Seven Segment Display ELS-315SYGWA/S530-E2 Datasheet - Size 9.14mm Digit Height - Yellow-Green Color - 2.0V Forward Voltage - English Technical Document

1. Product Overview

The ELS-315SYGWA/S530-E2 is a through-hole mounted, seven-segment alphanumeric display designed for clear digital readouts. It features a standard industrial size with a digit height of 9.14mm (0.36 inches). The device is constructed with white light-emitting segments against a gray background surface, providing high contrast and excellent readability even in bright ambient lighting conditions. This display is categorized for luminous intensity and is compliant with Pb-free and RoHS environmental standards, making it suitable for modern electronic applications.

1.1 Core Advantages and Target Market

The primary advantages of this display include its low power consumption, standardized footprint for easy integration into existing designs, and reliable performance. It is specifically targeted at applications requiring durable, legible numeric or limited alphanumeric indicators. Key target markets include consumer home appliances, industrial instrument panels, and various digital readout display systems where reliability and clarity are paramount.

2. Technical Parameter Deep Dive

This section provides a detailed, objective analysis of the device's key electrical and optical specifications as defined in the datasheet.

2.1 Absolute Maximum Ratings

The absolute maximum ratings define the stress limits beyond which permanent damage to the device may occur. These are not conditions for normal operation.

• Reverse Voltage (V_R): 5 V. Exceeding this voltage in reverse bias can cause junction breakdown.
• Continuous Forward Current (I_F): 25 mA. The maximum DC current that can be continuously applied.
• Peak Forward Current (I_FP): 60 mA. This is permissible only under pulsed conditions (duty cycle 1/10, frequency 1 kHz) to briefly achieve higher brightness.
• Power Dissipation (P_d): 60 mW. The maximum power the device can dissipate as heat.
• Operating Temperature (T_opr): -40°C to +85°C. The ambient temperature range for reliable operation.
• Storage Temperature (T_stg): -40°C to +100°C.
• Soldering Temperature (T_sol): 260°C for a maximum duration of 5 seconds, typical for wave or hand soldering processes.

2.2 Electro-Optical Characteristics

These parameters are measured at a standard ambient temperature of 25°C and define the device's performance under typical operating conditions.

• Luminous Intensity (I_v): The typical value is 3.2 mcd per segment at a forward current (I_F) of 10 mA, with a minimum of 2.0 mcd. The datasheet notes a tolerance of ±10% on this value. This intensity is an average measured on a single segment.
• Peak Wavelength (λ_p): Typically 575 nm. This is the wavelength at which the emitted optical power is greatest.
• Dominant Wavelength (λ_d): Typically 573 nm. This is the wavelength perceived by the human eye, defining the color (yellow-green in this case).
• Spectrum Radiation Bandwidth (Δλ): Typically 20 nm. This indicates the spectral purity or width of the emitted light.
• Forward Voltage (V_F): Typically 2.0 V, with a maximum of 2.4 V at I_F=20 mA. The tolerance is ±0.1V. This is a critical parameter for designing the current-limiting circuitry.
• Reverse Current (I_R): Maximum 100 µA at a reverse voltage (V_R) of 5 V, indicating the leakage current in the off-state.

3. Binning System Explanation

The datasheet indicates that the devices are \"Categorized for luminous intensity.\" This refers to a binning or sorting process.

• Luminous Intensity Binning: LEDs from a production batch are measured and sorted into different groups (bins) based on their measured luminous output at a specified test current. This ensures consistency in brightness for end products. The typical value is 3.2 mcd, but devices are binned to guarantee a minimum of 2.0 mcd, with the actual bin code likely indicated on the packaging label (\"CAT\" field).
• Color/Wavelength: The chip material is specified as AlGaInP, which typically produces colors in the red to yellow-green spectrum. The dominant wavelength is tightly controlled (typical 573 nm), but minor variations may also be managed through binning to maintain color consistency, especially important in multi-digit displays.

4. Performance Curve Analysis

The datasheet references typical performance curves which are essential for understanding device behavior under non-standard conditions.

