1. Product Overview
LTC-561JD shine ne high-performance, triple-digit, seven-segment LED display module. E main design focus na make clear numeric readouts for inside applications wey power efficiency dey very important. The device dey use advanced AlInGaP (Aluminum Indium Gallium Phosphide) LED chip technology, wey dem sabi well for high luminous efficiency and excellent color purity, especially for red color. This particular material system, dem grow am for top of non-transparent GaAs substrate, e help make the display get high brightness and contrast ratio.
The display get gray face with white segment markings, dem choose this combination to make contrast and readability plenty plenty under different light conditions. One key new thing about this product na how dem optimize am for low-current operation. Dem test and sort the segments well well to make sure say dem dey uniform and perform well even when dem use current wey small reach 1 mA per segment. This one make am very good for battery-powered devices, portable instrumentation, and any system wey dem need reduce power use well well. The package no get lead, e follow RoHS environmental directives.
1.1 Key Features and Advantages
- Digit Height: 0.56 inches (14.2 mm), e tɔ'ɔ mɔ̃ kɛ̃ ɖe nuɖuɖu ɖeka ɖo.
- Nuɖuɖu Ɖekaɖeka Tɔxɛ: Gbɔɖɔɖɔ kple nuɖeɖe ɖeɖe ɖo ɖe edzi be nuɖuɖuwo katã kple xexlẽdzesiwo ade dometɔ ɖe edzi.
- Agbɔsɔsɔ Kɔkɔe Mɛ: Specifically engineered to operate efficiently at very low drive currents, extending battery life.
- High Brightness and Contrast: The AlInGaP technology and gray-face/white-segment design deliver superior optical performance.
- Wide Viewing Angle: Provides clear visibility from a broad range of perspectives.
- Solid-State Reliability: LEDs offer long operational life and high resistance to shock and vibration compared to other display technologies.
- Binned for Luminous Intensity: Products are categorized based on measured light output, allowing for precise matching in multi-display applications.
- Lead-Free Package: Ilitengenezwa kwa kufuata kanuni za RoHS.
1.2 Utambulishaji na Usanidi wa Kifaa
Nambari ya sehemu LTC-561JD inatambua usanidi maalum: onyesho la anode ya kawaida iliyochanganywa na LED nyekundu zenye ufanisi wa juu za AlInGaP. Inajumuisha nukta ya desimali (DP) ya mkono wa kulia kwa kila tarakimu. Usanidi huu wa anode ya kawaida ni wa kawaida kwa madereva yaliyochanganywa, ambapo anode (za kawaida kwa kila tarakimu) hubadilishwa kwa mpangilio wakati cathode za sehemu zinazofaa zinawezeshwa.
2. Technical Parameters: In-Depth Objective Interpretation
2.1 Absolute Maximum Ratings
These ratings define the stress limits beyond which permanent damage to the device may occur. Operation under or at these limits is not guaranteed.
- Power Dissipation per Segment: 70 mW maximum. Exceeding this can lead to overheating and accelerated degradation of the LED chip.
- Peak Forward Current per Segment: 90 mA, but only under pulsed conditions (1/10 duty cycle, 0.1 ms pulse width). This rating is for short-term surges, not continuous operation.
- Continuous Forward Current per Segment: 25 mA at 25°C. This current derates linearly at 0.33 mA/°C as ambient temperature (Ta) increases above 25°C. For example, at 85°C, the maximum allowable continuous current would be approximately: 25 mA - ((85°C - 25°C) * 0.33 mA/°C) = 5.2 mA. This derating is crucial for thermal management.
- Operating & Storage Temperature Range: -35°C to +85°C. The device is rated for industrial temperature ranges.
- Solder Conditions: Wave or reflow soldering should be performed with the body of the display 1/16 inch (approx. 1.6 mm) above the solder wave or reflow profile, for a maximum of 3 seconds at 260°C. The temperature of the LED package itself must not exceed its maximum rating during this process.
2.2 Electrical & Optical Characteristics
These are the typical performance parameters measured at Ta=25°C under standardized test conditions.
