Yellow LED 1.6x0.8x0.25mm - Forward Voltage 1.6-2.4V - Power 48mW - Wavelength 585-595nm - Technical Datasheet

1. Product Overview

1.1 General Description

This yellow SMD LED is fabricated using a highly efficient yellow chip and packaged in a compact 1.6mm x 0.8mm x 0.25mm form factor, commonly referred to as 0603 package. The LED delivers a dominant wavelength in the range of 585nm to 595nm, producing a pure yellow light output. It is designed for general-purpose indication and backlighting applications where low power consumption and small footprint are critical. The device supports standard SMT assembly processes and meets RoHS compliance requirements.

1.2 Features

• Extremely wide viewing angle of 140° for uniform light distribution.
• Suitable for all SMT assembly and soldering processes.
• Moisture sensitivity level: Level 3 (MSL 3) per JEDEC standard.
• RoHS compliant, free of hazardous substances.
• Available in multiple voltage, wavelength, and intensity bins for design flexibility.
• Low thermal resistance (450 K/W typical) aiding heat dissipation.

1.3 Application

• Optical indicators in consumer electronics, home appliances, and industrial equipment.
• Switch and symbol backlighting for user interfaces.
• General-purpose display and status indication.
• Automotive interior lighting (non-critical applications).

1.4 Package Dimension

The LED package has a compact outline: length 1.60mm, width 0.80mm, and height 0.25mm. The bottom view shows two anode/cathode pads with polarity markings. The top view indicates a light-emitting surface. The soldering pattern recommends a pad layout of 2.4mm x 0.8mm with a 0.8mm spacing. All dimensions are in millimeters with tolerances of ±0.2mm unless otherwise noted. The polarity is marked on the package to ensure correct orientation during assembly.

1.5 Product Parameters

All electrical and optical parameters are specified at an ambient temperature of 25°C (Ts=25°C) unless otherwise indicated.

Absolute Maximum Ratings at Ts=25°C

1.6 Typical Optical Characteristics Curves

The performance curves illustrate the behavior of the LED under varying conditions. Figure 1-6 shows the forward current versus forward voltage relationship, indicating a typical turn-on voltage around 1.8V to 2.0V for 20mA. Figure 1-7 demonstrates the relative intensity as a function of forward current, showing a linear increase up to 20mA. Figure 1-8 depicts the relative intensity versus ambient temperature, with a slight decrease at higher temperatures. Figure 1-9 provides the derating curve for forward current versus pin temperature, recommending current reduction above 60°C. Figure 1-10 shows the dominant wavelength shift with forward current; the wavelength remains nearly stable around 590nm. Figure 1-11 illustrates the spectral distribution with a peak at approximately 590nm and a half-bandwidth of about 15nm. Figure 1-12 is the radiation pattern diagram, confirming a wide 140° viewing angle with uniform emission.

2. Packaging

2.1 Packaging Specification

The LEDs are packaged in tape and reel format with 4000 pieces per reel. The carrier tape has a width of 8.0mm, with pocket pitch 4.0mm and component orientation according to feeding direction. The reel dimensions are: outer diameter 178mm, width 8.0mm, hub diameter 60mm, and arbor hole diameter 13.0mm. Each reel is labeled with part number, spec number, lot number, bin code (for flux, chromaticity, forward voltage, wavelength), quantity, and date code.

2.2 Moisture Resistant Packing

The reel is sealed in a moisture barrier bag (MBB) with a desiccant and humidity indicator card to maintain moisture level below MSL 3 requirements. The bag is vacuum-sealed and labeled with ESD precaution markings.

2.3 Cardboard Box

Multiple reels are packed in a standard cardboard box for shipping. The box is labeled with product information and shipping marks.

2.4 Reliability Test Items and Conditions

The LEDs have been qualified according to JEDEC standards: Reflow (260°C, 10s, 2 times), Temperature Cycle (-40°C to 100°C, 100 cycles), Thermal Shock (-40°C to 100°C, 300 cycles), High Temperature Storage (100°C, 1000h), Low Temperature Storage (-40°C, 1000h), and Life Test (25°C, 20mA, 1000h). Acceptance criteria: 0 failure out of 22 samples.

2.5 Criteria for Judging Damage

After reliability tests, the following limits apply: Forward voltage at 20mA must not exceed 1.1 times the upper specification limit (USL). Reverse current at 5V must not exceed 2.0 times USL. Luminous intensity at 20mA must not drop below 0.7 times the lower specification limit (LSL).

3. SMT Reflow Soldering Instructions

3.1 Reflow Profile

The recommended reflow soldering profile includes: Preheating from 150°C to 200°C for 60-120 seconds; ramp-up rate ≤3°C/s; time above 217°C (TL) for 60-150 seconds; peak temperature (TP) 260°C for max 10 seconds; cooling rate ≤6°C/s. Total time from 25°C to peak should be ≤8 minutes. Reflow soldering should not be done more than twice, and if more than 24 hours between soldering passes, the LEDs must be baked.

3.1.1 Soldering Iron

For hand soldering, use a soldering iron with temperature below 300°C and contact time less than 3 seconds. Hand soldering should be performed only once per LED.

