1. Product Overview
The LTW series represents a compact, energy-efficient light source designed for modern solid-state lighting applications. This product combines the long operational lifetime and reliability inherent to Light Emitting Diodes with a high level of brightness, offering designers a versatile component for displacing conventional lighting technologies. Its ultra-compact form factor provides significant design freedom across a wide range of applications.
1.1 Key Features
- High-power LED light source
- Instantaneous light output (response time less than 100 nanoseconds)
- Low voltage DC operation
- Low thermal resistance package
- RoHS compliant construction
- Compatible with lead-free reflow soldering processes
1.2 Target Applications
This LED is suitable for numerous lighting scenarios, including but not limited to: reading lights for automotive, bus, and aircraft interiors; portable lighting such as flashlights and bicycle lights; downlighters and orientation lighting; decorative and entertainment lighting; security, garden, and bollard lighting; cove, undershelf, and task lighting; traffic signaling, beacons, and rail crossing lights; various indoor and outdoor commercial and residential architectural lighting; and edge-lit signs for exits or point-of-sale displays.
2. Technical Specifications Deep Dive
2.1 Absolute Maximum Ratings
These ratings define the limits beyond which permanent damage to the device may occur. They are specified at an ambient temperature (Ta) of 25°C.
- Power Dissipation: 120 mW
- Peak Forward Current: 100 mA (under pulsed condition with 1/10 duty cycle and 0.1ms pulse width)
- DC Forward Current: 30 mA
- Reverse Voltage: 5 V
- Operating Temperature Range: -30°C to +85°C
- Storage Temperature Range: -40°C to +100°C
- Reflow Soldering Condition: Withstands 260°C peak temperature for 10 seconds, compliant with lead-free process requirements.
Important Note: Operating the LED under reverse bias conditions in an application circuit may lead to component failure.
2.2 Electro-Optical Characteristics
These key performance parameters are measured at Ta=25°C and a forward current (IF) of 20mA, which is the standard test condition.
- Luminous Flux (Φv): Minimum 7.50 lm, Typical 9.50 lm. This measures the total perceived power of light emitted.
- Luminous Intensity: Minimum 2500 mcd, Typical 3300 mcd. This is the luminous flux per solid angle in a given direction.
- Viewing Angle (2θ1/2): 120 degrees. This defines the angular span where the luminous intensity is at least half of the maximum intensity.
- Chromaticity Coordinates (x, y): Typical values are x=0.282, y=0.265 on the CIE 1931 chromaticity diagram, defining the white point color.
- Forward Voltage (VF): Ranges from 2.7 V to 3.4 V at IF=20mA.
Measurement Notes: Luminous flux is measured using a sensor-filter combo approximating the CIE photopic eye-response curve. The chromaticity coordinates are derived from the CIE 1931 diagram, with testing performed according to the CAS140B standard. A tolerance of +/- 0.01 applies to the chromaticity coordinates.
3. Binning System Explanation
The product is classified into bins to ensure consistency in key parameters. This allows designers to select LEDs matching specific requirements for voltage, light output, and color.
3.1 Forward Voltage (VF) Binning
LEDs are sorted into bins (V0 to V6) based on their forward voltage at 20mA. Each bin has a 0.1V range (e.g., V0: 2.7-2.8V, V1: 2.8-2.9V, etc., up to V6: 3.3-3.4V). A tolerance of +/- 0.1V is maintained within each bin.
3.2 Luminous Flux & Intensity Binning
Light output is binned using a two-digit code (e.g., 73, 74, 81...92). Each code corresponds to a specific range of luminous flux (in lumens) and luminous intensity (in millicandelas). For example, bin 73 covers 7.50-7.75 lm and 2500-2600 mcd. Tolerance on each bin is +/- 10%.
3.3 Color (Chromaticity) Binning
The white color point is tightly controlled through an extensive binning matrix defined by CIE 1931 (x, y) coordinates. Bins are labeled with alphanumeric codes (Z1, Z2, ... C4). Each bin specifies a small quadrilateral area on the chromaticity diagram, ensuring a consistent hue and saturation of white light across production lots. A tolerance of +/- 0.01 applies to each hue bin.
4. Performance Curve Analysis
The datasheet includes typical characteristic curves which are essential for circuit design and thermal management. While specific graph data points are not provided in the text, these curves typically illustrate the relationship between forward current and forward voltage (IV curve), the effect of ambient temperature on luminous flux, and the variation of forward voltage with temperature. Analyzing these curves helps in selecting appropriate current-limiting resistors, predicting light output under different operating conditions, and designing for thermal stability.
5. Mechanical & Package Information
5.1 Outline Dimensions
The LED is housed in a standard PLCC (Plastic Leaded Chip Carrier) surface-mount package. All critical dimensions, including length, width, height, and lead spacing, are provided in millimeter units with a standard tolerance of ±0.1 mm unless otherwise noted. The package features a clear lens for light extraction.
5.2 Recommended PCB Attachment Pad
A land pattern diagram is supplied to guide printed circuit board (PCB) design for reliable soldering. This includes the recommended pad geometry and size for infrared or vapor phase reflow soldering processes, ensuring proper solder joint formation and mechanical stability.
