1. Product Overview
The T34 series represents a high-performance, surface-mount white LED designed for applications requiring reliable and efficient illumination. This product utilizes a dual-chip series configuration within a compact 3020 package (3.0mm x 2.0mm footprint), delivering a nominal power of 0.5W. The series is engineered to offer a balance of luminous output, thermal management, and longevity, making it suitable for a variety of lighting solutions including backlighting, indicator lights, and general decorative lighting. Its design focuses on stable performance under specified electrical and environmental conditions.
2. Technical Parameters and Specifications
2.1 Absolute Maximum Ratings (Ts=25°C)
The following parameters define the limits beyond which permanent damage to the device may occur. Operation under these conditions is not guaranteed.
- Forward Current (IF): 90 mA (DC)
- Forward Pulse Current (IFP): 160 mA (Pulse width ≤10ms, Duty cycle ≤1/10)
- Power Dissipation (PD): 612 mW
- Operating Temperature (Topr): -40°C to +80°C
- Storage Temperature (Tstg): -40°C to +80°C
- Junction Temperature (Tj): 125°C
- Soldering Temperature (Tsld): Reflow soldering at 230°C or 260°C for 10 seconds maximum.
2.2 Electro-Optical Characteristics (Ts=25°C)
Typical performance parameters measured under standard test conditions.
- Forward Voltage (VF): Typical 6.0V, Maximum 6.8V (at IF=80mA)
- Reverse Voltage (VR): 5V
- Reverse Current (IR): Maximum 10 µA
- Viewing Angle (2θ1/2): 110° (typical, without lens)
3. Binning and Classification System
3.1 Model Numbering Rule
The product model follows a structured code: T □□ □□ □ □ □ – □□□ □□. This code defines key attributes:
- Package Code (e.g., '34'): Denotes the 3020 form factor.
- Chip Count Code: '2' indicates a dual-chip configuration.
- Optics Code: '00' for no primary lens, '01' for with lens.
- Color Code: L (Warm White, <3700K), C (Neutral White, 3700-5000K), W (Cool White, >5000K).
- Luminous Flux Code: A multi-character code specifying the minimum luminous flux bin (e.g., E6, E7, E8).
- Forward Voltage Code: C (5.5-6.0V), D (6.0-6.5V), E (6.5-7.0V).
3.2 Correlated Color Temperature (CCT) Binning
Standard ordering CCT bins are defined with their corresponding chromaticity regions (Ellipse MacAdam steps).
- 2725K ±145K (27M5, 5-step MacAdam ellipse)
- 3045K ±175K (30M5, 5-step MacAdam ellipse)
- 3985K ±275K (40M5, 5-step MacAdam ellipse)
- 5028K ±283K (50M5, 5-step MacAdam ellipse)
- 5665K ±355K (57M7, 7-step MacAdam ellipse)
- 6530K ±510K (65M7, 7-step MacAdam ellipse)
Note: Shipments adhere to the ordered CCT's specified chromaticity region. Luminous flux is specified as a minimum value; actual flux may be higher.
3.3 Luminous Flux Binning
Flux is binned based on CCT and Color Rendering Index (CRI). The table specifies minimum luminous flux values at IF=80mA. For example, a Warm White (2700-3700K) LED with CRI≥70 in bin E6 has a minimum flux of 50 lm and a typical maximum of 54 lm. Similar bins (E7, E8, E9) exist for Neutral White and Cool White variants, with corresponding bins for high-CRI (≥80) versions.
3.4 Forward Voltage Binning
Forward voltage is classified into three bins to aid in circuit design for current regulation.
- Code C: 5.5V to 6.0V
- Code D: 6.0V to 6.5V
- Code E: 6.5V to 7.0V
Tolerances: Luminous flux ±7%, Forward voltage ±0.08V, CRI ±2, Chromaticity coordinates ±0.005.
4. Mechanical and Package Information
4.1 Outline Dimensions
The LED is housed in a standard 3020 surface-mount package. The dimensional drawing shows a top-view outline with key measurements. Critical tolerances are specified: dimensions noted as .X are ±0.1mm, and .XX are ±0.05mm.
4.2 Pad Pattern and Stencil Design
Separate diagrams are provided for the recommended PCB land pattern (pad layout) and the solder paste stencil opening design. Adherence to these layouts is crucial for achieving proper solder joint formation, thermal transfer, and mechanical stability during reflow. The anode and cathode pads are clearly marked for polarity identification.
5. Performance Characteristics and Curves
5.1 Forward Current vs. Forward Voltage (I-V Curve)
The characteristic curve shows the relationship between forward current and forward voltage. For the dual-chip series design, the typical VF is around 6.0V at the nominal 80mA drive current. The curve is essential for designing the appropriate current-limiting circuitry, which is mandatory for LED operation.
5.2 Relative Luminous Flux vs. Forward Current
This graph illustrates how light output increases with drive current. While output rises with current, efficiency typically decreases at higher currents due to increased thermal effects. Operating at or below the recommended 80mA ensures optimal efficacy and longevity.
