Table of Contents
- 1. Product Overview
- 1.1 Core Features and Advantages
- 1.2 Target Applications
- 2. Technical Specifications Deep Dive
- 2.1 Absolute Maximum Ratings
- 2.2 Electro-Optical Characteristics
- 3. Performance Curve Analysis
- 3.1 Relative Intensity vs. Wavelength
- 3.2 Directivity Pattern
- 3.3 Forward Current vs. Forward Voltage (I-V Curve)
- 3.4 Relative Intensity vs. Forward Current
- 3.5 Thermal Performance Curves
- 4. Mechanical and Package Information
- 4.1 Package Dimensions
- 4.2 Polarity Identification
- 5. Assembly, Handling, and Reliability Guidelines
- 5.1 Lead Forming
- 5.2 Storage Conditions
- 5.3 Soldering Instructions
- 5.4 Cleaning
- 5.5 Thermal Management
- 6. Packing and Ordering Information
- 6.1 Packing Specification
- 6.2 Label Explanation
- 7. Application Notes and Design Considerations
- 7.1 Typical Application Circuits
- 7.2 Design Considerations
- 8. Technology and Principle Introduction
- 9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- 9.1 What is the difference between Peak Wavelength and Dominant Wavelength?
- 9.2 Can I drive this LED with a 3.3V supply?
- 9.3 Why is the storage life limited to 3 months?
- 9.4 Is a heat sink required?
1. Product Overview
This document provides the technical specifications for a high-brightness Brilliant Yellow Green LED lamp. The device is designed using AlGaInP chip technology encapsulated in a water-clear resin, offering reliable performance for various electronic applications requiring clear, vibrant indicator lighting.
1.1 Core Features and Advantages
- High Brightness: The series is specially engineered for applications demanding superior luminous intensity.
- Environmental Compliance: The product is Pb-free, compliant with RoHS, EU REACH, and Halogen-Free standards (Br <900 ppm, Cl <900 ppm, Br+Cl < 1500 ppm).
- Packaging Options: Available on tape and reel for automated assembly processes.
- Viewing Angle Choice: Offered with various viewing angles to suit different application needs.
- Robust Design: Built for reliable and long-lasting operation.
1.2 Target Applications
This LED is suitable for backlighting and status indication in a range of consumer and computer electronics, including:
- Television Sets
- Computer Monitors
- Telephones
- General Computer Peripherals
2. Technical Specifications Deep Dive
2.1 Absolute Maximum Ratings
The following ratings define the limits beyond which permanent damage to the device may occur. All values are specified at an ambient temperature (Ta) of 25°C.
| Parameter | Symbol | Rating | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Continuous Forward Current | IF | 25 | mA |
| Peak Forward Current (Duty 1/10 @ 1KHz) | IFP | 60 | mA |
| Reverse Voltage | VR | 5 | V |
| Power Dissipation | Pd | 60 | mW |
| Operating Temperature | Topr | -40 to +85 | °C |
| Storage Temperature | Tstg | -40 to +100 | °C |
| Soldering Temperature | Tsol | 260 (for 5 sec) | °C |
Design Consideration: The continuous forward current rating of 25mA is a key parameter for circuit design. Exceeding this value, even momentarily, can significantly reduce the LED's lifespan or cause immediate failure. The peak current rating allows for brief pulses, useful in multiplexed display applications, but the duty cycle and frequency must be strictly adhered to.
2.2 Electro-Optical Characteristics
These are the typical performance parameters measured under standard test conditions (Ta=25°C, IF=20mA unless otherwise stated).
| Parameter | Symbol | Min. | Typ. | Max. | Unit | Condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Luminous Intensity | Iv | 160 | 320 | -- | mcd | IF=20mA |
| Viewing Angle (2θ1/2) | -- | -- | 10 | -- | deg | IF=20mA |
| Peak Wavelength | λp | -- | 575 | -- | nm | IF=20mA |
| Dominant Wavelength | λd | -- | 573 | -- | nm | IF=20mA |
| Spectrum Bandwidth | Δλ | -- | 20 | -- | nm | IF=20mA |
| Forward Voltage | VF | 1.7 | 2.0 | 2.4 | V | IF=20mA |
| Reverse Current | IR | -- | -- | 10 | μA | VR=5V |
Parameter Analysis:
- Luminous Intensity (320 mcd typ.): This indicates a bright output suitable for daylight-visible indicators. The wide min-typ range suggests a binning process; designers should use the minimum value for worst-case brightness calculations.
- Viewing Angle (10° typ.): A very narrow viewing angle. This LED is designed for focused, directed light rather than wide-area illumination, making it ideal for panel indicators where light should be visible primarily from the front.
