PLCC-2 Yellow LED 3011-UY0201H-AM Datasheet - 3.0x3.0x1.1mm - 1.9V Typ - 20mA - 850mcd - English Technical Document

1. Product Overview

The 3011-UY0201H-AM is a high-brightness, yellow light-emitting diode (LED) designed for demanding applications, particularly within the automotive sector. It utilizes a PLCC-2 (Plastic Leaded Chip Carrier) surface-mount package, offering a compact footprint and reliable performance. The device is engineered to meet stringent automotive-grade requirements, making it suitable for interior lighting and switch illumination where consistent color, high reliability, and long-term stability are critical.

The core advantages of this LED include its high typical luminous intensity of 850 millicandelas (mcd) at a standard drive current of 20mA, combined with a wide 120-degree viewing angle. This ensures excellent visibility from various angles. Furthermore, the component is qualified to the AEC-Q101 standard for discrete semiconductors, ensuring it can withstand the harsh environmental conditions typical in automotive applications, including wide temperature ranges and vibration. Compliance with RoHS and REACH directives, along with specific sulfur robustness, further enhances its suitability for modern electronic assemblies.

The target market is primarily automotive electronics manufacturers, specifically for applications such as dashboard backlighting, button and switch illumination, and general interior ambient lighting. Its reliability and performance specifications also make it a candidate for other industrial and consumer applications requiring a robust, bright yellow indicator.

2. In-Depth Technical Parameter Analysis

2.1 Photometric and Electrical Characteristics

The key operational parameters define the LED's performance under standard conditions. The forward current (I_F) has a typical operating point of 20mA, with a minimum of 7mA and an absolute maximum rating of 70mA. Operating below 7mA is not recommended for stable light output. The luminous intensity (I_V) is specified with a typical value of 850 mcd, a minimum of 560 mcd, and a maximum of 1120 mcd at I_F=20mA, with a measurement tolerance of ±8%. This binning range is critical for design consistency.

The forward voltage (V_F) typically measures 1.9V at 20mA, ranging from a minimum of 1.75V to a maximum of 2.75V. The dominant wavelength (λ_d), which defines the perceived yellow color, is typically 589nm, with a range from 585nm to 594nm and a tight measurement tolerance of ±1nm. The wide 120-degree viewing angle (φ) is half the angle where luminous intensity drops to 50% of its peak axial value.

2.2 Absolute Maximum Ratings and Thermal Management

These ratings define the limits beyond which permanent damage may occur. The absolute maximum forward current is 70mA, and the device can handle a surge current (I_FM) of 300mA for pulses ≤10μs with a very low duty cycle (D=0.005). The maximum junction temperature (T_J) is 125°C. The operating temperature range (T_opr) is specified from -40°C to +110°C, confirming its automotive-grade capability.

Thermal management is crucial for LED longevity and performance. The datasheet specifies two thermal resistance values from the junction to the solder point: a real thermal resistance (R_{th JS real}) of ≤250 K/W and an electrical thermal resistance (R_{th JS el}) of ≤220 K/W. These values guide heatsinking design to keep the junction temperature within safe limits, especially when operating at higher currents or in elevated ambient temperatures. The forward current derating curve graphically shows how the permissible continuous forward current must be reduced as the solder pad temperature increases above 78°C.

3. Binning System Explanation

To ensure color and brightness consistency in production, LEDs are sorted into bins. The 3011-UY0201H-AM uses two primary binning criteria.

3.1 Luminous Intensity Binning

The luminous output is categorized into alphanumeric bins (e.g., L1, L2, M1... up to GA). Each bin covers a specific range of minimum and maximum luminous intensity in millicandelas (mcd). For example, bin U2 covers 560 to 710 mcd. The typical part (850 mcd) falls within the U1 (450-560 mcd) and U2 (560-710 mcd) range, indicating the highlighted "possible output bins" in the datasheet table. Designers must account for this variation when specifying minimum brightness levels for their application.

