LSHD-5601 LED Display Datasheet - 0.56-inch Digit Height - Green Segments - 2.6V Forward Voltage - 75mW Power Dissipation - English Technical Document

1. Product Overview

The LSHD-5601 is a single-digit, seven-segment plus decimal point LED display module. It features a digit height of 0.56 inches (14.22 mm), making it suitable for applications requiring clear, medium-sized numeric readouts. The device utilizes green LED chips, specifically GaP epi on GaP substrate and AlInGaP on a non-transparent GaAs substrate technologies, to produce its characteristic green segment illumination against a gray face background. This combination provides high contrast for improved readability.

1.1 Core Features and Advantages

• Digit Height: 0.56 inch (14.22 mm) standard size.
• Segment Uniformity: Engineered for excellent consistency in luminous intensity across all segments.
• Power Efficiency: Designed for low power requirement, enhancing energy efficiency in end applications.
• Optical Performance: Offers high brightness and high contrast ratio for clear visibility.
• Viewing Angle: Provides a wide viewing angle, ensuring readability from various positions.
• Reliability: Benefits from solid-state reliability inherent to LED technology.
• Binning: Units are binned for luminous intensity to ensure performance consistency.
• Environmental Compliance: Lead-free package compliant with RoHS directives.

1.2 Device Configuration

The LSHD-5601 is configured as a common anode display. The specific part number denotes a green display with a right-hand decimal point. This configuration simplifies circuit design when using common positive voltage supply systems.

2. Technical Parameters: In-Depth Objective Interpretation

2.1 Absolute Maximum Ratings

These ratings define the limits beyond which permanent damage to the device may occur. Operation should always be maintained within these boundaries.

• Average Power Dissipation per Dot: 75 mW. This is the maximum continuous power a single segment (dot) can handle.
• Peak Forward Current per Segment: 60 mA. This is allowed under pulsed conditions (1/10 duty cycle, 0.1ms pulse width) for multiplexing schemes.
• Average Forward Current per Dot: 25 mA. The recommended maximum continuous DC current for reliable operation.
• Forward Current Derating: 0.28 mA/°C. Above 25°C, the maximum allowable continuous current must be reduced by this factor to manage thermal stress.
• Operating & Storage Temperature Range: -35°C to +105°C.
• Soldering Condition: 260°C for 3 seconds at a distance of 1/16 inch (approx. 1.6 mm) below the seating plane.

2.2 Electrical and Optical Characteristics

These are the typical performance parameters measured at an ambient temperature (Ta) of 25°C.

• Average Luminous Intensity (I_V): 800 (Min), 2400 (Typ) μcd at I_F=10 mA. This indicates the light output. The typical value is quite bright for a display of this size.
• Peak Emission Wavelength (λ_p): 565 nm (Typ) at I_F=20 mA. The wavelength at which the emitted light intensity is highest, in the green region of the spectrum.
• Spectral Line Half-Width (Δλ): 30 nm (Typ). A measure of the spectral purity; a smaller value indicates a more monochromatic light.
• Dominant Wavelength (λ_d): 569 nm (Typ). The single wavelength perceived by the human eye, defining the color.
• Forward Voltage per Segment (V_F): 2.1 (Min), 2.6 (Typ) V at I_F=20 mA. The voltage drop across an LED segment when conducting. Circuit design must account for the maximum value.
• Reverse Current per Segment (I_R): 100 μA (Max) at V_R=5V. The small leakage current when a reverse voltage is applied. Note: Continuous reverse bias operation is not permitted.
• Luminous Intensity Matching Ratio: 2:1 (Max). The maximum allowed ratio between the brightest and dimmest segment within a single digit, ensuring uniform appearance.

Measurement Notes: Luminous intensity is measured using a sensor-filter combo approximating the CIE photopic eye-response curve. Crosstalk between segments is specified to be ≤ 2.5%.

3. Binning System Explanation

The datasheet explicitly states that the displays are binned for luminous intensity. This is a critical quality control and matching process.

• Purpose: To group displays with similar light output (in μcd) together. This ensures that when multiple displays are used side-by-side in an application (e.g., a multi-digit counter), their brightness appears uniform to the user.
• Application Advice: The Cautions section strongly recommends choosing displays from the same intensity bin when assembling two or more units for one set application to avoid hue and brightness unevenness problems.
• Other Parameters: While not explicitly mentioned for binning, forward voltage (V_F) and dominant wavelength (λ_d) are also common binning parameters in the LED industry to ensure electrical and color consistency. Designers should consult specific binning codes from the manufacturer for critical applications.

