Table of Contents
- 1. Product Overview
- 1.1 General Description
- 1.2 Features
- 1.3 Applications
- 2. Package Dimensions and Polarity
- 2.1 Mechanical Drawing
- 2.2 Soldering Patterns
- 3. Technical Parameters
- 3.1 Electrical and Optical Characteristics (Ts=25°C)
- 3.2 Absolute Maximum Ratings (Ts=25°C)
- 3.3 Thermal Characteristics
- 4. Binning System
- 4.1 Forward Voltage Bins
- 4.2 Wavelength Bins
- 4.3 Luminous Intensity Bins
- 5. Optical Characteristics Curves
- 5.1 Forward Voltage vs Forward Current
- 5.2 Forward Current vs Relative Intensity
- 5.3 Temperature Effects
- 5.4 Spectral Distribution
- 5.5 Radiation Pattern
- 6. Packaging Information
- 6.1 Carrier Tape and Reel
- 6.2 Label Specification
- 6.3 Moisture Resistant Packaging
- 7. Reliability Testing
- 7.1 Test Items and Conditions
- 7.2 Failure Criteria
- 8. SMT Reflow Soldering
- 8.1 Reflow Profile
- 8.2 Hand Soldering and Repair
- 8.3 Precautions
- 9. Handling and Storage Precautions
- 9.1 Environmental Considerations
- 9.2 Circuit Design Notes
- 9.3 Storage Conditions
- 9.4 ESD Protection
- 10. Application Notes
- 10.1 Typical Use Cases
- 10.2 Design Considerations
- 11. Frequently Asked Questions
- 11.1 What is the typical forward voltage?
- 11.2 How to handle moisture sensitivity?
- 11.3 Can I use this LED in outdoor applications?
- 12. Principle of Operation
- 13. Development Trends
- LED Specification Terminology
- Photoelectric Performance
- Electrical Parameters
- Thermal Management & Reliability
- Packaging & Materials
- Quality Control & Binning
- Testing & Certification
1. Product Overview
1.1 General Description
The RF-BU1608TS-DC-E0 is a color LED fabricated using a blue chip. It comes in a compact 1.6mm x 0.8mm x 0.55mm surface-mount package, making it suitable for space-constrained applications. This LED offers a wide viewing angle of 120 degrees and is designed for all SMT assembly and solder processes. It is RoHS compliant and has a moisture sensitivity level of 3.
1.2 Features
- Extremely wide viewing angle (120°)
- Suitable for all SMT assembly and solder processes
- Moisture sensitivity level: Level 3
- RoHS compliant
1.3 Applications
- Optical indicators
- Switches and symbol displays
- General purpose indication
2. Package Dimensions and Polarity
2.1 Mechanical Drawing
The LED package measures 1.6mm (length) x 0.8mm (width) x 0.55mm (height). Tolerances are ±0.2mm unless otherwise noted. All dimensions are in millimeters. The top view shows the LED position, and the bottom view indicates the polarity. There are two pads: pad 1 is the anode and pad 2 is the cathode.
2.2 Soldering Patterns
The recommended soldering pattern (footprint) is provided in the datasheet. It is designed for optimal thermal and mechanical performance. The pattern dimensions are based on the package footprint.
3. Technical Parameters
3.1 Electrical and Optical Characteristics (Ts=25°C)
Key electrical and optical parameters at IF=20mA:
| Parameter | Symbol | Min | Typ | Max | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forward Voltage (Bin G1) | VF | 2.8 | - | 2.9 | V |
| Forward Voltage (Bin G2) | VF | 2.9 | - | 3.0 | V |
| Forward Voltage (Bin H1) | VF | 3.0 | - | 3.1 | V |
| Forward Voltage (Bin H2) | VF | 3.1 | - | 3.2 | V |
| Forward Voltage (Bin I1) | VF | 3.2 | - | 3.3 | V |
| Forward Voltage (Bin I2) | VF | 3.3 | - | 3.4 | V |
| Forward Voltage (Bin J1) | VF | 3.4 | - | 3.5 | V |
| Dominant Wavelength (Bin C00) | λD | 460 | - | 465 | nm |
| Dominant Wavelength (Bin D00) | λD | 465 | - | 470 | nm |
| Dominant Wavelength (Bin E00) | λD | 470 | - | 475 | nm |
| Dominant Wavelength (Bin F00) | λD | 475 | - | 480 | nm |
| Luminous Intensity (Bin H00) | IV | 150 | - | 230 | mcd |
| Luminous Intensity (Bin I00) | IV | 230 | - | 350 | mcd |
| Luminous Intensity (Bin J00) | IV | 350 | - | 530 | mcd |
| Luminous Intensity (Bin K00) | IV | 530 | - | 800 | mcd |
| Luminous Intensity (Bin L00) | IV | 800 | - | 1200 | mcd |
| Spectral Half Bandwidth | Δλ | - | 15 | - | nm |
| Viewing Angle | 2θ1/2 | - | 120 | - | deg |
| Reverse Current (VR=5V) | IR | - | - | 10 | µA |
| Thermal Resistance | RTHJ-S | - | - | 450 | °C/W |
Measurement tolerances: Forward voltage ±0.1V, dominant wavelength ±2nm, luminous intensity ±10%.