- Forward Voltage (2.0V typ.): A relatively low forward voltage for an AlGaInP LED, which helps in reducing power consumption and thermal load. The circuit's current-limiting resistor must be calculated based on the maximum VF (2.4V) to ensure the current never exceeds the absolute maximum rating under all conditions.
- Wavelengths (~573-575 nm): This places the color firmly in the brilliant yellow-green region of the spectrum, which is highly perceptible to the human eye.
Note on Measurement Uncertainty: Luminous Intensity (±10%), Dominant Wavelength (±1.0nm), Forward Voltage (±0.1V).
3. Performance Curve Analysis
The datasheet provides several characteristic curves that are crucial for understanding the LED's behavior under non-standard conditions.
3.1 Relative Intensity vs. Wavelength
This curve shows the spectral power distribution. The typical peak is at 575nm with a spectral bandwidth (FWHM) of 20nm, confirming a saturated yellow-green color with minimal spread into adjacent colors.
3.2 Directivity Pattern
Illustrates the spatial distribution of light, correlating with the 10-degree viewing angle. The pattern shows high intensity at 0° (on-axis) with a rapid fall-off, characteristic of a narrow-beam LED.
3.3 Forward Current vs. Forward Voltage (I-V Curve)
This graph is essential for driver design. It shows the exponential relationship between voltage and current. A small increase in voltage beyond the typical 2.0V can lead to a large, potentially damaging increase in current, highlighting the necessity of a constant-current driver or a properly sized series resistor.
3.4 Relative Intensity vs. Forward Current
Shows the light output's dependence on drive current. While output increases with current, it is not perfectly linear, and efficiency typically drops at higher currents due to increased heat generation.
3.5 Thermal Performance Curves
Relative Intensity vs. Ambient Temperature: Shows the light output decreasing as ambient temperature rises. This thermal derating must be accounted for in applications with high ambient temperatures. Forward Current vs. Ambient Temperature: Under constant voltage conditions, the forward current would change with temperature due to the negative temperature coefficient of the diode's forward voltage. This reinforces the need for current regulation.
4. Mechanical and Package Information
4.1 Package Dimensions
The LED features a standard radial leaded package (often referred to as a "3mm" or "T1" package). Key dimensional notes from the drawing include:
- All dimensions are in millimeters (mm).
- The height of the flange must be less than 1.5mm (0.059\").
- Standard tolerance is ±0.25mm unless otherwise specified.
4.2 Polarity Identification
The longer lead typically denotes the anode (positive). The datasheet diagram should be consulted to confirm the specific polarity marking, which is often indicated by a flat spot on the LED lens or a notch in the flange near the cathode lead.
5. Assembly, Handling, and Reliability Guidelines
5.1 Lead Forming
- Bend leads at a point at least 3mm from the base of the epoxy bulb.
- Perform forming before soldering.
- Avoid stressing the package. Stress can crack the epoxy or damage the internal wire bonds.
- Cut leads at room temperature.
- Ensure PCB holes align perfectly with LED leads to avoid mounting stress.
5.2 Storage Conditions
- Recommended: ≤30°C and ≤70% Relative Humidity.
- Storage life after shipment: 3 months under recommended conditions.
- For longer storage (up to 1 year): Use a sealed container with nitrogen atmosphere and desiccant.
- Avoid rapid temperature changes in humid environments to prevent condensation.
5.3 Soldering Instructions
Critical Rule: Maintain a minimum distance of 3mm from the solder joint to the epoxy bulb.
| Process | Parameter | Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Hand Soldering | Iron Tip Temperature | 300°C Max. (30W Max.) |
| Soldering Time | 3 seconds Max. | |
| Distance to Bulb | 3mm Min. | |
| Dip (Wave) Soldering | Preheat Temperature | 100°C Max. (60 sec Max.) |
| Bath Temperature & Time | 260°C Max., 5 sec Max. | |
| Distance to Bulb | 3mm Min. | |
| Cooling | Do not use rapid-rate cooling. |
Additional Soldering Notes:
- Avoid mechanical stress on leads while the LED is hot.
- Do not perform dip/hand soldering more than once.
- Protect the LED from shock/vibration until it cools to room temperature.
- Always use the lowest possible temperature that achieves a reliable solder joint.
5.4 Cleaning
- If necessary, clean only with isopropyl alcohol at room temperature for ≤1 minute.
- Air dry at room temperature.
- Do not use ultrasonic cleaning unless absolutely necessary and only after thorough pre-qualification testing, as it can damage the internal structure.