3.1.2 Repairing

Repair after soldering is not recommended. If unavoidable, use a double-head soldering iron and pre-validate that the LED characteristics will not be damaged.

3.1.3 Cautions

Do not mount LEDs on warped PCB portions. After soldering, avoid mechanical stress or vibration during cooling. Do not rapidly cool the device.

4. Handling Precautions

4.1 Storage and Handling

• Before opening the moisture barrier bag: store at <30°C, <75%RH for up to 1 year from date code.
• After opening: store at <30°C, <60%RH and use within 168 hours (7 days). If the humidity indicator shows >60%RH, baking is required (60°C±5°C for 24 hours).
• The LED is sensitive to ESD (HBM 2000V). Proper ESD precautions must be taken during handling and assembly.
• Environmental compatibility: the mating materials must have sulfur content less than 100PPM; bromine <900PPM; chlorine <900PPM; total halogens <1500PPM. VOCs from fixture materials can cause discoloration; test compatibility in final application.
• Thermal design is critical: ensure the junction temperature does not exceed 95°C. Derate forward current if the ambient temperature exceeds 60°C.
• For circuit design, use current-limiting resistors to prevent overcurrent due to forward voltage variations. Do not apply reverse voltage.

5. Binning System

The LED is sorted into multiple bins to provide tight tolerance for critical parameters:

• Forward Voltage Bins: A0 (1.6-1.8V), B0 (1.8-2.0V), C0 (2.0-2.2V), D0 (2.2-2.4V). This allows designers to select a specific voltage range for consistent brightness in series or parallel circuits.
• Dominant Wavelength Bins: 2K (585-590nm) and 2L (590-595nm). Enables color uniformity in applications requiring multiple LEDs.
• Luminous Intensity Bins: F00 (65-100mcd), G00 (100-150mcd), H00 (150-230mcd), I00 (230-350mcd). Provides flexibility for different brightness requirements.

6. Application Recommendations

For typical applications such as indicator lights, design the forward current to 20mA using an appropriate resistor. Consider derating if the LED is operated in high ambient temperatures. The wide 140° viewing angle is ideal for front-panel indicators that need to be visible from many angles. For display backlighting, multiple LEDs can be used in series/parallel with proper current sharing. Ensure PCB pad design matches the recommended soldering pattern (0.8mm pads with 2.4mm pitch). Avoid exposing the LED to aggressive chemicals or environments with high sulfur content.

7. Technical Comparison

Compared to other 0603 yellow LEDs on the market, this device offers a very wide viewing angle (140° vs typical 120°), multiple binning options for voltage and wavelength, and a low thermal resistance that aids heat management. The MSL 3 rating is standard for moisture sensitivity, but the device’s robust package allows for standard SMT processes. The availability of intensity bins from 65mcd to 350mcd gives designers a wide brightness selection without overspecification.

8. Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I choose the correct voltage bin? A: Select the bin that matches your supply voltage minus the voltage drop across the current-limiting resistor. For example, if using 3.3V supply and 20mA, choose a forward voltage around 1.8-2.0V (Bin B0 or C0) to keep resistor power dissipation reasonable.

Q: Can I drive these LEDs at currents above 20mA? A: The absolute maximum DC current is 20mA; pulsed operation up to 60mA is allowed with 1/10 duty cycle and 0.1ms pulse width. Exceeding these limits may cause damage.

Q: Why are there multiple intensity bins? A: The binning accounts for natural process variations. Designers can order a specific intensity bin to meet minimum brightness without over-specifying, which helps cost control.

Q: How should I bake the LEDs if needed? A: Bake at 60±5°C for 24 hours if the bag has been opened for more than 168 hours or the humidity indicator shows >60%RH. Use only one bake cycle.

9. Practical Design Example

Consider an appliance indicator requiring a yellow LED visible at a distance of 2 meters with a 5V supply. Using Bin G00 (100-150mcd) and Bin B0 (1.8-2.0V), the current-limiting resistor value is (5V - 1.9V)/20mA = 155Ω, choose a standard 150Ω resistor. The power dissipation in the resistor is 62mW, well within 1/8W rating. For multiple LEDs in parallel, each must have its own resistor to avoid uneven current sharing due to forward voltage variation. The packaging ensures 4000 parts per reel, suitable for medium-volume production.

10. Operating Principle

Yellow LEDs typically use an AlInGaP (aluminum indium gallium phosphide) semiconductor structure. When current flows across the p-n junction, electrons recombine with holes, releasing photons with energy corresponding to the yellow portion of the spectrum (around 590nm). The emitted color is determined by the bandgap of the active material. The encapsulation includes a yellow-dyed clear epoxy or silicone that provides mechanical protection and improves light extraction. The wide viewing angle is achieved through careful lens design and the use of a diffusing encapsulant.

11. Industry Trends

The trend in SMD LEDs continues toward smaller packages (e.g., 0402, 0201) with higher efficacy. Yellow LEDs are being augmented by phosphor-converted amber using blue chips plus yellow phosphor, which offers better color stability. However, direct yellow chip LEDs remain popular for their simple drive circuitry and saturated color. The demand for automotive interior lighting and smart home devices drives the need for compact, reliable yellow indicators. The binning strategies employed in this datasheet align with industry practices to ensure consistent performance in volume applications.