3.2 Absolute Maximum Ratings (Ts=25°C)
| Parameter | Symbol | Rating | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power Dissipation | Pd | 105 | mW |
| Forward Current | IF | 30 | mA |
| Peak Forward Current (1/10 duty, 0.1ms) | IFP | 60 | mA |
| ESD (HBM) | - | 1000 | V |
| Operating Temperature | Topr | -40 ~ +85 | °C |
| Storage Temperature | Tstg | -40 ~ +85 | °C |
| Junction Temperature | Tj | 95 | °C |
Care must be taken not to exceed these ratings. The maximum current should be determined after measuring the package temperature to ensure the junction temperature does not exceed 95°C.
3.3 Thermal Characteristics
The thermal resistance from junction to solder point (RTHJ-S) is 450°C/W typical. This indicates that for every 20mA of forward current, the temperature rise will be moderate. Proper thermal management is essential to maintain LED performance and lifespan.
4. Binning System
4.1 Forward Voltage Bins
Forward voltage is binned into seven groups: G1 (2.8-2.9V), G2 (2.9-3.0V), H1 (3.0-3.1V), H2 (3.1-3.2V), I1 (3.2-3.3V), I2 (3.3-3.4V), J1 (3.4-3.5V). This allows for tighter circuit design and consistent brightness in applications.
4.2 Wavelength Bins
Dominant wavelength is sorted into four bins: C00 (460-465nm), D00 (465-470nm), E00 (470-475nm), F00 (475-480nm). These cover the blue region from deep blue to slightly greenish blue.
4.3 Luminous Intensity Bins
Luminous intensity is divided into five bins: H00 (150-230mcd), I00 (230-350mcd), J00 (350-530mcd), K00 (530-800mcd), L00 (800-1200mcd). This wide range enables selection for different indicator brightness requirements.
5. Optical Characteristics Curves
5.1 Forward Voltage vs Forward Current
The typical I-V curve shows a forward voltage of approximately 2.8V at 5mA, rising to about 3.2V at 25mA. The curve follows the standard diode exponential relationship.
5.2 Forward Current vs Relative Intensity
Relative intensity increases almost linearly with forward current up to 30mA. At 20mA the relative intensity is about 1.0 (normalized), and at 10mA it is about 0.5.
5.3 Temperature Effects
As ambient temperature rises from 0°C to 100°C, the relative intensity decreases by approximately 30%. Similarly, the maximum allowed forward current derates with increasing pin temperature. At 100°C, the forward current must be reduced to about 10mA to avoid overheating.
5.4 Spectral Distribution
The spectral distribution at 20mA and 25°C shows a peak around 470nm with a half bandwidth of 15nm. The spectrum is narrow, confirming a saturated blue color.
5.5 Radiation Pattern
The radiation pattern is nearly Lambertian with a wide half-angle of 120 degrees. The relative luminous intensity remains above 50% up to ±60 degrees off axis.
6. Packaging Information
6.1 Carrier Tape and Reel
The LEDs are packaged in carrier tape with a width of 8.0±0.1mm. The reel dimensions are: outer diameter 178±1mm, inner hub diameter 60±1mm, and spindle hole diameter 13.0±0.5mm. Each reel contains 4000 pieces.
6.2 Label Specification
The reel label includes part number, spec number, lot number, bin code for luminous intensity, chromaticity bin (XY), forward voltage bin, wavelength code (WLD), quantity, and date of manufacture.
6.3 Moisture Resistant Packaging
The LEDs are shipped in moisture barrier bags (MBB) with desiccant. The bag is vacuum sealed to maintain a low humidity environment. A humidity indicator card may be included. The MSL level is 3, meaning floor life is 168 hours after opening the bag, provided ambient conditions are below 30°C and 60% RH.
