1. Product Overview
The LTLR42FGAFEH79Y is a Circuit Board Indicator (CBI) module, integrating multiple LED lamps within a black plastic right-angle housing. This design is specifically engineered for straightforward assembly onto printed circuit boards (PCBs). The product combines solid-state lighting technology with a user-friendly mechanical package.
1.1 Core Advantages
- Ease of Assembly: The right-angle holder is designed for simplified circuit board mounting and is stackable for creating arrays.
- Enhanced Contrast: The black housing material improves the visual contrast ratio of the illuminated LEDs.
- Energy Efficiency: Utilizes low-power consumption, high-efficiency LED chips.
- Environmental Compliance: This is a lead-free product compliant with RoHS directives.
- Reliable Source: Features solid-state light sources for long operational life.
1.2 Target Applications
This component is suitable for a wide range of electronic equipment requiring status indication, including but not limited to:
- Communication devices
- Computer systems and peripherals
- Consumer electronics
- Home appliances
2. In-Depth Technical Parameter Analysis
2.1 Absolute Maximum Ratings
All ratings are specified at an ambient temperature (TA) of 25°C. Exceeding these limits may cause permanent damage.
- Power Dissipation (PD): 52 mW for both Yellow-Green and Orange LEDs.
- Peak Forward Current (IFP): 60 mA (pulse condition: duty cycle ≤1/10, pulse width ≤0.1ms).
- Continuous DC Forward Current (IF): 20 mA.
- Operating Temperature Range: -40°C to +85°C.
- Storage Temperature Range: -40°C to +100°C.
- Lead Soldering Temperature: 260°C maximum for 5 seconds, measured 2.0mm from the LED body.
2.2 Electrical & Optical Characteristics
Characteristics are measured at TA=25°C. The test conditions differ between the LED types.
- Luminous Intensity (Iv):
- Yellow-Green (LED1, IF=20mA): Typical 80 mcd, ranging from 23 mcd (Min) to 140 mcd (Max).
- Orange (LED3/4, IF=10mA): Typical 65 mcd, ranging from 30 mcd (Min) to 140 mcd (Max).
- Viewing Angle (2θ1/2): 100 degrees for both LED types, providing a wide illumination pattern.
- Peak Emission Wavelength (λP): Approximately 571 nm for Yellow-Green and 611 nm for Orange LEDs.
- Dominant Wavelength (λd):
- Yellow-Green: 569 nm (Typ), range 565-571 nm.
- Orange: 605 nm (Typ), range 598-613.5 nm.
- Spectral Line Half-Width (Δλ): ~15 nm for Yellow-Green, ~17 nm for Orange.
- Forward Voltage (VF):
- Yellow-Green: 2.1V (Typ), range 1.6-2.6V at 20mA.
- Orange: 1.9V (Typ), range 1.4-2.5V at 10mA.
- Reverse Current (IR): 10 μA maximum at a reverse voltage (VR) of 5V. Important: The device is not designed for operation in reverse bias; this parameter is for test purposes only.
3. Binning System Explanation
The LEDs are classified into bins based on luminous intensity and dominant wavelength to ensure color and brightness consistency in production.
3.1 Yellow-Green LED (LED1) Binning
Luminous Intensity Bins (@20mA):
- AB: 23 - 50 mcd
- CD: 50 - 85 mcd
- EF: 85 - 140 mcd
- Tolerance: ±15% on bin limits.
Dominant Wavelength Bins (@20mA):
- Bin 1: 565.0 - 568.0 nm
- Bin 2: 568.0 - 571.0 nm
- Tolerance: ±1 nm on bin limits.
3.2 Orange LED (LED3, LED4) Binning
Luminous Intensity Bins (@10mA):
- AB: 30 - 50 mcd
- CD: 50 - 85 mcd
- EF: 85 - 140 mcd
- Tolerance: ±30% on bin limits.