4.1 Spectrum Distribution

This curve plots relative luminous intensity against wavelength. It visually confirms the peak wavelength (λ_p ~575 nm) and the spectral bandwidth (Δλ ~20 nm). A narrower curve indicates a more spectrally pure color.

4.2 Forward Current vs. Forward Voltage (I-V Curve)

This graph shows the relationship between the current flowing through the LED and the voltage drop across it. It is non-linear. Designers use this curve to determine the necessary driving voltage for a desired operating current, which is crucial for selecting appropriate series resistors or designing constant-current drivers.

4.3 Forward Current Derating Curve

This is one of the most critical graphs for reliability. It shows how the maximum allowable continuous forward current (I_F) must be reduced as the ambient temperature increases above 25°C. Operating the LED at high currents in high-temperature environments without proper derating will significantly reduce its lifespan due to excessive junction temperature.

5. Mechanical and Package Information

The device uses a standard through-hole DIP (Dual In-line Package) format.

5.1 Dimension Drawing

The package drawing provides critical mechanical dimensions including overall height, width, digit size, lead spacing (pitch), and lead diameter. The note specifies that tolerances are ±0.25mm unless otherwise mentioned. Engineers use this drawing for PCB footprint design and to ensure proper fit within the enclosure.

5.2 Pinout and Polarity Identification

The internal circuit diagram is essential. A common-anode or common-cathode configuration must be identified from this diagram. It shows how the anodes and cathodes of all individual segments (a-g) and the decimal point (dp, if present) are connected internally. Correct identification is mandatory for proper circuit connection. The pin numbering is also defined here.

6. Soldering and Assembly Guidelines

The datasheet provides specific parameters for manual soldering processes.

• Soldering Temperature: The maximum recommended soldering iron tip temperature is 260°C.
• Soldering Time: The lead should be in contact with the soldering iron for no more than 5 seconds to prevent heat damage to the internal die and wire bonds.
• ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) Protection: The device is sensitive to ESD. Strong recommendations include using grounded wrist straps, ESD-safe workstations, conductive floor mats, and ionizers. All equipment and personnel must be properly grounded during handling and assembly.

7. Packaging and Ordering Information

7.1 Packaging Specification

The device is packed in tubes and boxes. The standard packing flow is: 35 pieces per tube, 140 tubes per box, and 4 boxes per carton.

7.2 Label Explanation

The packing label contains several codes: CPN (Customer's Part Number), P/N (Product Number), QTY (Quantity), CAT (Luminous Intensity Category/Bin), HUE (Color reference), REF (Reference), LOT No. (Production Lot Number), and a REFERENCE volume label code. These are used for traceability and inventory management.

8. Application Recommendations

8.1 Typical Application Scenarios

• Home Appliances: Timers on microwaves/ovens, temperature displays on thermostats or heaters, cycle indicators on washing machines.
• Instrument Panels: Readouts for voltage, current, frequency, or RPM on test equipment, industrial controls, and automotive aftermarket gauges.
• General Digital Readouts: Any device requiring a simple, reliable numeric display, such as clocks, counters, or basic measurement devices.

8.2 Design Considerations

• Current Limiting: Always use a series resistor or constant-current driver to limit I_F to 25 mA or less (derated for temperature). Calculate the resistor value using R = (V_supply - V_F) / I_F.
• Multiplexing: For multi-digit displays, a multiplexing scheme is common to control many segments with fewer I/O pins. Ensure the peak current in multiplexed designs does not exceed I_FP (60mA) and that the average current per segment remains within limits.
• Viewing Angle and Contrast: The gray background improves contrast. Consider the viewing angle requirements of the end product.
• Heat Management: Adhere to the current derating curve. In high-temperature environments, reduce operating current or improve ventilation.

9. Technical Comparison and Differentiation

Compared to generic seven-segment displays, the ELS-315SYGWA/S530-E2 offers specific advantages:

• Standardized Industrial Size: Ensures drop-in compatibility with many existing PCB layouts and front-panel cutouts.
• Intensity Binning: Provides guaranteed minimum brightness levels, leading to more uniform appearance in multi-digit applications compared to unbinned displays.
• Environmental Compliance: Being Pb-free and RoHS compliant is essential for products sold in many global markets.
• Robust Specification: Clearly defined absolute maximum ratings and derating curves allow for more reliable and long-lasting designs compared to parts with poorly documented limits.

