PLCC-2 Side View LED 57-11-PA0301H-AM Datasheet - Phosphor Converted Amber/Yellow - 120° Viewing Angle - 3.25V Typ. - 30mA - English Technical Document

1. Product Overview

This document details the specifications for a high-performance, side-view LED component utilizing a Phosphor Converted Amber (PCA) technology. The device is housed in a compact PLCC-2 (Plastic Leaded Chip Carrier) package, making it suitable for space-constrained applications requiring a wide viewing angle. Its primary design focus is on reliability and performance in demanding environments, particularly within the automotive sector.

The core advantages of this LED include its high typical luminous intensity of 2800 millicandelas (mcd) at a standard drive current of 30mA, coupled with a very wide 120-degree viewing angle. This combination ensures excellent visibility from various perspectives. Furthermore, the component is qualified to the stringent AEC-Q102 standard for discrete optoelectronic devices in automotive applications, guaranteeing robustness against temperature extremes, humidity, and other automotive stressors. It also features compliance with environmental directives including RoHS, REACH, and halogen-free requirements.

The target market is primarily automotive interior lighting, where it can be used for backlighting switches, instrument clusters, infotainment controls, and other indicator functions. Its sulfur robustness classification (Class B1) further enhances its suitability for environments where atmospheric contaminants may be present.

2. In-Depth Technical Parameter Analysis

2.1 Photometric and Color Characteristics

The key photometric parameter is the Luminous Intensity (Iv), which has a typical value of 2800 mcd at a forward current (IF) of 30mA. The specification defines a minimum of 2240 mcd and a maximum of 4500 mcd under the same condition, indicating the expected performance spread. The dominant color is defined as Phosphor Converted Amber/Yellow, with typical CIE 1931 chromaticity coordinates of (0.57, 0.41). A tolerance of ±0.005 is applied to these coordinates to ensure color consistency. The wide viewing angle of 120 degrees (with a ±5° tolerance) is defined as the off-axis angle where the luminous intensity drops to half of its peak axial value.

2.2 Electrical and Thermal Parameters

The electrical characteristics are centered around the forward voltage (VF). At the typical operating current of 30mA, the VF is 3.25V, with a range from 2.75V (Min.) to 3.75V (Max.). This parameter is crucial for driver design and power dissipation calculations. The absolute maximum ratings define the operational limits: a maximum continuous forward current (IF) of 50mA, a surge current (IFM) of 250mA for pulses ≤10μs, and a maximum junction temperature (TJ) of 125°C. The device is not designed for reverse bias operation.

Thermal management is critical for LED longevity and performance. The datasheet provides two Thermal Resistance values: Real Rth JS real (junction to solder) with a maximum of 180 K/W, and Electrical Rth JS el with a maximum of 100 K/W. The forward current derating curve graphically shows how the permissible continuous current must be reduced as the solder pad temperature (Ts) increases, dropping to 23mA at the maximum Ts of 110°C.

3. Binning System Explanation

The product employs a binning system to categorize units based on luminous intensity and chromaticity coordinates, allowing designers to select parts that meet specific application requirements.

3.1 Luminous Intensity Binning

A comprehensive binning structure is defined using two-letter codes (e.g., AA, AB, BA, BB, CA). Each bin covers a specific range of luminous intensity measured in millicandelas (mcd). For this specific product, the highlighted possible output bins center around the BA (1800-2240 mcd), BB (2240-2800 mcd), and CA (2800-3550 mcd) ranges, aligning with the typical 2800 mcd specification. This allows for selection of slightly higher or lower brightness grades.

3.2 Chromaticity Binning for Phosphor Converted Amber

The chromaticity binning is defined within the amber color region on the CIE 1931 diagram. Four primary bins are specified: 8588, 8891, 9194, and 9496. Each bin is defined by a quadrilateral area on the (x, y) coordinate plane. The typical coordinates (0.57, 0.41) fall within the 8891 bin, which is bounded by points (0.5450, 0.4250), (0.5636, 0.4362), (0.5810, 0.4184), and (0.5646, 0.4119). This tight binning ensures minimal color variation between different production lots.

4. Performance Curve Analysis

The datasheet includes several graphs that illustrate the device's behavior under varying conditions.

4.1 IV Curve and Relative Luminous Intensity

The Forward Current vs. Forward Voltage graph shows the exponential relationship typical of LEDs. The Relative Luminous Intensity vs. Forward Current curve demonstrates that light output increases with current but begins to show signs of saturation at higher currents, emphasizing the importance of operating within recommended limits for efficiency and lifetime.

4.2 Temperature Dependence

The Relative Luminous Intensity vs. Junction Temperature graph shows a negative temperature coefficient; light output decreases as the junction temperature rises. The Relative Forward Voltage vs. Junction Temperature graph shows that VF decreases linearly with increasing temperature, a characteristic that can sometimes be used for temperature sensing. The Chromaticity Coordinates Shift vs. Junction Temperature graph indicates minor but measurable changes in color point with temperature, which is important for color-critical applications.

4.3 Spectral Distribution and Pulse Handling

The Wavelength Characteristics graph depicts the relative spectral power distribution, showing a broad emission peak in the amber/yellow region, characteristic of a phosphor-converted LED. The Permissible Pulse Handling Capability chart defines the maximum allowable peak forward current (IFA) for a given pulse width (tp) and duty cycle (D), which is essential for pulsed operation designs.

5. Mechanical and Package Information

The LED is housed in a PLCC-2 surface-mount package. The mechanical drawing (implied by section reference) would provide critical dimensions including overall length, width, height, lead spacing, and the size/position of the optical lens. The side-view orientation means the primary light emission is perpendicular to the plane of the circuit board, which is ideal for edge-lighting applications.