4. Performance Curve Analysis

The datasheet references Typical Electrical/Optical Characteristics Curves. While the specific graphs are not detailed in the provided text, standard curves for such a device would typically include:

• I-V (Current-Voltage) Curve: Shows the relationship between forward current (I_F) and forward voltage (V_F). It demonstrates the exponential turn-on characteristic of the LED diode. Designers use this to select appropriate current-limiting resistors or design constant-current drivers.
• Luminous Intensity vs. Forward Current (I_V vs. I_F): Shows how light output increases with current, typically in a near-linear relationship within the operating range. This helps in tuning brightness.
• Luminous Intensity vs. Ambient Temperature (I_V vs. T_a): Illustrates how light output decreases as the ambient temperature rises. This is crucial for applications operating in high-temperature environments.
• Spectral Distribution: A plot of relative intensity vs. wavelength, showing the peak at ~565nm and the spectral half-width of ~30nm, confirming the green color emission.

5. Mechanical and Package Information

5.1 Package Dimensions

The display has a standard 10-pin dual-in-line package configuration. Key dimensional notes:

• All dimensions are in millimeters.
• General tolerance is ±0.25 mm unless otherwise specified.
• Pin tip shift tolerance is ±0.4 mm to account for placement variations.

5.2 Internal Circuit Diagram and Pin Connection

The internal diagram shows a common anode configuration. All segment anodes (A-G, DP) are connected internally to one of two common anode pins (Pin 3 and Pin 8), which are also connected together. Each segment cathode has its own dedicated pin.

Pinout:

1. Cathode E
2. Cathode D
3. Common Anode
4. Cathode C
5. Cathode DP (Decimal Point)
6. Cathode B
7. Cathode A
8. Common Anode
9. Cathode F
10. Cathode G

6. Soldering and Assembly Guidelines

6.1 Soldering Parameters

Recommended soldering condition: 260°C for 3 seconds, with the soldering iron tip positioned at least 1.6mm (1/16 inch) below the seating plane of the display body to prevent thermal damage to the plastic and LEDs.

6.2 Application Cautions (Critical Design Considerations)

• Drive Circuit Design: Constant current driving is recommended for consistent performance and longevity. The circuit must be designed to accommodate the full range of V_F (2.1V to 2.6V) to ensure the intended drive current is always delivered.
• Current and Temperature: Exceeding the recommended drive current or operating temperature can cause severe light output degradation or premature failure. The safe operating current must be derated for high ambient temperatures.
• Protection: The driving circuit should include protection against reverse voltages and transient voltage spikes during power-up/shutdown. Reverse bias should be absolutely avoided as it can cause metal migration, increasing leakage or causing shorts.
• Mechanical Handling: Avoid using unsuitable tools or methods that apply abnormal force to the display body.
• Condensation: Avoid rapid ambient temperature changes in humid environments to prevent condensation on the display.
• Filter/Overlay Attachment: If a pattern film is attached with pressure-sensitive adhesive, avoid letting it press directly against a front panel/cover, as external force may shift it.

7. Storage Conditions

Proper storage is essential to prevent pin oxidation.

• For LED Displays (Through-Hole): Store in original packaging. Recommended conditions: Temperature 5°C to 30°C, Humidity below 60% RH. Long-term storage of large inventories is discouraged.
• For SMD LED Displays (General Guideline):
  • In sealed bag: 5°C to 30°C, <60% RH.
  • Opened bag: 5°C to 30°C, <60% RH, use within 168 hours (MSL Level 3).
  • If unpacked for more than 168 hours, bake at 60°C for 24 hours before soldering.
• General Shelf Life: Displays are recommended to be used within 12 months from the shipping date and should not be exposed to high moisture or corrosive gas environments.

8. Application Suggestions

8.1 Target Market and Typical Applications

This display is intended for ordinary electronic equipment including:

• Office equipment (calculators, desk clocks).
• Communication equipment.
• Household appliances (microwaves, ovens, washing machine timers).
• Industrial control panels (simple counters, timers).
• Test and measurement equipment.

Important Note: For applications where failure could jeopardize life or health (aviation, medical, safety systems), prior consultation with the manufacturer is mandatory. The manufacturer assumes no responsibility for damage resulting from non-compliance with the ratings and instructions.

8.2 Design Considerations and Best Practices

1. Current Limiting: Always use series resistors or a constant-current driver to set the segment current. Calculate resistor values based on the supply voltage and the maximum V_F at the desired current.
2. Multiplexing: For multi-digit applications, multiplexing is common. Ensure the peak current in the multiplexing scheme does not exceed the 60mA rating, and the average current remains within the 25mA limit.
3. Thermal Management: In enclosed spaces or high ambient temperatures, consider the current derating factor (0.28 mA/°C). Provide adequate ventilation if necessary.
4. Viewing Angle: The wide viewing angle allows flexible placement in the end product's housing.
5. Binning for Multi-Digit Use: As stressed repeatedly, source displays from the same luminous intensity bin for uniform appearance in multi-digit arrays.

