Table of Contents
- 1. Product Overview
- 1.1 Core Advantages
- 1.2 Target Applications
- 2. In-Depth Technical Parameter Analysis
- 2.1 Absolute Maximum Ratings
- 2.2 Electro-Optical Characteristics
- 3. Binning System Specification
- 3.1 Luminous Intensity Binning
- 3.2 Dominant Wavelength (Hue) Binning
- 4. Performance Curve Analysis
- 5. Mechanical and Packaging Information
- 5.1 Outline Dimensions
- 5.2 Packaging Specification
- 6. Soldering and Assembly Guidelines
- 6.1 Storage Conditions
- 6.2 Lead Forming
- 6.3 Soldering Parameters
- 6.4 Cleaning
- 7. Application Notes and Design Considerations
- 7.1 Typical Application Scenarios
- 7.2 Design Considerations
- 8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- 8.1 What is the difference between Peak Wavelength and Dominant Wavelength?
- 8.2 Can I drive this LED with a 5V supply?
- 8.3 Why is the storage and handling after opening the package so critical?
- 8.4 How do I interpret the bin codes on the packaging?
- 9. Practical Design Example
- 10. Operational Principle
- 11. Technology Trends
1. Product Overview
The LTL-R42FEWADHBPT is a Circuit Board Indicator (CBI) component, consisting of a black plastic right-angle holder (housing) mated with a specific LED lamp. This design is intended for straightforward assembly onto printed circuit boards (PCBs). The product is part of a family available in various configurations, including top-view and right-angle orientations, as well as horizontal or vertical arrays that are stackable for design flexibility.
1.1 Core Advantages
- Ease of Assembly: The through-hole design and holder facilitate simple and reliable circuit board mounting.
- Energy Efficiency: Features low power consumption and high luminous efficiency.
- Environmental Compliance: This is a lead-free product compliant with RoHS directives.
- Standardized Packaging: Supplied in tape and reel format compatible with automated assembly processes.
1.2 Target Applications
This indicator lamp is suitable for a broad range of electronic equipment, including:
- Computer peripherals and internal status indicators.
- Communication equipment.
- Consumer electronics.
- Industrial control panels and machinery.
2. In-Depth Technical Parameter Analysis
2.1 Absolute Maximum Ratings
These ratings define the limits beyond which permanent damage to the device may occur. Operation under these conditions is not guaranteed.
- Power Dissipation (Pd): 52 mW maximum.
- Peak Forward Current (IFP): 60 mA, permissible only under pulsed conditions (duty cycle ≤ 1/10, pulse width ≤ 10μs).
- Continuous Forward Current (IF): 20 mA DC maximum.
- Current Derating: Required above 30°C ambient temperature at a rate of 0.27 mA/°C.
- Operating Temperature Range (Topr): -30°C to +85°C.
- Storage Temperature Range (Tstg): -40°C to +100°C.
2.2 Electro-Optical Characteristics
Measured at an ambient temperature (TA) of 25°C and a forward current (IF) of 10mA, unless otherwise specified.
- Luminous Intensity (IV): Ranges from a minimum of 3.8 mcd to a maximum of 50 mcd, with a typical value of 18 mcd. A ±15% testing tolerance is applied to bin limits.
- Viewing Angle (2θ1/2): Approximately 100 degrees, defined as the off-axis angle where intensity drops to half its axial value.
- Peak Wavelength (λP): 630 nm.
- Dominant Wavelength (λd): Ranges from 613.5 nm to 633 nm, defining the perceived color (red).
- Spectral Bandwidth (Δλ): 20 nm, typical.
- Forward Voltage (VF): Typically 2.5V, with a maximum of 2.5V at 10mA.
- Reverse Current (IR): 10 μA maximum at a reverse voltage (VR) of 5V. The device is not designed for operation in reverse bias.
3. Binning System Specification
The product is classified into bins based on key optical parameters to ensure color and brightness consistency within an application.
3.1 Luminous Intensity Binning
Binned at IF = 10mA. Each bin code has a ±15% tolerance on its limits.
- 3ST: 3.8 – 6.5 mcd
- 3UV: 6.5 – 11 mcd
- 3WX: 11 – 18 mcd
- 3YZ: 18 – 30 mcd
- AB: 30 – 50 mcd
3.2 Dominant Wavelength (Hue) Binning
Binned at IF = 10mA. Tolerance for each bin limit is ±1 nm.
- H27: 613.5 – 617.0 nm
- H28: 617.0 – 621.0 nm
- H29: 621.0 – 625.0 nm
- H30: 625.0 – 629.0 nm
- H31: 629.0 – 633.0 nm
4. Performance Curve Analysis
The datasheet includes typical characteristic curves which are essential for circuit design and understanding device behavior under varying conditions.
- Relative Luminous Intensity vs. Forward Current: Shows the non-linear relationship between drive current and light output.
- Relative Luminous Intensity vs. Ambient Temperature: Demonstrates the decrease in light output as junction temperature rises, crucial for thermal management.
- Forward Voltage vs. Forward Current: Illustrates the diode's I-V characteristic, important for selecting current-limiting resistors.
- Spectral Distribution: Depicts the relative radiant power across wavelengths, centered around 630 nm for this red LED.
- Viewing Angle Pattern: A polar diagram showing the spatial distribution of luminous intensity.
5. Mechanical and Packaging Information
5.1 Outline Dimensions
The component features a right-angle through-hole design. Key dimensional notes include:
- All dimensions are in millimeters (with inch equivalents).
- Standard tolerance is ±0.25mm (±0.010") unless specified otherwise.
- The holder (housing) is made of black or dark gray plastic.
