1. Product Overview
The LTW-327ZDSKG-5A is a dual-color, side-looking (right-angle) Surface Mount Device (SMD) LED. This component is specifically engineered for applications requiring illumination from the side of the package, making it an ideal choice for LCD panel backlighting systems, edge-lit panels, and other space-constrained lighting solutions where light needs to be directed laterally rather than perpendicularly from the board.
The device integrates two distinct semiconductor chips within a single package: an InGaN (Indium Gallium Nitride) chip for white light emission and an AlInGaP (Aluminum Indium Gallium Phosphide) chip for green light emission. This dual-chip configuration allows for color mixing or independent control of two light sources from one compact footprint. The package features a tin-plated lead frame for improved solderability and is supplied on 8mm tape mounted on 7-inch diameter reels, compatible with high-speed automated pick-and-place assembly equipment.
1.1 Core Features and Advantages
- Dual Color Source: Combines white and green LEDs in one EIA-standard package, saving board space and simplifying design.
- Right-Angle Emission: The side-looking design is optimized for directing light parallel to the PCB surface, crucial for edge-lighting applications.
- High Brightness: Utilizes advanced InGaN and AlInGaP chip technology to deliver high luminous intensity.
- Manufacturing Compatibility: Package is designed for compatibility with standard automated placement systems and infrared (IR) reflow soldering processes.
- Environmental Compliance: The product is compliant with the RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) directive.
2. Technical Specifications Deep Dive
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 and should be avoided in circuit design.
- Power Dissipation (Pd): White: 35 mW, Green: 48 mW. This is the maximum allowable power loss as heat.
- Peak Forward Current (IFP): White: 50 mA, Green: 40 mA. This is the maximum pulsed current (1/10 duty cycle, 0.1ms pulse width) the LED can withstand momentarily.
- Continuous Forward Current (IF): White: 10 mA, Green: 20 mA. This is the maximum recommended DC current for continuous operation at Ta=25°C.
- Temperature Ranges: Operating: -20°C to +80°C; Storage: -40°C to +85°C.
- Soldering Condition: Withstands infrared reflow soldering at 260°C peak temperature for 10 seconds.
- Electrostatic Discharge (ESD): Human Body Model (HBM) threshold is 2000V. Proper ESD handling precautions are mandatory.
2.2 Electrical & Optical Characteristics
These are the typical performance parameters measured at an ambient temperature (Ta) of 25°C and a forward current (IF) of 5mA, unless otherwise specified.
- Luminous Intensity (IV): A key measure of brightness.
- White: Minimum 28.0 mcd, Typical value not specified, Maximum 112.0 mcd.
- Green: Minimum 4.5 mcd, Typical value not specified, Maximum 18.0 mcd.
- Viewing Angle (2θ1/2): Approximately 130 degrees for both colors, defining the angular spread of emitted light.
- Forward Voltage (VF): The voltage drop across the LED when conducting.
- White: Min 2.70V, Typ 3.00V, Max 3.15V.
- Green: Min 1.70V, Typ 2.00V, Max 2.40V.
- Green Chip Spectral Properties (at IF=5mA):
- Peak Wavelength (λP): Typically 575 nm.
- Dominant Wavelength (λd): Typically 570 nm.
- Spectral Half-Width (Δλ): Typically 20 nm.
- Chromaticity Coordinates (x, y): Typically (0.3, 0.3) on the CIE 1931 diagram.
- Reverse Current (IR): Maximum 100 µA at a Reverse Voltage (VR) of 5V. The device is not designed for reverse bias operation.
3. Binning System Explanation
The LEDs are sorted into performance bins to ensure consistency. The classification code is marked on the packing bag.
3.1 Luminous Intensity (IV) Binning
LEDs are grouped based on their measured luminous output at 5mA.
