Study

Consider an automotive center console with backlit buttons for climate control and infotainment. A designer would use this LED for several reasons: its amber color is a common automotive UI color, the wide 120-degree angle ensures even backlighting under a diffuser, and the AEC-Q102 qualification guarantees it will survive the vehicle's lifetime. The designer must calculate the required current-limiting resistor based on the vehicle's 12V (or 24V) system, considering voltage fluctuations. They must also design the PCB with sufficient copper pour connected to the LED's thermal pad to manage the ~180mW of power dissipation (3.1V * 60mA) and prevent overheating, which would dim the LEDs.

12. Operating Principle Introduction

This is a Phosphor-Converted (PC) Amber LED. It typically contains a blue or near-UV semiconductor chip. This chip emits short-wavelength light. A layer of phosphor material, deposited directly on the chip, absorbs a portion of this primary light and re-emits it at longer wavelengths in the yellow/red spectrum. The mix of the unconverted blue light and the phosphor-emitted yellow/red light results in the perceived amber or yellow color. The exact hue is determined by the phosphor composition and concentration, which is tightly controlled to fall within the specified chromaticity bins.

13. Technology Trends and Developments

The trend in such components is towards higher efficiency (more lumens per watt), improved color consistency (tighter binning), and enhanced reliability under even more extreme conditions. There is also a drive for higher maximum junction temperatures to allow for smaller form factors and less aggressive thermal management. The move towards broader environmental compliance (RoHS, REACH, Halogen-Free) is now standard. Future iterations may integrate more features, such as built-in electrostatic discharge protection or on-chip diagnostics, though for a simple indicator LED like this, cost-effectiveness and proven reliability remain paramount.