- Average Luminous Intensity (IV): 320 to 700 ucd (microcandelas) at a forward current (IF) of 1 mA. This wide range indicates the device is binned; specific units will fall into a subset of this range. The test at 1 mA highlights its low-current capability.
- Peak Emission Wavelength (λp): 656 nm (typical). This is the wavelength at which the optical power output is greatest, characteristic of deep red AlInGaP LEDs.
- Spectral Line Half-Width (Δλ): 22 nm (typical). This measures the spread of the emitted spectrum; a smaller value indicates a more monochromatic (pure color) light.
- Dominant Wavelength (λd): 640 nm (typical). This is the single wavelength perceived by the human eye, defining the color. It is slightly shorter than the peak wavelength.
- Forward Voltage per Chip (VF): 2.1V to 2.6V at IF=20 mA. Designers must ensure the driving circuit can provide sufficient voltage across this entire range to achieve the desired current. A tolerance of ±0.1V is specified.
- Reverse Current per Segment (IR): 100 µA maximum at a reverse voltage (VR) of 5V. Important: This parameter is for test purposes only. The device is not designed for continuous operation under reverse bias, which can cause damage.
- Luminous Intensity Matching Ratio: 2:1 maximum within a similar light output bin at IF=10 mA. This means the dimmest segment should be no less than half as bright as the brightest segment within the same unit or matched batch, ensuring visual uniformity.
- Cross Talk: ≤2.5%. This refers to unwanted illumination of a segment when an adjacent segment is driven, caused by internal optical or electrical leakage.
3. Binning System Explanation
LTC-561JD e faʻaaogaina se faiga faʻaputu e faʻatatau i le Malosiaga MalamalamaE pei ona taʻua i uiga, o le averesi o le malosi malamalama e amata mai i le 320 i le 700 ucd. E faʻataʻitaʻiina iunite ma faʻavasega i ni vaega faʻapitoa o le malosi. O lenei mea e mafai ai e tagata mamanu ona filifili faʻaaliga e tutusa le maualuga o le malamalama, lea e sili ona taua pe a faʻaaogaina le tele o faʻaaliga faʻatasi i se oloa e tasi e aloese ai mai le eseesega o le malamalama (le tutusa o le lanu). O le pepa faʻamatalaga e fautuaina le filifilia o faʻaaliga mai le pusa lava e tasi mo faʻaoga tele-iunite. E ui e leʻo faʻamatalaina manino mo lenei faʻataʻitaʻiga, e mafai foi ona aofia ai le voltage i luma (VF) i se tulaga, ona o lona faʻatagaina faʻapitoa, e mautinoa ai le faigofie o le fetaui o le taimi nei i tulaga faʻatele poʻo le taʻavale tutusa.
4. Mechanical and Package Information
4.1 Package Dimensions and Drawing
The display has a standard dual in-line package (DIP) footprint. Key dimensions include an overall module size of approximately 37.70 mm (length) x 15.24 mm (width). The digit height is 14.22 mm (0.560 inches). The pins are on a 2.54 mm (0.100 inch) pitch, which is the standard spacing for through-hole components. The seating plane is clearly defined, and the drawing includes an 8-degree draft angle on the sides. Pin 1 is typically marked on the package, and the part number, date code, and bin code are also indicated on the top surface.
4.2 Pin Connection and Internal Circuit
The device has a 12-pin configuration. It uses a multiplexed common anode design. The internal circuit diagram shows three common anode pins, one for each digit (Digit 1, Digit 2, Digit 3: pins 12, 9, 8 respectively). The seven segment cathodes (A, B, C, D, E, F, G) and the decimal point (DP) cathode are shared across all digits and connected to their respective pins. Pin 6 is noted as "No Connection" (N/C). This pinout is standard for driving the display in a time-division multiplexed manner, where each digit is illuminated in rapid sequence.
5. Performance Curve Analysis
The datasheet references typical performance curves, which are essential for detailed design. While the specific graphs are not fully detailed in the provided text, standard curves for such a device would typically include:
- I-V (Current-Voltage) Curve: Shows the relationship between forward current and forward voltage, highlighting the turn-on voltage (~2V) and the dynamic resistance of the LED.
- Luminous Intensity vs. Forward Current (IV vs IF): This curve is crucial for determining the drive current needed to achieve a desired brightness. It is typically linear over a range but may saturate at high currents.