Dominant Wavelength (Hue) Bins (@10mA):
- H22: 598.0 - 600.0 nm
- H23: 600.0 - 603.0 nm
- H24: 603.0 - 606.0 nm
- H25: 606.0 - 610.0 nm
- H26: 610.0 - 613.5 nm
- Tolerance: ±1 nm on bin limits.
4. Performance Curve Analysis
The datasheet provides typical characteristic curves which are essential for circuit design.
4.1 Relative Luminous Intensity vs. Forward Current
These curves show the relationship between the drive current and the light output for both LED colors. They demonstrate the super-linear region of operation and are critical for determining the appropriate current for a desired brightness level, ensuring efficiency and longevity.
4.2 Forward Voltage vs. Forward Current
These IV curves are vital for designing the current-limiting circuitry. The curves show the typical voltage drop across the LED at various currents, allowing engineers to calculate necessary series resistor values or design constant-current driver circuits accurately.
4.3 Spectral Distribution
While not graphed in detail, the specified peak and dominant wavelengths, along with spectral half-width, define the color purity of the emitted light. The yellow-green LED emits in the ~571 nm region, while the orange LED emits in the ~611 nm region, providing distinct visual indicators.
5. Mechanical & Packaging Information
5.1 Outline Dimensions
The component features a right-angle through-hole design. Key dimensional notes include:
- All primary dimensions are in millimeters.
- Standard tolerance is ±0.25mm unless otherwise specified.
- The housing material is black plastic rated UL94-V0 for flame retardancy.
- LED1 (Yellow-Green) uses a white diffused lens. LED3 and LED4 (Orange) use an orange diffused lens.
5.2 Polarity Identification
Polarity is typically indicated by the physical structure of the housing (e.g., flat side on the lens or pin length). The datasheet's outline drawing should be consulted to identify the cathode and anode leads for correct installation.
6. Soldering & Assembly Guidelines
6.1 Storage Conditions
- Sealed Package: Store at ≤30°C and ≤70% RH. Use within one year of packing.
- Opened Package: Store at ≤30°C and ≤60% RH. Components should undergo IR reflow soldering within 168 hours (1 week) of opening the moisture barrier bag (MBB).
- Extended Storage: For storage beyond 168 hours, bake at 60°C for at least 48 hours before soldering to prevent moisture-induced damage (\"popcorning\") during reflow.
6.2 Lead Forming
- Bend leads at a point at least 3mm away from the base of the LED lens.
- Do not use the LED body or lead frame base as a fulcrum during bending.
- Perform all lead forming operations at room temperature and before the soldering process.
6.3 PCB Assembly & Soldering
- Apply minimal clinching force during PCB insertion to avoid mechanical stress on the LED.
- Hand soldering with a temperature-controlled iron is applicable for this through-hole component, adhering to the maximum 260°C for 5 seconds limit.
- For cleaning, use alcohol-based solvents like isopropyl alcohol if necessary.
7. Packaging & Ordering Information
7.1 Packing Specification
The product is supplied in standard packaging suitable for automated or manual assembly. The exact reel, tube, or tray configuration (e.g., quantity per reel) is defined in the packing specification section of the datasheet.
7.2 Part Number Interpretation
The part number LTLR42FGAFEH79Y follows an internal coding system that identifies the product family, package type, LED configuration, and likely the bin codes for luminous intensity and wavelength.
8. Application Notes & Design Considerations
8.1 Typical Application Circuits
These LEDs require a current-limiting device when powered from a voltage source. A simple series resistor is the most common method. The resistor value (R) can be calculated using Ohm's Law: R = (Vcc - VF) / IF, where Vcc is the supply voltage, VF is the LED forward voltage, and IF is the desired forward current (20mA for Yellow-Green, 10mA for Orange). Always ensure the resistor's power rating is sufficient.
8.2 Thermal Management
Although power dissipation is low (52mW), maintaining the LED junction temperature within the specified range is crucial for longevity and stable light output. Ensure adequate spacing and possible airflow in high-density layouts, especially when operating near the maximum ambient temperature of 85°C.