5.3 Polarity Identification
The package includes markings or features (such as a cut corner or a dot) to indicate the cathode (negative) pin, which is crucial for correct orientation during assembly.
6. Soldering & Assembly Guidelines
6.1 Reflow Soldering Profile
A suggested infrared reflow soldering profile is provided, compliant with J-STD-020D for lead-free soldering. The key parameter is the ability to withstand a peak temperature of 260°C for up to 10 seconds. Adhering to this profile is critical to prevent thermal damage to the plastic package and the internal die attach.
6.2 Cleaning
If post-solder cleaning is necessary, only specified chemicals should be used. Unspecified chemicals may damage the package material. It is recommended to immerse the LED in ethyl alcohol or isopropyl alcohol at normal room temperature for a duration not exceeding one minute.
6.3 Storage & Handling
The product is classified as Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL) 3 per JEDEC J-STD-020. When the moisture-proof bag is sealed, the LEDs should be stored at ≤ 30°C and ≤ 90% Relative Humidity, with a shelf life of one year. Once the bag is opened, the components must be used within a specified timeframe or stored at ≤ 30°C and ≤ 60% RH. Precautions against Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) are mandatory; using wrist straps, anti-static gloves, and ensuring all equipment is properly grounded is recommended.
7. Packaging & Ordering Information
7.1 Tape and Reel Packaging
The LEDs are supplied on embossed carrier tape for automated pick-and-place assembly. Detailed dimensions for both the tape pockets and the reel (7-inch standard) are provided. Specifications include: empty pockets are sealed with cover tape, maximum 2000 pieces per reel, a minimum packing quantity of 500 pieces for remainder lots, and a maximum of two consecutive missing components allowed. Packaging complies with EIA-481-1-B specifications.
8. Application Design Considerations
8.1 Circuit Design
As a low-voltage DC device, a constant current source or a simple current-limiting resistor is required to drive the LED. The design must ensure the operating current does not exceed the maximum DC forward current of 30mA. Calculations must account for the forward voltage bin to set the correct supply voltage and limit resistor value. Heat sinking on the PCB may be necessary for high-current or high-ambient-temperature operation to maintain performance and longevity.
8.2 Thermal Management
Although the package has low thermal resistance, effective heat dissipation is crucial for maintaining luminous output and lifespan. The PCB layout should incorporate adequate copper areas connected to the LED's thermal pad (if applicable) or leads to conduct heat away from the junction.
9. Technical Comparison & Differentiation
Compared to traditional incandescent or fluorescent lighting, this LED offers superior energy efficiency, a much longer operational lifetime (typically tens of thousands of hours), instant on/off capability, and robustness against vibration. Within the LED market, its key advantages include a compact PLCC-2 package, a wide 120-degree viewing angle suitable for area lighting, and a comprehensive binning structure that guarantees consistent color and brightness for applications requiring uniformity.
10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the typical drive current for this LED?
A: The standard test condition and a common operating point is 20mA DC. It should not exceed 30mA DC continuously.
Q: How do I interpret the bin codes when ordering?
A> You can specify requirements for Forward Voltage (V-bin), Luminous Flux (IV-bin), and Color (e.g., A2, B1). This ensures you receive LEDs with tightly grouped characteristics for your application.
Q: Can I use this LED for outdoor applications?
A: The operating temperature range (-30°C to +85°C) supports many outdoor environments. However, the LED itself is not waterproof or weatherproof; appropriate secondary sealing or housing is required for outdoor use.
Q: Is a heatsink required?
A> For operation at or near the maximum current rating, or in high ambient temperatures, implementing thermal management via PCB copper pours or an external heatsink is strongly recommended to prevent premature light output degradation.
11. Design-in Case Study Example
Scenario: Designing an edge-lit exit sign. Multiple LTW-206DCG-TM LEDs would be placed along the edge of an acrylic light guide. The wide 120-degree viewing angle helps couple light efficiently into the guide. To ensure uniform illumination across the sign face, LEDs from the same luminous flux and color bin should be used. A constant current driver circuit set to 20mA per LED would provide stable operation. The low profile of the PLCC package allows for a slim sign design. Thermal vias in the PCB under the LED pads would help dissipate heat, maintaining brightness over long periods.
12. Operational Principle
This is a white LED based on a semiconductor chip that emits blue light. The blue light passes through a phosphor coating deposited inside the package. The phosphor absorbs a portion of the blue photons and re-emits light across a broader spectrum, primarily in the yellow region. The combination of the remaining blue light and the converted yellow light is perceived by the human eye as white. This technology is known as phosphor-converted white LED.
13. Industry Trends
The solid-state lighting industry continues to focus on increasing luminous efficacy (lumens per watt), improving color rendering index (CRI) for better light quality, and reducing cost per lumen. Packaging trends include miniaturization, improved thermal management designs, and higher maximum drive currents for greater output from a small footprint. There is also a growing emphasis on smart lighting and tunable white systems, where LEDs of different color temperatures can be mixed.
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. |