3.2 Dominant Wavelength Binning

The color (yellow hue) is controlled by binning the dominant wavelength. Bins are defined by 4-digit codes where the first two digits represent the minimum wavelength and the last two represent the maximum wavelength in nanometers. For a typical wavelength of 589nm, the relevant bins would be in the 585-594nm range, corresponding to codes like 8588 (585-588nm), 8891 (588-591nm), and 9194 (591-594nm). This precise binning ensures minimal color shift between different LEDs in an assembly.

4. Performance Curve Analysis

The characteristic graphs provide essential insights into the LED's behavior under varying conditions.

4.1 Forward Current vs. Forward Voltage (I-V Curve)

The I-V curve shows the exponential relationship typical of a diode. At 25°C, the voltage increases from approximately 1.75V at very low current to around 2.2V at 70mA. This curve is vital for designing the current-limiting circuitry to ensure stable operation and avoid thermal runaway.

4.2 Relative Luminous Intensity vs. Forward Current

This graph demonstrates that light output is relatively linear with current up to the typical 20mA point but shows signs of efficiency droop (sub-linear increase) at higher currents, approaching 70mA. This reinforces the importance of operating within the recommended range for optimal efficacy.

4.3 Temperature Dependence

Several graphs illustrate temperature effects. The Relative Luminous Intensity vs. Junction Temperature curve shows that light output decreases as temperature rises—a common characteristic of LEDs. At 110°C, the output is roughly 70% of its value at 25°C. The Relative Forward Voltage vs. Junction Temperature curve shows V_F has a negative temperature coefficient, decreasing by about 2mV/°C. The Dominant Wavelength vs. Junction Temperature and Relative Wavelength Shift graphs show that the yellow wavelength shifts slightly (a few nanometers) with temperature, which is generally negligible for indicator applications but may be relevant for precise color-critical uses.

4.4 Pulse Handling and Spectral Distribution

The Permissible Pulse Handling Capability chart defines the peak pulse current allowed for different pulse widths (t_p) and duty cycles (D), which is useful for multiplexing or PWM dimming schemes. The Relative Spectral Distribution graph confirms the monochromatic yellow output, peaking around 589nm with a narrow spectral width.

5. Mechanical, Packaging & Assembly Information

5.1 Mechanical Dimensions and Polarity

The LED comes in a standard PLCC-2 package. The mechanical drawing (implied in section 7 of the datasheet) would show the top view, side view, and dimensions including length, width, height (typically around 3.0mm x 3.0mm x 1.1mm), and lead spacing. The package has a built-in lens that creates the 120° viewing angle. Polarity is indicated by a cathode mark, typically a notch, a green dot, or a cut corner on the package. Correct orientation during assembly is mandatory.

5.2 Recommended Soldering Pad and Reflow Profile

A recommended solder pad layout (section 8) is provided to ensure proper solder joint formation and mechanical stability. The pad design accounts for the component's thermal mass and leads. The reflow soldering profile (section 9) is critical for surface-mount assembly. The LED is rated for a peak reflow temperature of 260°C for a maximum of 30 seconds, which is compatible with standard lead-free (SnAgCu) solder processes. The profile typically includes preheat, thermal soak, reflow, and cooling stages to minimize thermal shock.

5.3 Packaging and Handling Precautions

The components are supplied in tape-and-reel packaging (section 10) for automated pick-and-place assembly. The reel specifications include tape width, pocket spacing, and reel diameter. Precautions for use (section 11) include standard ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) handling procedures, as the device has an ESD sensitivity of 2kV (HBM). It is recommended to use ionizers and grounded workstations. Storage should be in a dry, controlled environment, and the Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL) is 2, meaning the package can be exposed to factory floor conditions for up to one year before requiring baking prior to reflow.