- White LED Bins:
- N: 28.0 - 45.0 mcd
- P: 45.0 - 71.0 mcd
- Q: 71.0 - 112.0 mcd
- Green LED Bins:
- J: 4.5 - 7.1 mcd
- K: 7.1 - 11.2 mcd
- L: 11.2 - 18.0 mcd
Tolerance for each luminous intensity bin is +/- 15%.
3.2 Hue (Chromaticity) Binning for Green LED
The green LEDs are also binned according to their color point on the CIE 1931 chromaticity diagram, defined by coordinates (x, y). Six bins (S1 through S6) are specified with precise coordinate boundaries. The tolerance for each hue bin is +/- 0.01 in both x and y coordinates. This ensures tight color consistency for applications where precise green color is critical.
4. Performance Curve Analysis
The datasheet references typical characteristic curves which are essential for understanding device behavior under different conditions. While the specific graphs are not reproduced in the text, they typically include:
- Relative Luminous Intensity vs. Forward Current: Shows how brightness increases with current, up to the maximum ratings.
- Forward Voltage vs. Forward Current: Illustrates the diode's I-V characteristic.
- Relative Luminous Intensity vs. Ambient Temperature: Demonstrates the thermal derating of light output, which is crucial for thermal management in the application.
- Spectral Power Distribution: For the green LED, showing the intensity of light emitted at each wavelength, centered around the peak wavelength of ~575 nm.
Designers should use these curves to select appropriate operating points and understand performance trade-offs, especially regarding efficiency and thermal effects.
5. Mechanical & Package Information
5.1 Pin Assignment and Polarity
The part number LTW-327ZDSKG-5A has a yellow lens. The pin assignment is as follows:
- Anode 1 (A1): Connected to the AlInGaP Green chip.
- Anode 2 (A2): Connected to the InGaN White chip.
The common cathode is implied but not explicitly labeled in the provided text. The mechanical drawing would show the cathode pad. Correct polarity is essential to prevent damage.
5.2 Package Dimensions and Tolerances
The device conforms to an EIA standard package outline for side-looking LEDs. All dimensions are in millimeters, with a standard tolerance of ±0.10 mm unless otherwise noted on the detailed package drawing. The datasheet includes suggested soldering pad dimensions and orientation to ensure proper mechanical alignment and solder joint reliability during reflow.
6. Assembly, Soldering & Handling Guidelines
6.1 Soldering Process
The LED is compatible with infrared (IR) reflow soldering processes. A recommended profile is suggested, with a peak temperature of 260°C sustained for 10 seconds. Adhering to this profile is critical to prevent thermal damage to the LED package or the internal wire bonds.
6.2 Cleaning
If cleaning after soldering is necessary, only specified chemicals should be used. Unspecified chemicals may damage the plastic package. The recommended method is to immerse the LED in ethyl alcohol or isopropyl alcohol at normal temperature for less than one minute.
6.3 Storage and Moisture Sensitivity
LEDs are moisture-sensitive devices. Specific storage conditions are mandated:
- Sealed Package: Store at ≤30°C and ≤90% Relative Humidity (RH). Use within one year.
- Opened Package: Storage ambient must not exceed 30°C or 60% RH. It is recommended to complete IR reflow within one week of opening.
- Extended Storage (Opened): Store in a sealed container with desiccant or in a nitrogen desiccator.
- Rebaking: If stored out of the original packaging for more than one week, a bake at approximately 60°C for at least 20 hours is required before soldering to remove absorbed moisture and prevent \"popcorning\" during reflow.
6.4 Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Precautions
The device has an ESD threshold of 2000V (HBM). To prevent damage from static electricity, it is mandatory to use proper ESD controls: wrist straps, anti-static gloves, and ensuring all equipment and workstations are properly grounded.
7. Packaging and Ordering
7.1 Tape and Reel Specifications
The LEDs are supplied in industry-standard embossed carrier tape, 8mm in width, with a top cover tape. The tape is wound onto 7-inch (178mm) diameter reels.
- Quantity per Reel: 3000 pieces.
- Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ): 500 pieces for remainder quantities.
- Packaging Standards: Conforms to ANSI/EIA-481 specifications.
- Quality: The maximum number of consecutive missing components (empty pockets) in the tape is two.
Detailed mechanical drawings for the tape pocket dimensions, reel hub, and flange are provided for automated handling equipment setup.
8. Application Notes and Design Considerations
8.1 Target Applications
The primary application for this side-looking, dual-color LED is LCD backlighting, particularly for small to medium-sized displays in consumer electronics, industrial panels, and automotive interiors. The right-angle design allows it to be placed at the edge of a light guide plate, efficiently coupling light into the panel. Other potential uses include status indicators in tight spaces, decorative edge lighting, and backlighting for keypads or symbols.
8.2 Circuit Design Considerations
- Current Limiting: Always use a series resistor or constant current driver to limit the forward current to the recommended DC value (10mA for white, 20mA for green) or below. Exceeding IF reduces lifetime and can cause immediate failure.
- Independent Control: The two anodes allow the white and green LEDs to be driven independently. This enables color mixing (to create shades of blue-green or aqua) or separate signaling functions.
- Thermal Management: Although power dissipation is low, ensuring adequate PCB copper area or thermal vias for the cathode pad can help maintain lower junction temperature, preserving light output and longevity, especially in high ambient temperature environments.
- Voltage Supply: Account for the different forward voltages when designing the drive circuitry. A single current source with a resistor for each color may be sufficient, but voltage headroom must be checked for both.
8.3 Reliability and Lifetime
LED lifetime is strongly influenced by operating conditions. Key factors include:
- Drive Current: Operating below the maximum rated current significantly extends operational life.
- Junction Temperature (Tj): High Tj accelerates lumen depreciation and can shift chromaticity. Effective heat sinking via the PCB is crucial.
- Environmental Sealing: The plastic package provides basic protection, but exposure to harsh chemicals, UV radiation, or extreme humidity outside the specified ranges should be avoided.
9. Technical Comparison and Differentiation
The LTW-327ZDSKG-5A differentiates itself through its specific combination of features:
- vs. Single-Color Side-Looking LEDs: Offers design flexibility by providing two colors in one package, reducing part count and board space versus using two separate single-color LEDs.
- vs. Top-Emitting LEDs: The right-angle emission profile is its defining characteristic, enabling entirely different optical designs focused on edge-lighting rather than direct illumination.
- vs. Other Dual-Color LEDs: The use of InGaN for white and AlInGaP for green represents a combination chosen for efficiency and color quality. The specific binning structure for both intensity and hue (for green) indicates a focus on color consistency for display applications.
10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I drive the white and green LEDs simultaneously at their maximum DC current?
A1: Yes, but you must consider the total power dissipation. Simultaneous operation at IF(White)=10mA (VF~3.0V, P=30mW) and IF(Green)=20mA (VF~2.0V, P=40mW) results in a combined ~70mW. Ensure the application's thermal environment can handle this combined heat load without exceeding the maximum junction temperature.
Q2: What is the difference between peak wavelength and dominant wavelength?
A2: Peak wavelength (λP) is the wavelength at which the emission spectrum has its highest intensity. Dominant wavelength (λd) is the single wavelength of monochromatic light that matches the perceived color of the LED when compared to a reference white light. λd is more relevant for color specification.
Q3: Why is the storage condition for an opened package stricter than for a sealed one?
A3: The sealed package contains desiccant to maintain a dry internal atmosphere. Once opened, the moisture-sensitive plastic package is exposed to ambient humidity, which it can absorb. Excessive absorbed moisture can vaporize rapidly during soldering (reflow), causing internal delamination or cracking (\"popcorning\").
Q4: How do I interpret the bin code on the packing bag?
A4: The code indicates the performance bin for the LEDs in that bag. For example, a code might specify \"Q-K-S4\\
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. |