8.3 Optical Design
The 100-degree viewing angle provides a wide beam. For applications requiring more focused light, external lenses or light pipes can be used. The black housing minimizes internal reflections and improves off-state contrast.
9. Technical Comparison & Differentiation
The LTLR42FGAFEH79Y offers specific advantages in its class:
- Multi-LED Integration: Combines different color LEDs (Yellow-Green and Orange) in a single, easy-to-mount package, saving board space and assembly time compared to using discrete LEDs.
- Right-Angle Design: The housing allows the light to be emitted parallel to the PCB surface, which is ideal for edge-lit panels or status indicators viewed from the side.
- Stackable Housing: The mechanical design permits stacking multiple units to form vertical or horizontal arrays cleanly.
- Clear Binning: Well-defined intensity and wavelength bins allow for precise color and brightness matching in production runs.
10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
10.1 Can I drive the Orange LED (LED3/4) at 20mA?
The Absolute Maximum Rating specifies a continuous DC forward current of 20mA for all LEDs. However, the Optical Characteristics are specified at IF=10mA for the Orange LEDs. Driving them at 20mA will produce higher luminous intensity but may exceed the typical values listed and could affect long-term reliability. It is recommended to follow the test condition (10mA) for guaranteed optical performance.
10.2 What is the difference between Peak Wavelength and Dominant Wavelength?
Peak Wavelength (λP) is the wavelength at which the emission spectrum has its maximum intensity. Dominant Wavelength (λd) is a colorimetric quantity derived from the CIE chromaticity diagram; it represents the single wavelength of the monochromatic light that would appear to have the same color as the LED's output to the human eye. λd is often more relevant for color specification.
10.3 Why is the storage and handling moisture sensitivity so important?
LED packages can absorb moisture from the air. During the high-temperature reflow soldering process, this trapped moisture can rapidly vaporize, creating internal pressure that may delaminate the package or crack the die (\"popcorning\"). The MSL3 (Moisture Sensitivity Level 3) rating and associated baking requirements are critical process controls to prevent this failure mode.
11. Practical Design Case Study
Scenario: Designing a multi-status indicator panel for a network router. The panel needs a power-on indicator (steady green), an activity indicator (blinking yellow-green), and a fault indicator (steady orange).
Implementation: A single LTLR42FGAFEH79Y module can be used. The Yellow-Green LED (LED1) can serve as the activity indicator, driven by a microcontroller pin with PWM for blinking. One of the Orange LEDs (e.g., LED3) can be the fault indicator. A separate green LED would be needed for the power indicator. The right-angle housing allows the panel to be mounted perpendicular to the main PCB, directing light towards the user. The designer must calculate appropriate current-limiting resistors for each LED based on the microcontroller's GPIO voltage (e.g., 3.3V) and the LED's VF at the desired current.
12. Operational Principle
Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) are semiconductor devices that emit light through electroluminescence. When a forward voltage is applied across the p-n junction, electrons recombine with holes, releasing energy in the form of photons. The specific color of the light is determined by the energy bandgap of the semiconductor material used. The Yellow-Green LED uses an AllnGaP (Aluminum Indium Gallium Phosphide) chip, while the Orange LED uses an AIInGaP chip, with slight variations in material composition altering the bandgap and thus the emitted wavelength.
13. Technology Trends
The field of indicator LEDs continues to evolve. Trends include:
- Increased Efficiency: Ongoing material science improvements yield higher luminous efficacy (more light output per electrical watt), allowing for lower current operation and reduced system power consumption.
- Miniaturization: While through-hole packages remain popular for robustness, there is a parallel trend towards smaller surface-mount device (SMD) packages for high-density boards.
- Integrated Solutions: Growth in multi-chip packages and modules with built-in current limiting resistors or even driver ICs, simplifying circuit design further.
- Color Consistency: Advances in epitaxial growth and binning processes continue to improve the consistency of color and brightness across production batches, which is critical for aesthetic and functional applications.
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. |