7. Reliability Testing
7.1 Test Items and Conditions
Reliability tests include: Reflow soldering (260°C max, 10 sec, 2 times), Temperature cycling (-40°C to 100°C, 100 cycles), Thermal shock (-40°C to 100°C, 300 cycles), High temperature storage (100°C, 1000 hours), Low temperature storage (-40°C, 1000 hours), and Life test (25°C, IF=20mA, 1000 hours). All tests are performed on 22 pieces with acceptance criteria of 0/1.
7.2 Failure Criteria
Failures are defined as: Forward voltage increase beyond 1.1 times upper spec limit, reverse current exceeding 2.0 times upper spec limit (at VR=5V), and luminous flux dropping below 0.7 times lower spec limit.
8. SMT Reflow Soldering
8.1 Reflow Profile
The recommended reflow profile has the following parameters: Preheating from 150°C to 200°C for 60-120 seconds, ramp-up rate ≤3°C/s, time above 217°C (TL) for 60-150 seconds, peak temperature (TP) 260°C with a maximum time within 5°C of peak of 30 seconds (actual tp max 10 seconds), and cooling rate ≤6°C/s. Total time from 25°C to peak should not exceed 8 minutes. Reflow should not be performed more than twice.
8.2 Hand Soldering and Repair
If hand soldering is necessary, use a soldering iron at ≤300°C for less than 3 seconds, and only one time. Repair after reflow is discouraged; if unavoidable, use a double-head soldering iron and verify LED characteristics.
8.3 Precautions
Do not mount LEDs on warped PCB portions. Avoid mechanical stress or vibration during cooling. Do not rapidly cool after soldering. Ensure the PCB is clean and flat.
9. Handling and Storage Precautions
9.1 Environmental Considerations
The sulfur content in the operating environment and mating materials should not exceed 100PPM. Halogen content: Bromine <900PPM, Chlorine <900PPM, total Bromine+Chlorine <1500PPM. Avoid volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can penetrate the silicone encapsulant and cause discoloration.
9.2 Circuit Design Notes
Always include a current-limiting resistor to prevent current surge. Ensure the reverse voltage is not applied, as it can cause migration and LED damage. The forward voltage should only be applied when the circuit is on or off.
9.3 Storage Conditions
Before opening the aluminum bag: Store at ≤30°C and ≤75% RH for up to 1 year from date of manufacture. After opening: Use within 168 hours if stored at ≤30°C and ≤60% RH. If these conditions are exceeded, bake the LEDs at 60±5°C for ≥24 hours.
9.4 ESD Protection
LEDs are sensitive to electrostatic discharge (ESD) and electrical overstress (EOS). Follow standard ESD precautions: use grounded workstations, antistatic wrist straps, and conductive packaging.
10. Application Notes
10.1 Typical Use Cases
This blue LED is ideal for status indicators, backlighting for switches and symbols, and general purpose indication in consumer electronics, automotive interiors, and industrial controls.
10.2 Design Considerations
When designing the circuit, consider the forward voltage bin to ensure consistent brightness. The wide viewing angle (120°) allows placement at various angles. For high ambient temperature applications, derating of forward current is necessary. Use a minimum of 1oz copper on the PCB for adequate heat dissipation.
11. Frequently Asked Questions
11.1 What is the typical forward voltage?
The forward voltage ranges from 2.8V to 3.5V depending on the bin. At 20mA, typical values fall in the 3.0-3.2V range for most bins.
11.2 How to handle moisture sensitivity?
This LED has MSL Level 3. After opening the moisture barrier bag, the floor life is 168 hours at ≤30°C/≤60%RH. If not used within this time, bake at 60°C for 24 hours before reflow.
11.3 Can I use this LED in outdoor applications?
It can be used in indoor or outdoor applications as long as the operating temperature range (-40°C to +85°C) is maintained. However, direct exposure to sunlight may reduce contrast. Ensure proper encapsulation if exposed to harsh environments.
12. Principle of Operation
This LED uses a blue gallium nitride (GaN) based chip that emits light when forward biased. The chip is encapsulated in a clear epoxy or silicone package with a defined optical lens shape to achieve the 120° viewing angle. No phosphor conversion is used; the emission is direct blue light at the chip wavelength.
13. Development Trends
The trend in SMD LEDs is towards even smaller packages (such as 0402) and higher luminous efficacy. This 0603 size LED offers a good balance between size and light output. Advances in chip technology continue to increase efficiency and brightness while maintaining reliability. The use of blue LEDs in indicator applications remains strong due to their high visibility and low power consumption.
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. |