- Luminous Intensity vs. Ambient Temperature (IV vs Ta): Shows how light output decreases as the junction temperature of the LED increases. This informs thermal design and current derating.
- Spectral Distribution: A plot of relative intensity versus wavelength, showing the peak at 656 nm and the spectral half-width of 22 nm.
Designers should consult the full datasheet graphs to optimize efficiency, brightness, and longevity for their specific operating conditions.
6. Soldering, Assembly, and Storage Guidelines
6.1 Soldering
The recommended soldering condition is a maximum of 3 seconds at 260°C, with the display body positioned at least 1.6 mm above the seating plane. This prevents excessive heat from traveling up the pins and damaging the internal LED chips and epoxy. Standard wave or reflow soldering profiles for through-hole components can be used, provided the package temperature limit is not exceeded. Avoid applying mechanical force to the display body during assembly.
6.2 Storage Conditions
Don lokacin ajiyar dogon lokaci, samfurin ya kamata ya kasance a cikin marufinsa na asali. Yanayin muhalli da ake ba da shawarar shine zafin jiki tsakanin 5°C da 30°C da zafi na dangi ƙasa da 60% RH. Ajiyewa a waje da waɗannan sharuɗɗan, musamman a cikin yanayi mai yawan zafi, na iya haifar da oxidization na filayen da aka lulluɓe da tin, wanda zai iya buƙatar sake lulluɓe kafin a yi amfani da su a cikin hanyoyin haɗawa ta atomatik. Ya kamata a guje wa ɗimbin ruwa.
7. Application Suggestions and Design Considerations
7.1 Typical Application Scenarios
- Portable and Battery-Powered Equipment: Multimeters, handheld testers, medical monitors, where low current draw is paramount.
- Industrial Instrumentation: Panel meters, process controllers, timer displays.
- Consumer Electronics: Appliances, audio equipment, fitness equipment displays.
- Automotive Aftermarket Displays: Where wide temperature range and reliability are needed (subject to specific qualification).
7.2 Critical Design Considerations
- Drive Method: Constant current driving is strongly recommended over constant voltage driving. It ensures consistent luminous intensity regardless of variations in forward voltage (VF) between segments or units and over temperature.
- Current Limiting: The circuit must be designed to limit the current to each segment to a safe value, considering both continuous and peak ratings, and must account for thermal derating at high ambient temperatures.
- Multiplexing Circuitry: For the common anode design, a suitable driver IC (like a multiplexing LED driver or a microcontroller with sufficient current sink/source capability) is required to sequentially enable each digit's anode while sinking current through the desired segment cathodes. The refresh rate must be high enough to avoid perceptible flicker (typically >60 Hz).
- Reverse Voltage Protection: The driving circuit should incorporate protection (e.g., diodes in series or parallel) to prevent the application of reverse bias or voltage transients during power cycling, which can cause metal migration and failure.
- Thermal Management: While the device itself does not have a thermal pad, ensuring adequate airflow and avoiding placement near other heat sources on the PCB will help maintain lower junction temperatures, preserving light output and lifespan.
- Optical Interface: If using a front panel or filter, ensure there is a small air gap and do not let it press directly against the display's surface, especially if a decorative film is applied, as this can cause the film to shift.
8. Technical Comparison and Differentiation
The LTC-561JD's primary differentiation lies in its low-current optimization. Many standard seven-segment displays are characterized at 10 mA or 20 mA. The fact that this device specifies key parameters like luminous intensity at 1 mA and guarantees segment matching at such a low drive level is a significant advantage for power-sensitive designs. Furthermore, the use of AlInGaP technology offers higher efficiency and potentially better color stability over temperature and lifetime compared to older technologies like standard GaAsP (Gallium Arsenide Phosphide) red LEDs. Its common anode, multiplexed pinout is industry-standard, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of driver circuits and microcontrollers.
9. Frequently Asked Questions (Based on Technical Parameters)
Q: Can I drive this display with a 5V microcontroller pin directly?
