Table of Contents
- 1. Product Overview
- 2. Technical Parameter Deep Dive
- 2.1 Electro-Optical Characteristics
- 2.2 Electrical and Thermal Parameters
- 3. Binning System Explanation
- 3.1 Luminous Flux and CCT/CRI Binning
- 3.2 Forward Voltage Binning
- 3.3 Chromaticity Binning
- 4. Performance Curve Analysis
- 5. Mechanical and Package Information
- 5.1 Package Dimensions
- 5.2 Polarity Identification
- 6. Soldering and Assembly Guide
- 6.1 Reflow Soldering Profile
- 7. Model Numbering System
- 8. Application Suggestions
- 8.1 Typical Application Scenarios
- 8.2 Design Considerations
- 9. Technical Comparison and Differentiation
- 10. Frequently Asked Questions (Based on Technical Parameters)
- 11. Practical Design and Usage Case
- 12. Operating Principle Introduction
- 13. Technology Trends
1. Product Overview
The T5C series represents a high-performance, top-view white LED designed for demanding general lighting applications. This device utilizes a thermally enhanced package design to manage heat effectively, enabling high luminous flux output and reliable operation under high current conditions. Its compact 5050 footprint (5.0mm x 5.0mm) makes it suitable for space-constrained designs while offering a wide 120-degree viewing angle for uniform light distribution.
Key advantages of this series include its high current capability, which allows for significant light output, and its compatibility with Pb-free reflow soldering processes, ensuring compliance with modern environmental standards. The product is designed to remain within RoHS compliant specifications.
2. Technical Parameter Deep Dive
2.1 Electro-Optical Characteristics
The primary performance metrics are defined at a junction temperature (Tj) of 25°C and a forward current (IF) of 400mA. The luminous flux varies with Correlated Color Temperature (CCT) and Color Rendering Index (Ra). For instance, a 4000K LED with Ra70 typically delivers 600 lumens (min. 550 lm), while an Ra90 version provides 485 lumens (min. 450 lm). The luminous flux measurement tolerance is ±7%, and the Ra tolerance is ±2.
2.2 Electrical and Thermal Parameters
The absolute maximum ratings define the operational limits: a continuous forward current (IF) of 480mA, a pulse forward current (IFP) of 720mA (pulse width ≤100μs, duty cycle ≤1/10), and a maximum power dissipation (PD) of 5040mW. The junction temperature must not exceed 120°C.
Under typical operating conditions (IF=400mA, Tj=25°C), the forward voltage (VF) ranges from 8.0V to 10.5V, with a typical value of 9.5V (±3% tolerance). The thermal resistance from the junction to the solder point (Rth j-sp) is typically 2.5°C/W, which is critical for thermal management design. The device also features an electrostatic discharge (ESD) withstand capability of 1000V (Human Body Model).
3. Binning System Explanation
3.1 Luminous Flux and CCT/CRI Binning
The LEDs are sorted into bins based on luminous flux output, CCT, and CRI to ensure color and brightness consistency. For example, a 4000K LED with Ra80 (code 82) is available in flux bins: GL (500-550 lm), GM (550-600 lm), and GN (600-650 lm). Each bin has defined minimum and maximum values.
3.2 Forward Voltage Binning
To aid in circuit design, LEDs are also binned by forward voltage. The available bins are: 1C (8-9V), 1D (9-10V), and 5X (10-12V), all measured at IF=400mA and Tj=25°C with a ±3% tolerance.
3.3 Chromaticity Binning
The color consistency is guaranteed by sorting LEDs into chromaticity ranges defined by a 5-step MacAdam ellipse. Center coordinates (x, y) and ellipse parameters (a, b, Φ) are specified for each CCT code (e.g., 27R5 for 2700K, 40R5 for 4000K). Energy Star binning standards are applied to all products within the 2600K to 7000K range. The tolerance for chromaticity coordinates is ±0.005.
4. Performance Curve Analysis
The datasheet includes several key graphs for design analysis. The Relative Luminous Flux vs. Forward Current (IF) curve shows how light output changes with drive current. The Forward Voltage vs. Forward Current graph is essential for designing the driver circuit. The Viewing Angle Distribution diagram illustrates the Lambertian-like emission pattern, confirming the wide 120-degree viewing angle.
Temperature dependency is shown in curves for Relative Luminous Flux vs. Solder Point Temperature (Ts) and Forward Voltage vs. Ts. The CIE x, y coordinate shift vs. Ambient Temperature (Ta) graph is crucial for applications where color stability over temperature is important. Finally, the Maximum Forward Current vs. Ambient Temperature curve defines the derating requirements to ensure reliable operation.
5. Mechanical and Package Information
5.1 Package Dimensions
The LED has a compact package size of 5.00mm x 5.00mm with a height of approximately 1.90mm. The bottom view shows the solder pad layout, which is designed for a 3-series, 2-parallel internal chip configuration. The cathode and anode are clearly marked. All dimensions have a tolerance of ±0.1mm unless otherwise specified.