5.1 Recommended Soldering Pad Layout

A recommended land pattern (solder pad design) is provided to ensure reliable solder joint formation during reflow soldering. This pattern is typically slightly larger than the component leads to facilitate good solder wetting and fillet formation while preventing solder bridging.

5.2 Polarity Identification

For a two-lead device like the PLCC-2, polarity is key. The anode and cathode are identified on the package, typically with a marking such as a notch, dot, or cut corner on the cathode side. Correct orientation must be observed during assembly.

6. Soldering and Assembly Guidelines

6.1 Reflow Soldering Profile

The component is rated for reflow soldering with a peak temperature of 260°C for a maximum of 30 seconds. A standard reflow profile with controlled preheat, soak, reflow, and cooling zones should be followed. The maximum soldering temperature is an absolute rating that must not be exceeded to prevent damage to the plastic package and the internal die attach.

6.2 Precautions for Use and Storage

General precautions include avoiding mechanical stress on the lens, protecting the device from electrostatic discharge (ESD) during handling (rated 8kV HBM), and storing in appropriate conditions (between -40°C and +110°C) in moisture-sensitive level (MSL) 3 compliant packaging once the moisture barrier bag is opened.

7. Packaging and Ordering Information

The part number 57-11-PA0301H-AM follows a likely internal coding scheme that may indicate package type (57-11), color (PA for Phosphor Amber), performance bin, and other variants. Ordering information would specify the packaging format, such as tape and reel dimensions (e.g., 8mm or 12mm tape width, reel diameter) and quantity per reel (e.g., 3000 pieces).

8. Application Recommendations

8.1 Typical Application Scenarios

The primary application is Automotive Interior Lighting, specifically for backlighting switches (window controls, seat heaters, climate control), dashboard indicators, and center console icons. Its side-view emission and wide angle make it ideal for lighting thin panels or light guides from the edge.

8.2 Design Considerations

• Current Driving: Use a constant current driver set to 30mA or lower for optimal lifetime and stable output. Consider the derating curve if the operating ambient temperature is high.
• Thermal Management: Ensure adequate PCB copper pour or thermal vias to dissipate heat from the solder pads, especially if driven at or near the maximum current.
• Optical Design: The 120° viewing angle provides wide coverage. For uniform illumination over an area, a light guide or diffuser may be necessary.
• ESD Protection: Implement standard ESD handling procedures during assembly. In-circuit ESD protection may be advisable depending on the application environment.

9. Technical Comparison and Differentiation

Compared to standard amber LEDs without AEC-Q102 qualification, this device offers guaranteed reliability for automotive use. Its Phosphor Converted Amber technology typically offers higher efficiency and better color consistency than traditional colored epoxy amber LEDs. The combination of high brightness (2800mcd typ.) and a very wide viewing angle (120°) in a side-view package is a key differentiator for space-limited backlighting tasks where light needs to be injected into a guide.

10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is the difference between "Typical" and "Maximum" luminous intensity?
A: "Typical" represents the average or expected value from production. "Maximum" is the upper limit of the specification range; individual units will be at or below this value. Design should be based on the minimum or typical value for consistency.

Q: Can I drive this LED with a 3.3V supply directly?
A> Not reliably. The typical forward voltage is 3.25V at 30mA, very close to 3.3V. Variations in VF (up to 3.75V) and supply voltage tolerance would cause inconsistent or insufficient current. A constant current driver or a series resistor with a higher voltage supply (e.g., 5V) is required.

Q: What does "Sulfur Robustness Class B1" mean?
A> It indicates the LED's resistance to corrosion in sulfur-containing atmospheres. Class B1 is a specific performance level defined in industry tests, showing the device has passed testing for use in environments with moderate levels of sulfur contamination.

Q: How do I interpret the luminous intensity bin codes like "BB"?
A> Code "BB" corresponds to a luminous intensity range of 2240 to 2800 mcd. You would select this bin if your design requires a brightness in that specific range to ensure performance targets are met.

11. Design and Usage Case Study

Scenario: Backlighting an Automotive Window Switch Panel. A designer needs to illuminate four switch symbols on a thin, dark panel. Using the side-view LED, they can place the components on the edge of the PCB, directing light into a molded acrylic light guide that runs behind the panel. The 120° viewing angle ensures efficient coupling of light into the guide. The designer sets the drive current to 25mA (below the 30mA typical) to extend lifetime and reduce heat, relying on the high typical brightness to still achieve sufficient illumination through the guide and icon. The AEC-Q102 qualification and sulfur robustness give confidence in the long-term reliability of the backlighting system in the vehicle's interior environment.

12. Technology Principle Introduction

This LED is based on a Phosphor Converted (PC) design. It likely uses a blue or near-UV semiconductor die. This primary light is not emitted directly. Instead, it excites a layer of phosphor material deposited on or near the die. The phosphor absorbs the high-energy photons from the die and re-emits light at longer wavelengths, in this case, producing amber/yellow light. The specific blend of phosphors and their concentration determines the exact chromaticity coordinates (x=0.57, y=0.41). This method allows for high efficiency and excellent color rendering or saturation compared to using a semiconductor material that natively emits amber light, which is typically less efficient.

13. Industry Trends and Developments

The trend in automotive interior lighting is towards higher integration, smarter control (dynamic lighting, mood lighting), and increased use of LEDs for all functions. Components like this side-view LED are evolving to offer even higher efficacy (more light per watt), allowing for lower power consumption and reduced thermal load. There is also a push for tighter color binning to ensure perfect color matching across all indicators in a vehicle's cabin. Furthermore, the drive for fully autonomous vehicle interiors is leading to increased demand for reliable, long-life illumination components that can last the lifetime of the vehicle without maintenance. The integration of diagnostic features directly into LED packages is another emerging trend.