LED Component Datasheet - Lifecycle Phase Revision 6 - Release Date 2015-12-11 - English Technical Document

1. Product Overview

This technical document provides comprehensive specifications and lifecycle management information for a light-emitting diode (LED) component. The primary focus of this datasheet is to establish the formal revision status and release parameters for the product documentation. The core advantage of this standardized approach is ensuring consistency, traceability, and clarity in technical communication across the product's lifespan. It is targeted at engineers, procurement specialists, quality assurance personnel, and documentation managers involved in the design, sourcing, and manufacturing of electronic assemblies utilizing this component.

2. Lifecycle and Revision Management

The provided PDF content exclusively details the formal lifecycle and revision control status of the component's datasheet. This is a critical aspect of component management, ensuring all stakeholders reference the correct and current version of technical specifications.

2.1 Lifecycle Phase Definition

The Lifecycle Phase is explicitly stated as Revision. This indicates that the document is not in an initial draft or prototype status but represents a formally released and subsequently updated version of the specifications. The phase "Revision" implies that changes have been made to a previous release, and this document supersedes it.

2.2 Revision Number

The Revision Number is specified as 6. This is a sequential identifier that increments with each formal change to the document. Revision 6 signifies that this is the sixth officially released version of this datasheet. Tracking revision numbers is essential for version control and for identifying which set of specifications a particular batch of components or a design was based upon.

2.3 Release and Validity Information

The document includes key temporal metadata governing its validity and release.

• Release Date: The document was officially published on 2015-12-11 at 17:23:28.0. This timestamp provides a precise reference point for when this revision became active.
• Expired Period: The field is marked as Forever. This denotes that this revision of the datasheet does not have a predefined expiration or end-of-life date for its validity as a reference document. It will remain the active specification until a subsequent revision (e.g., Revision 7) is formally released to replace it.

3. Technical Parameters and Specifications

While the provided PDF snippet focuses on document metadata, a complete LED datasheet would contain extensive technical parameters. The following sections detail the typical specifications that would be associated with such a component, based on industry standards. Engineers must consult the full, official datasheet for absolute values.

3.1 Photometric and Color Characteristics

These parameters define the light output and color of the LED.

• Luminous Flux: The total quantity of visible light emitted by the LED, measured in lumens (lm). This is often presented with minimum, typical, and maximum values at a specified test current.
• Dominant Wavelength / Correlated Color Temperature (CCT): For colored LEDs, the dominant wavelength (in nanometers) defines the perceived color (e.g., 620nm for red). For white LEDs, the CCT (in Kelvin, K) defines whether the light appears warm (e.g., 2700K), neutral (e.g., 4000K), or cool (e.g., 6500K).
• Color Rendering Index (CRI): For white LEDs, CRI (Ra) indicates how accurately the light source reveals the true colors of objects compared to a natural reference light. Higher values (closer to 100) are better for color-critical applications.
• Viewing Angle: The angular span over which the luminous intensity is at least half of the maximum intensity, measured in degrees (°). Common angles are 120° or 140°.

3.2 Electrical Parameters

These parameters define the electrical operating conditions of the LED.

• Forward Voltage (V_F): The voltage drop across the LED when it is operating at a specified forward current (I_F). It is typically given as a range (e.g., 2.8V to 3.4V) at a test current like 20mA, 60mA, or 150mA, depending on the LED power rating.
• Forward Current (I_F): The recommended continuous DC current for normal operation. Exceeding the maximum rated forward current can drastically reduce lifespan or cause immediate failure.
• Reverse Voltage (V_R): The maximum voltage that can be applied in the reverse direction across the LED without causing damage. This value is typically low (e.g., 5V).

3.3 Thermal Characteristics

LED performance and longevity are highly sensitive to temperature.

• Junction Temperature (T_J): The temperature at the semiconductor chip itself. The maximum allowable T_J (e.g., 125°C) is a critical limit.
• Thermal Resistance (R_th): Typically expressed as junction-to-ambient (R_thJA) in °C/W. It quantifies how effectively heat can be conducted away from the LED chip. A lower value indicates better thermal performance, which is crucial for maintaining light output and lifespan.

4. Binning and Sorting System

Due to manufacturing variations, LEDs are sorted into performance bins.

• Wavelength / CCT Binning: LEDs are grouped into tight wavelength or CCT ranges (e.g., 2700K-2750K, 2750K-2800K) to ensure color consistency within an application.
• Luminous Flux Binning: LEDs are sorted based on their measured light output at a standard test condition to guarantee uniform brightness.
• Forward Voltage Binning: Sorting by V_F range helps in designing efficient driver circuits, especially when connecting multiple LEDs in series.

5. Performance Curve Analysis

Graphical data is essential for understanding component behavior under varying conditions.

• I-V (Current-Voltage) Curve: Shows the relationship between forward current and forward voltage. It is non-linear, characteristic of a diode.
• Temperature Characteristics: Graphs typically show how luminous flux and forward voltage change as a function of junction temperature. Flux generally decreases as temperature rises.
• Spectral Power Distribution (SPD): A graph plotting the relative intensity of light emitted at each wavelength. For white LEDs, this shows the blue pump peak and the broader phosphor emission.