5.3 Spectral Power Distribution
The relative spectral energy distribution curve is provided for different CCT ranges (2600-3700K, 3700-5000K, 5000-10000K). These curves show the intensity of light emitted at each wavelength, defining the color quality and CRI of the LED. Cool white LEDs exhibit more energy in the blue region, while warm white LEDs have more energy in the red/yellow region.
5.4 Junction Temperature vs. Relative Spectral Energy
This curve demonstrates the effect of junction temperature on the LED's spectrum. As temperature increases, the peak wavelength may shift slightly, and the overall spectral output can change, potentially affecting color point and lumen maintenance. Proper thermal management is critical to minimize this shift.
6. Application Guidelines and Handling
6.1 Moisture Sensitivity and Baking
The T34 series LED is classified as moisture-sensitive according to IPC/JEDEC J-STD-020C. Exposure to ambient humidity after opening the moisture barrier bag can lead to package cracking during reflow soldering.
- Storage: Unopened bags should be stored below 30°C/85% RH. After opening, store below 30°C/60% RH.
- Baking Requirement: LEDs that have been removed from the original sealed bag and not yet soldered must be baked before reflow.
- Baking Method: Bake at 60°C for 24 hours on the original reel. Do not exceed 60°C. Reflow should occur within one hour after baking, or the parts must be stored in a dry cabinet (<20% RH).
- Humidity Indicator Card: Check the card inside the bag immediately upon opening to determine if baking is required.
6.2 Soldering Recommendations
Reflow soldering is the recommended assembly method. The maximum soldering temperature profile is specified: 230°C or 260°C peak temperature for a maximum of 10 seconds. It is critical to follow a controlled temperature profile to prevent thermal shock and damage to the LED die, phosphor, and package. Manual soldering with an iron is not recommended due to the risk of localized overheating.
6.3 Circuit Design Considerations
Due to the series dual-chip design and the resulting higher forward voltage (~6V), standard 3V or 3.3V logic supplies are insufficient. A dedicated LED driver or current regulator capable of providing a voltage above the maximum VF (up to 7.0V) at the required constant current (e.g., 80mA) is necessary. Always design with the maximum VF from the binning table to ensure proper operation across all units. Adequate PCB thermal design, including thermal vias and copper pours connected to the cathode pad, is essential to dissipate heat and maintain low junction temperature.
7. Typical Applications and Use Cases
The T34 series 0.5W LED is well-suited for applications requiring a compact, bright light source with good color consistency.
- Backlighting: Edge-lit or direct-lit backlight units for small to medium displays, control panels, and signage.
- Decorative Lighting: Accent lighting, contour lighting, and mood lighting where consistent white light is desired.
- Indicator and Status Lights: High-brightness status indicators in industrial equipment, consumer electronics, or automotive interiors.
- Portable Lighting: Integrated into compact flashlights or task lights, leveraging its efficiency and small size.
When designing for these applications, consider the drive current, thermal path, optical requirements (lens, diffuser), and the need for consistent color (specifying tight CCT and flux bins).
8. Technical Comparison and Product Differentiation
The T34 series offers specific advantages within the 0.5W LED category:
- Dual-Chip Series Design: Compared to a single 0.5W die, the dual-chip approach can offer different phosphor application options and potentially more uniform light emission from the package. The series connection simplifies driving from a slightly higher voltage source compared to parallel configurations which require precise current balancing.
- 3020 Package: Provides a slightly larger thermal pad area than smaller packages like 2835 or 3014 for its power level, aiding in heat dissipation. Its footprint is a common industry standard, facilitating PCB design and sourcing of compatible optics.
- Comprehensive Binning: The availability of detailed CCT (including 5-step and 7-step MacAdam ellipses), flux, and voltage bins allows for precise color matching and electrical performance prediction in volume production, reducing the need for circuit adjustments on the production line.
9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
9.1 Why is the forward voltage around 6V for a 0.5W LED?
This is due to the internal series connection of two LED chips. Each chip has a typical forward voltage of around 3.0V to 3.4V. When connected in series, the voltages add up, resulting in the ~6V total. This requires a compatible power supply.
9.2 Is a constant current driver mandatory?
Yes. LEDs are current-driven devices. Their light output is proportional to current, not voltage. A constant current driver ensures stable brightness and protects the LED from thermal runaway, which can occur if driven by a constant voltage source without adequate series resistance.
9.3 Can I drive this LED at higher than 80mA for more light?
While possible, it is not recommended for reliable long-term operation. Exceeding the nominal current increases junction temperature, which accelerates lumen depreciation (light output decrease over time) and can significantly reduce the LED's lifespan. Always refer to the Absolute Maximum Ratings.
9.4 How critical is the PCB thermal design?
Very critical. The 0.5W of electrical power is mostly converted to heat. An effective thermal path from the LED's thermal pad (typically the cathode) through the PCB to the ambient environment is essential to keep the junction temperature low. High junction temperature is the primary cause of LED failure and performance degradation.
9.5 What does the 'Luminous Flux Code' (e.g., E7) mean?
This is a binning code that specifies a range of minimum luminous flux. For a given CCT and CRI, an E7 bin guarantees a minimum flux (e.g., 54 lm for some types) and typically implies a maximum value (e.g., 58 lm). It allows designers to select LEDs that meet their minimum brightness requirements.
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. |