5.5 Thermal Management
Heat dissipation must be considered during the application design phase. While this is a low-power device, operating at or near the maximum current in a high ambient temperature will require derating the current to maintain reliability and prevent accelerated lumen depreciation. Proper PCB layout to dissipate heat from the leads is recommended.
6. Packing and Ordering Information
6.1 Packing Specification
The LEDs are packed to prevent electrostatic discharge (ESD) and moisture damage:
- Primary Packing: Anti-static bags.
- Secondary Packing: Inner cartons containing multiple bags.
- Tertiary Packing: Outside cartons containing multiple inner cartons.
- 200 to 500 pieces per anti-static bag.
- 4 bags per inner carton.
- 10 inner cartons per outside carton.
6.2 Label Explanation
Labels on the packaging contain the following information for traceability and identification:
- CPN: Customer's Production Number
- P/N: Production Number (Device Part Number)
- QTY: Packing Quantity
- CAT: Ranks (Performance Binning)
- HUE: Dominant Wavelength
- REF: Forward Voltage
- LOT No: Lot Number for traceability
7. Application Notes and Design Considerations
7.1 Typical Application Circuits
The most common drive method is a series resistor. The resistor value (R) is calculated using Ohm's Law: R = (V_supply - VF_LED) / I_LED. Example: For a 5V supply, using the maximum VF of 2.4V and a desired current of 20mA: R = (5V - 2.4V) / 0.020A = 130 Ohms. A standard 130Ω or next-higher value (e.g., 150Ω) resistor would be used. The power rating of the resistor should be at least P = I²R = (0.02)² * 130 = 0.052W, so a standard 1/8W (0.125W) resistor is sufficient.
7.2 Design Considerations
- Current Regulation: For consistent brightness, especially with a varying supply voltage or in temperature-fluctuating environments, consider using a constant current driver instead of a simple resistor.
- Reverse Voltage Protection: The maximum reverse voltage is only 5V. If there is any chance of reverse bias (e.g., in AC circuits or with inductive loads), a protection diode in parallel with the LED (cathode to anode) is mandatory.
- Viewing Angle: The 10° viewing angle makes this LED ideal for panel-mounted indicators where light should be directed at the user. It is less suitable for area lighting or wide-angle illumination.
- Heat in Enclosed Spaces: When mounted behind a panel or in a sealed enclosure, the ambient temperature around the LED may be higher than the general environment, necessitating further current derating.
8. Technology and Principle Introduction
This LED utilizes an AlGaInP (Aluminum Gallium Indium Phosphide) semiconductor chip. This material system is particularly efficient for producing light in the yellow, orange, red, and green regions of the visible spectrum. When a forward voltage is applied, electrons and holes recombine in the active region of the semiconductor, releasing energy in the form of photons. The specific composition of the AlGaInP layers determines the bandgap energy and thus the wavelength (color) of the emitted light—in this case, brilliant yellow-green at ~573-575 nm. The water-clear epoxy resin lens serves to protect the chip, shape the light output into a narrow beam, and enhance light extraction from the semiconductor.
9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
9.1 What is the difference between Peak Wavelength and Dominant Wavelength?
Peak Wavelength (λp, 575nm) is the wavelength at which the emission spectrum has its maximum intensity. Dominant Wavelength (λd, 573nm) is the single wavelength of monochromatic light that matches the perceived color of the LED when compared to a standard white light source. For a saturated color like this yellow-green, they are very close, but dominant wavelength is more relevant for color specification.
9.2 Can I drive this LED with a 3.3V supply?
Yes, but you must use a series current-limiting resistor. Using the typical VF of 2.0V and target 20mA: R = (3.3V - 2.0V) / 0.020A = 65 Ohms. Always calculate using the maximum VF (2.4V) for a safe design: R_min = (3.3V - 2.4V) / 0.020A = 45 Ohms. A resistor between 45Ω and 65Ω would work, with a higher value providing a safety margin against over-current.
9.3 Why is the storage life limited to 3 months?
The epoxy packaging material can absorb moisture from the atmosphere. During subsequent high-temperature soldering, this trapped moisture can rapidly expand, causing internal delamination or cracking ("popcorning"). The 3-month limit assumes storage under controlled conditions (≤30°C/70%RH). For longer storage, the nitrogen-packed option removes moisture and oxygen, preventing degradation.
9.4 Is a heat sink required?
For operation at or below the typical 20mA in normal ambient temperatures, a dedicated heat sink is not required for the LED itself. However, good thermal management of the PCB is always beneficial for long-term reliability. The leads provide the primary thermal path, so ensuring they are soldered to adequate copper area on the PCB will help dissipate heat.
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. |