9. Technical Comparison and Positioning

While a direct comparison with other models is not in the datasheet, the LSHD-5601's key differentiators can be inferred:

• vs. Smaller Displays (e.g., 0.3\"): Offers better visibility from a distance due to its larger 0.56\" digit height.
• vs. Red or Yellow Displays: Green LEDs often offer a subjectively brighter appearance to the human eye and may have different forward voltage characteristics (V_F ~2.6V vs. ~1.8-2.2V for many red LEDs).
• vs. Common Cathode Displays: The common anode configuration is advantageous for systems where the microcontroller sinks current (drives pins LOW) to activate segments, which is a common configuration.
• Advantages: High brightness, excellent uniformity (via binning), wide viewing angle, and RoHS compliance are its core strengths.

10. Frequently Asked Questions (Based on Technical Parameters)

1. Q: What is the purpose of the two common anode pins (3 and 8)?
   A: They are internally connected. Having two pins provides mechanical stability, better current distribution, and allows flexibility in PCB layout (routing power from either side).
2. Q: Can I drive this display with a 5V supply?
   A: Yes, but you MUST use a current-limiting resistor in series with each segment. For a target current of 10mA and a typical V_F of 2.6V, the resistor value would be R = (5V - 2.6V) / 0.01A = 240 Ω. Always calculate for the worst-case (minimum V_F) to avoid exceeding the current limit.
3. Q: Why is reverse bias so dangerous for this LED?
   A: Applying a reverse voltage (even the 5V used for I_R testing) can cause electromigration of metal atoms within the semiconductor junction, leading to increased leakage or a permanent short circuit. The datasheet explicitly forbids continuous reverse operation.
4. Q: How do I achieve different brightness levels?
   A: Brightness is primarily controlled by the forward current (I_F). Using PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) on a constant current driver is the most effective method for dimming, as it maintains color consistency unlike analog voltage/current reduction.

11. Practical Use Case Example

Scenario: Designing a simple 4-digit count-up timer for a laboratory device.

1. Component Selection: Four LSHD-5601 displays are selected for their clarity and size.
2. Circuit Design: A microcontroller with sufficient I/O pins is chosen. The design uses a common anode configuration, so the microcontroller port pins connect to the segment cathodes (through current-limiting resistors). The common anode pins of each digit are connected to a PNP transistor (or an N-channel MOSFET) controlled by a separate microcontroller pin for multiplexing.
3. Current Calculation: For a multiplexed design with 4 digits (1/4 duty cycle), to achieve an average segment current of 10mA, the peak current during its active time slot would be 40mA. This is within the 60mA peak rating. Resistors are calculated accordingly: R = (V_supply - V_{F_max} - V_{CE_sat}) / I_peak.
4. Binning: All four displays are ordered specifying the same luminous intensity bin code to ensure uniform brightness across the timer.
5. Software: The microcontroller firmware cycles through each digit, turning on the corresponding transistor and lighting the required segments for that digit with the calculated timing to achieve the desired duty cycle and avoid flicker.

12. Operating Principle Introduction

The LSHD-5601 is based on Light Emitting Diode (LED) technology. When a forward voltage exceeding the diode's turn-on threshold (approximately 2.1-2.6V for these green LEDs) is applied across a segment, electrons and holes recombine in the active semiconductor region (the p-n junction made of GaP or AlInGaP materials). This recombination process releases energy in the form of photons (light). The specific semiconductor material composition determines the wavelength (color) of the emitted light—in this case, green (~569 nm). The seven segments (A-G) and the decimal point (DP) are individual LED chips arranged spatially to form a numeric character. Electrically connecting them in a common anode configuration allows efficient control via a microcontroller.

13. Technology Trends and Context

While discrete seven-segment LED displays like the LSHD-5601 remain vital for specific applications requiring simple, reliable, and highly visible numeric readouts, broader industry trends are evident:

• Integration: There is a move towards integrated multi-digit modules or dot-matrix displays controlled via serial interfaces (I2C, SPI), reducing the microcontroller I/O and driver component count.
• Advanced Materials: The use of AlInGaP (Aluminum Indium Gallium Phosphide) for green and red LEDs, as mentioned in this datasheet, represents an advancement over older GaP technology, offering higher efficiency and brightness.
• Application Shift: For complex alphanumeric or graphical information, LCDs, OLEDs, and TFTs are more common. However, LED segment displays retain strong advantages in environments requiring high brightness, wide temperature range operation, long lifetime, and simplicity—ensuring their continued relevance in industrial, appliance, and instrumentation markets.
• Packaging: The lead-free, RoHS-compliant package of the LSHD-5601 reflects the global environmental regulatory trend affecting all electronic components.