A: Not directly for constant illumination. The forward voltage is ~2.6V max. A series current-limiting resistor is required. For multiplexing, you will need external transistors to switch the common anodes (which may be at higher current) and likely buffer the segment cathodes, as microcontroller pin current limits are often too low for multiple segments.
Q: What does "binned for luminous intensity" mean for my design?
A: It means you can order parts from a specific brightness range. If your design uses multiple displays, ordering from the same bin code ensures they will all have similar brightness, avoiding a patchy appearance. For a single display, any bin within the 320-700 ucd range will work, but brightness will vary.
Q: The max continuous current is 25mA at 25°C. What current should I use for normal operation?
A: For reliability and longevity, it is common practice to drive LEDs below their absolute maximum rating. A typical operating current might be 10-20 mA, depending on the required brightness and thermal environment. Use the IV vs. IF curve to select the current that gives your target brightness.
Q: Why is reverse bias so dangerous for LEDs?
A: LEDs are not designed to block reverse voltage like regular diodes. Applying even a moderate reverse voltage (like the 5V test condition) can cause high leakage currents and, over time, lead to electromigration within the semiconductor chip, creating short circuits or increasing leakage permanently.
10. Practical Design and Usage Case
Case: Designing a Low-Power Digital Timer
A designer is creating a battery-operated kitchen timer that must run for months on a single set of AA batteries. The LTC-561JD is selected for its display. The microcontroller operates at 3.3V. The design uses a dedicated LED driver IC with constant current outputs configured for 2 mA per segment. This low current is sufficient for indoor brightness thanks to the display's high efficiency at low current. The driver handles the multiplexing, cycling through the three digits at 200 Hz. The common anode pins are driven by the driver's digit drivers, and the segment pins are connected to its constant current sinks. A Schottky diode is placed in series with the power supply to each common anode to protect against accidental reverse polarity from the driver. The average current consumption for the display is kept below 5 mA, making it ideal for extended battery life.
11. Operating Principle Introduction
A seven-segment LED display is an array of light-emitting diodes arranged in a figure-eight pattern. Each of the seven segments (labeled A through G) is an individual LED (or a series/parallel combination of LED chips). An additional LED is used for the decimal point (DP). In a common anode configuration like the LTC-561JD, the anodes of all LEDs for a single digit are connected together to one common pin. The cathodes of each segment type (A, B, C, etc.) are connected together across all digits. To illuminate a specific segment on a specific digit, the common anode for that digit is connected to a positive supply voltage (through a current-limiting circuit), and the cathode for the desired segment is connected to ground (or a current sink). To display numbers, multiple segments are illuminated simultaneously. To control multiple digits with fewer pins, multiplexing is used: the controller rapidly cycles through each digit, lighting the appropriate segments for that digit only during its time slice. The human eye's persistence of vision blends these rapid flashes into a stable, multi-digit number.
12. Technology Trends and Developments
The trend in display technology, including segmented LED displays, continues towards higher efficiency, lower power consumption, and improved integration. While the core AlInGaP technology for red/orange/yellow is mature, process improvements yield slightly higher efficacy over time. There is a growing emphasis on "drop-in" compatibility and driver integration. Some newer displays may incorporate built-in current limiting resistors or even simple logic (like BCD-to-7-segment decoders) to simplify the interface for microcontrollers. Furthermore, the demand for wider color gamuts and new applications (like ultra-low-power IoT devices) pushes for displays that maintain readability in sunlight (high contrast) or offer even lower minimum operating currents. The principles of multiplexing and drive, however, remain fundamentally consistent for this class of component.
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" | Metric ya Consistency ya Rangi, hatua ndogo zina maana rangi inayolingana zaidi. | Inahakikisha rangi sawa kwenye kundi moja la 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: kona mafuta bora, ufanisi mkubwa, kwa nguvu kubwa. |
| 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. | E kia mau tonu te tūrama i roto i te pātaka kotahi. |
| 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 | Yana tabbatar da babu abubuwa masu cutarwa (gubar, mercury). | Bukatar shiga kasuwa a duniya. |
| ENERGY STAR / DLC | Ilimin ingancin makamashi | Ilimin ingancin makamashi da aiki don hasken wuta. | Used in government procurement, subsidy programs, enhances competitiveness. |