6. Application Guidelines and Design Considerations

6.1 Typical Application Circuits

The primary application is as an indicator light. A simple series resistor is the most common drive circuit. The resistor value (R_series) is calculated using Ohm's Law: R_series = (V_supply - V_F) / I_F. Using the typical V_F of 1.9V and a desired I_F of 20mA with a 5V supply, the resistor would be (5V - 1.9V) / 0.02A = 155 Ohms. A standard 150 Ohm resistor would be suitable. The power rating of the resistor should be at least I_F² * R = 0.06W, so a 1/8W or 1/10W resistor is sufficient. For constant brightness over temperature or supply voltage variations, a constant current driver is recommended.

6.2 Design Considerations for Automotive Use

• Voltage Transients: Automotive electrical systems are noisy. The LED should be protected from load-dump and other voltage spikes. A transient voltage suppression (TVS) diode or a robust series resistor may be required on the supply line.
• Thermal Design: In enclosed spaces or high ambient temperatures, ensure adequate PCB copper area or thermal vias to conduct heat away from the solder pads, keeping the junction temperature low to maintain brightness and lifespan.
• Sulfur Resistance: The specified sulfur robustness is crucial for automotive interiors where outgassing from certain materials (like rubber or some plastics) can create corrosive atmospheres that degrade silver-based LED components.
• Dimming: For dimming applications, Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) is preferred over analog current reduction. PWM maintains the LED's chromaticity while varying the perceived brightness. Refer to the pulse handling chart for acceptable PWM parameters.

7. Technical Comparison and Differentiation

Compared to standard commercial-grade PLCC-2 LEDs, the 3011-UY0201H-AM offers key differentiators:

• Automotive Qualification (AEC-Q101): This is the primary differentiator, involving rigorous testing for temperature cycling, humidity, high-temperature reverse bias, and other stresses not required for consumer parts.
• Extended Temperature Range: Operation from -40°C to +110°C vs. a typical commercial range of -20°C to +85°C.
• Sulfur Robustness: A specific test and material construction to resist corrosive environments, which is not a standard feature.
• Tighter Binning: While commercial LEDs may have binning, automotive-grade parts often have more stringent or additional binning criteria to ensure consistency across large production runs.

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I drive this LED with 3.3V?

A: Yes. Using the formula with V_F=1.9V and I_F=20mA, the required series resistor would be (3.3V - 1.9V) / 0.02A = 70 Ohms.

Q: What is the purpose of the minimum 7mA forward current?

A: Operating below this current may result in unstable or non-uniform light emission. For very low brightness needs, using PWM at a higher current is a better approach.

Q: How do I interpret the luminous intensity bin code (e.g., U2) on an order?

A: The bin code guarantees the LED's brightness will fall within the specified range (e.g., 560-710 mcd for U2). You must design for the minimum value of your chosen bin to ensure your application's brightness requirements are always met.

Q: Is a heatsink required?

A: For continuous operation at 20mA in moderate ambient temperatures (<70°C at the solder point), the internal thermal resistance is typically sufficient if the recommended PCB pad layout is used. For higher currents, higher ambient temperatures, or multiple LEDs closely packed, additional thermal management should be considered based on the derating curve.

9. Operational Principles and Technology Trends

9.1 Basic Operating Principle

A Light Emitting Diode is a semiconductor p-n junction diode. When a forward voltage is applied, electrons from the n-type material recombine with holes from the p-type material in the depletion region. This recombination releases energy in the form of photons (light). The specific wavelength (color) of the light is determined by the energy bandgap of the semiconductor material used. For yellow LEDs, materials like Gallium Arsenide Phosphide (GaAsP) or similar compounds on a transparent substrate are commonly employed. The PLCC package incorporates a molded epoxy lens that shapes the light output to achieve the desired viewing angle.

9.2 Industry Trends

The trend in indicator LEDs like this one is towards higher efficiency (more light output per unit of electrical power), improved reliability under harsh conditions, and smaller package sizes with maintained or improved optical performance. There is also a growing emphasis on broader and more precise color gamuts. For automotive interiors, integration with light guides for uniform panel illumination and compatibility with advanced dimming systems are key development areas. The move towards all-solid-state lighting in vehicles continues to drive demand for robust, high-performance LEDs across all color spectrums.