5.2 Polarity Identification
The soldering pattern diagram clearly indicates the cathode and anode pads, which is vital for correct PCB layout and assembly to prevent reverse bias connection.
6. Soldering and Assembly Guide
6.1 Reflow Soldering Profile
The device is suitable for reflow soldering. The recommended profile includes: a preheat from 150°C to 200°C over 60-120 seconds, a maximum ramp-up rate of 3°C/second to the peak temperature, and a liquidous temperature (TL) time (tL) that must be controlled. The peak soldering temperature can be 230°C or 260°C, held for a maximum of 10 seconds. Adherence to this profile is necessary to prevent thermal damage to the LED package.
7. Model Numbering System
The part number follows a structured format: T [X1][X2][X3][X4][X5][X6]-[X7][X8][X9][X10]. Key elements include: X1 (Type code, e.g., 5C for 5050), X2 (CCT code, e.g., 40 for 4000K), X3 (CRI code, e.g., 8 for Ra80), X4 (Number of serial chips), X5 (Number of parallel chips), and X6 (Component code). This system allows precise identification of the LED's electrical and optical characteristics.
8. Application Suggestions
8.1 Typical Application Scenarios
This high-power LED is ideal for interior lighting fixtures, retrofit lamps designed to replace traditional light sources, general illumination applications, and architectural or decorative lighting where both high output and compact size are required.
8.2 Design Considerations
Designers must pay close attention to thermal management due to the high power dissipation (up to 5.04W). Using an appropriate Metal Core PCB (MCPCB) or heatsink is mandatory to maintain the junction temperature within safe limits, ensuring long-term reliability and stable light output. The driver circuit must be designed to provide a stable current up to 480mA (continuous) and account for the forward voltage binning. The wide viewing angle should be considered in optical design for the desired beam pattern.
9. Technical Comparison and Differentiation
Compared to standard mid-power LEDs, the T5C series offers significantly higher luminous flux per package due to its high-current capability and thermally enhanced design. The explicit binning for flux, voltage, and chromaticity within 5-step MacAdam ellipses provides superior color consistency and predictability for lighting manufacturers, reducing the need for secondary sorting. The package is designed for robust reflow soldering, supporting high-volume automated assembly.
10. Frequently Asked Questions (Based on Technical Parameters)
Q: What is the typical power consumption of this LED?
A: At the typical operating point of 400mA and 9.5V, the power consumption is approximately 3.8 Watts (P = I*V).
Q: How does the light output change with temperature?
A: The Relative Luminous Flux vs. Ts curve shows that light output decreases as the solder point temperature increases. Proper heatsinking is crucial to minimize this drop.
Q: Can I drive this LED with a constant voltage source?
A: It is not recommended. LEDs are current-driven devices. A constant current driver is required to ensure stable light output and prevent thermal runaway, as the forward voltage has a negative temperature coefficient and varies from unit to unit.
Q: What is the meaning of the 5-step MacAdam ellipse binning?
A: It means that all LEDs within a specific CCT bin (e.g., 4000K) will have chromaticity coordinates so similar that the color difference is imperceptible to the human eye under standard viewing conditions, ensuring uniform white light in an array.
11. Practical Design and Usage Case
Consider designing a high-bay LED light fixture for industrial use. Using multiple T5C LEDs arranged on a thermally optimized MCPCB, a designer can achieve high lumen output. By selecting LEDs from the same luminous flux bin (e.g., GM) and CCT/CRI bin (e.g., 40R5, 82), consistent brightness and color temperature across the fixture are guaranteed. The driver is selected to provide a constant current of 400mA per LED string, with the total number of LEDs in series determined by the driver's output voltage range and the forward voltage bin (e.g., 1D: 9-10V). The wide 120-degree viewing angle helps reduce the number of secondary optics needed for broad illumination.
12. Operating Principle Introduction
A white LED typically uses a semiconductor chip that emits blue light when forward biased (electroluminescence). This blue light then excites a phosphor coating deposited on or around the chip. The phosphor down-converts a portion of the blue light into longer wavelengths (yellow, red), and the mixture of the remaining blue light and the phosphor-emitted light is perceived as white by the human eye. The specific blend of phosphors determines the Correlated Color Temperature (CCT) and Color Rendering Index (CRI) of the emitted white light.
13. Technology Trends
The solid-state lighting industry continues to focus on increasing luminous efficacy (lumens per watt), improving color rendering quality (especially R9 for red tones), and enhancing reliability and lifetime. There is a trend towards higher power density packages like the 5050 format, which require advanced thermal management materials and designs. Furthermore, standardization of chromaticity and flux binning, as seen with the adoption of Energy Star and other standards, is crucial for ensuring product consistency and simplifying design for lighting manufacturers. The drive for smarter, connected lighting is also influencing LED driver technology towards greater programmability and integration.
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. |