6. Mechanical and Package Information

Physical specifications are crucial for PCB design and assembly.

• Package Dimensions: Detailed mechanical drawing with all critical dimensions (length, width, height) and tolerances.
• Pad Layout (Footprint): Recommended PCB land pattern design for surface-mount (SMD) LEDs, including pad size, spacing, and solder mask recommendations.
• Polarity Identification: Clear marking on the LED package (e.g., a notch, a dot, or a cut corner) to identify the cathode (-) terminal.

7. Soldering and Assembly Guidelines

Proper handling ensures reliability.

• Reflow Soldering Profile: Recommended time-temperature profile for lead-free (e.g., SnAgCu) soldering, including preheat, soak, reflow peak temperature (typically not exceeding 260°C), and cooling rates.
• Handling Precautions: Instructions regarding ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) sensitivity, moisture sensitivity level (MSL), and avoidance of mechanical stress on the lens.
• Storage Conditions: Recommended temperature and humidity ranges for storing components before use, often linked to the MSL rating.

8. Packaging and Ordering Information

Information for logistics and procurement.

• Packaging Specification: Describes the tape and reel dimensions (for SMD parts), quantity per reel, or tray specifications.
• Labeling Information: Explains the data encoded on the packaging labels, which typically includes part number, quantity, date code, and lot number.
• Part Numbering System: Decodes the part number structure, showing how different codes correspond to specific bins (wavelength, flux, voltage), package options, or other variants.

9. Application Notes and Design Considerations

Guidance for implementing the component effectively.

• Typical Application Circuits: Schematic examples showing the LED driven by a constant current source or with a simple current-limiting resistor, including necessary protection components.
• Thermal Management: Critical design advice on providing an adequate thermal path (via PCB copper area, thermal vias, or heatsinks) to keep the junction temperature within safe limits.
• Optical Considerations: Notes on secondary optics (lenses, diffusers) and the impact of drive current on color shift and long-term lumen maintenance.

10. Technical Comparison and Differentiation

While not always present in a single datasheet, engineers often compare components. Potential advantages could include higher efficacy (lumens per watt), better color uniformity, lower thermal resistance, or a more robust package design compared to previous generations or competitor parts.

11. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Answers to common queries based on technical parameters.

• Q: Can I drive this LED with a voltage source? A: No. LEDs must be driven by a controlled current source (or a voltage source with a series current-limiting resistor) to prevent thermal runaway and ensure stable light output.
• Q: Why does the luminous flux in my application seem lower than the datasheet value? A: Datasheet values are measured under specific, ideal conditions (e.g., at 25°C case temperature). In real applications, higher junction temperature, different drive currents, or optical losses can reduce perceived output.
• Q: How do I interpret the "Forever" expired period? A: It means this specific revision of the document is intended to be valid indefinitely as the reference specification, until it is officially superseded by a new revision. It does not refer to the product's manufacturing lifespan.

12. Practical Use Case Examples

Based on typical LED specifications, here are potential applications:

• General Lighting: Integration into LED bulbs, downlights, or panel lights, where parameters like CCT, CRI, and lumen output are critical for the desired ambiance and energy efficiency.
• Backlighting: Use in LCD displays for TVs, monitors, or signage, where consistent color and brightness across an array are paramount.
• Automotive Lighting: Application in interior ambient lighting, dashboard indicators, or exterior signal lights, requiring reliability across a wide temperature range and specific color coordinates.
• Industrial Indicators: Used on control panels or machinery, where long life and clear visibility under various ambient light conditions are key.

13. Operating Principle Introduction

An LED is a semiconductor p-n junction diode. When a forward voltage is applied, electrons from the n-type region and holes from the p-type region are injected into the junction region. When these charge carriers recombine, energy is released in the form of photons (light). The specific wavelength (color) of the emitted light is determined by the energy bandgap of the semiconductor material used (e.g., InGaN for blue/green, AlInGaP for red/amber). White LEDs are typically created by coating a blue LED chip with a yellow phosphor; the mixture of blue and yellow light produces white light.

14. Technology Trends

The LED industry continues to evolve with several clear, objective trends:

• Increased Efficacy: Ongoing development aims to produce more lumens per electrical watt, improving energy efficiency for lighting applications.
• Improved Color Quality: Advancements in phosphor technology and multi-chip designs are leading to white LEDs with higher CRI values and more pleasing spectral characteristics.
• Miniaturization: Development of smaller, yet powerful, chip-scale package (CSP) LEDs for space-constrained applications like mobile device flash or ultra-thin displays.
• Smart and Connected Lighting: Integration of control electronics and communication protocols (like DALI or Zhaga) directly with LED modules to enable intelligent lighting systems.
• Specialized Spectra: Growth of LEDs engineered for specific non-lighting applications, such as horticultural lighting (optimized for plant growth) or human-centric lighting (tunable to mimic natural daylight cycles).