- The integrated LED lamp is red with a red diffused lens.
5.2 Packaging Specification
- Carrier Tape: Black conductive polystyrene alloy. 10-sprocket hole pitch cumulative tolerance is ±0.20.
- Reel: Standard 13-inch reel containing 400 pieces.
- Carton:
- 1 reel is packed with a desiccant and humidity indicator card in a Moisture Barrier Bag (MBB).
- 2 MBBs are packed in 1 Inner Carton (total 800 pcs).
- 10 Inner Cartons are packed in 1 Outer Carton (total 8,000 pcs).
6. Soldering and Assembly Guidelines
6.1 Storage Conditions
- Sealed Package: Store at ≤30°C and ≤70% RH. Use within one year.
- Opened Package: Store at ≤30°C and ≤60% RH. Components should be IR-reflowed within 168 hours (1 week) of opening. For storage beyond 168 hours, a 48-hour bake at 60°C is recommended before SMT assembly.
6.2 Lead Forming
Bending must be performed at a point at least 2.0 mm from the base of the LED lens/holder, at normal temperature, and before soldering. The base of the lead frame should not be used as a fulcrum.
6.3 Soldering Parameters
A minimum clearance of 2.0 mm must be maintained between the solder point and the base of the lens/holder.
- Hand Soldering (Iron): Maximum temperature 350°C for a maximum of 3 seconds (one time only).
- Wave Soldering: Pre-heat to a maximum of 120°C for up to 100 seconds. Solder wave temperature maximum 260°C for a maximum of 5 seconds.
6.4 Cleaning
If necessary, clean only with alcohol-based solvents such as isopropyl alcohol.
7. Application Notes and Design Considerations
7.1 Typical Application Scenarios
This LED is suitable for general-purpose status indication in both indoor and outdoor signage, as well as standard electronic equipment across computing, communications, consumer, and industrial sectors.
7.2 Design Considerations
- Current Limiting: Always use a series resistor to limit the forward current to 20 mA DC or less. The resistor value can be calculated using the typical forward voltage (VF = 2.5V).
- Thermal Management: Observe the current derating curve above 30°C ambient. In high-temperature environments or enclosed spaces, reduce the drive current to prevent exceeding the maximum junction temperature.
- Mechanical Stress: Apply minimal clinch force during PCB assembly to avoid stressing the LED package. Avoid any external stress on the leads during soldering while the device is hot.
- Reverse Voltage Protection: As the device has a low reverse breakdown voltage, ensure circuit design prevents the application of reverse bias exceeding 5V.
8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
8.1 What is the difference between Peak Wavelength and Dominant Wavelength?
Peak Wavelength (λP): The wavelength at which the emitted optical power is maximum (630 nm for this device). Dominant Wavelength (λd): A single wavelength derived from the CIE chromaticity diagram that best represents the perceived color of the light (ranging from 613.5 to 633 nm). Dominant wavelength is more relevant for color specification.
8.2 Can I drive this LED with a 5V supply?
Yes, but a current-limiting resistor is mandatory. For example, to achieve a typical IF of 10mA from a 5V supply: R = (Vsupply - VF) / IF = (5V - 2.5V) / 0.01A = 250 Ω. A standard 240 Ω or 270 Ω resistor would be appropriate.
8.3 Why is the storage and handling after opening the package so critical?
LED packages can absorb moisture from the atmosphere. During the high-temperature reflow soldering process, this trapped moisture can rapidly expand, causing internal delamination or cracking ("popcorning"), which leads to failure. The specified bake-out process removes this absorbed moisture.
8.4 How do I interpret the bin codes on the packaging?
The bin code (e.g., 3WX-H29) specifies the luminous intensity range (3WX = 11-18 mcd) and the dominant wavelength range (H29 = 621.0-625.0 nm). For applications requiring uniform appearance, specifying and using components from the same bin is essential.
9. Practical Design Example
Scenario: Designing a power-on indicator for a device powered by a 3.3V rail, requiring a medium-brightness red signal.
- Component Selection: Choose a bin code like 3WX-H30 for consistent brightness (11-18 mcd) and color (625-629 nm red).
- Circuit Design: Target IF = 10mA for long life and adequate brightness.
- Calculate resistor: R = (3.3V - 2.5V) / 0.01A = 80 Ω.
- Use the nearest standard value, e.g., 82 Ω.
- Verify power in resistor: P = I2R = (0.01)2 * 82 = 0.0082W. A standard 1/8W or 1/10W resistor is sufficient.
- PCB Layout: Place the LED footprint according to the right-angle dimension drawing. Ensure the 2.0mm keep-out zone from the lens base is respected in the solder mask and copper pour.
- Assembly: Follow the wave soldering profile specified, ensuring the PCB is pre-heated and the LED is not immersed beyond the allowed depth.
10. Operational Principle
This device is a light-emitting diode (LED). When a forward voltage exceeding its characteristic forward voltage (VF) is applied, electrons and holes recombine within the semiconductor material (AlInGaP for this red LED), releasing energy in the form of photons (light). The specific composition of the semiconductor layers determines the wavelength (color) of the emitted light. The diffused lens integrated into the package scatters the light, creating the wide 100-degree viewing angle characteristic of this indicator lamp.
11. Technology Trends
While through-hole LEDs remain vital for reliability in certain applications, the broader industry trend is toward surface-mount device (SMD) packages for higher density, automated assembly, and better thermal performance. However, through-hole components like this one continue to be preferred in applications requiring high mechanical strength, ease of manual assembly/prototyping, or where point-to-point wiring is used. Advances in materials continue to improve the efficiency and longevity of all LED types, including through-hole indicators.
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. |