10. Frequently Asked Questions (Based on Technical Parameters)

Q: Can I drive this display directly from a 5V microcontroller pin?
A: No. With a typical V_F of 2.0V, connecting it directly to 5V would cause excessive current, destroying the LED. You must use a current-limiting resistor. For example, for a 10mA drive from a 5V source: R = (5V - 2.0V) / 0.01A = 300 Ω.

Q: What does \"Peak Forward Current (I_FP) of 60 mA\" mean for my design?
A: This rating allows for brief pulses of higher current, which is useful in multiplexed displays where each digit is only powered for a fraction of the time. The average current over the full cycle must still be within the 25mA continuous rating. The 1/10 duty cycle at 1kHz is a specific test condition; other pulse schemes require careful analysis.

Q: How do I interpret the \"CAT\" code on the label?
A: The \"CAT\" code specifies the luminous intensity bin. While the datasheet gives min/typ values, the actual binning ensures all devices in a batch have similar output. For consistent brightness across all digits in a product, use displays from the same CAT code.

11. Practical Design and Usage Case

Case: Designing a 4-Digit Multiplexed Voltmeter Display
A designer is creating a simple 0-30V DC voltmeter. The microcontroller has limited I/O pins. They choose to use four ELS-315SYGWA/S530-E2 displays in a multiplexed configuration.
1. Circuit Design: The common anode (or cathode) of each digit is connected to a microcontroller pin via a transistor switch. The segment lines (a-g) are connected to microcontroller pins through current-limiting resistors, shared across all digits.
2. Software: The firmware cycles through each digit rapidly (e.g., at 200Hz), turning on one digit's common pin at a time while setting the appropriate segment pattern for that digit. Persistence of vision makes all digits appear lit simultaneously.
3. Current Calculation: To achieve good brightness, the designer might aim for a peak segment current of 15mA during its active time slot. With 4 digits, the duty cycle per digit is 1/4. The average current per segment is 15mA / 4 = 3.75mA, well within the 25mA continuous rating. The peak of 15mA is also safely below the 60mA I_FP rating.
4. Resistor Value: Using a 5V supply for the segments: R = (5V - 2.0V) / 0.015A ≈ 200 Ω.

12. Operating Principle Introduction

A seven-segment LED display is an assembly of multiple Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) arranged in a figure-eight pattern. Each segment (labeled a through g) is an individual LED. By selectively powering different combinations of these segments, numerals from 0 to 9 and some letters can be formed. The device described uses AlGaInP (Aluminum Gallium Indium Phosphide) semiconductor material. When forward-biased (positive voltage applied to the anode relative to the cathode), electrons and holes recombine in the semiconductor's active region, releasing energy in the form of photons (light). The specific composition of the AlGaInP alloy determines the bandgap energy, which in turn defines the wavelength (color) of the emitted light—in this case, yellow-green (~573 nm). The light from the chip is emitted through a molded epoxy lens which also forms the segment shape.

13. Technology Trends and Context

Seven-segment LED displays represent a mature and highly reliable display technology. While newer technologies like dot-matrix OLEDs or LCDs offer greater flexibility for graphics and alphanumerics, seven-segment LEDs maintain strong advantages in specific areas: Extreme Readability: Their simple, high-contrast segments are easily readable at a distance and in a wide range of lighting conditions, including direct sunlight. Ruggedness and Longevity: They are solid-state devices with no moving parts, resistant to shock and vibration, and offer very long operational lifetimes (often tens of thousands of hours). Simplicity and Cost-Effectiveness: They require relatively simple drive electronics compared to more complex displays, making them a cost-effective solution for applications that only need to show numbers or a limited set of characters. The trend for components like the ELS-315SYGWA/S530-E2 is towards continued refinement for reliability, further reduction in power consumption, and adherence to evolving environmental standards (like RoHS), rather than radical technological change. They remain the go-to choice for applications where clarity, durability, and simplicity are the primary design drivers.