Table of Contents
- 1. Product Overview
- 2. Technical Parameter Deep Dive
- 2.1 Absolute Maximum Ratings
- 2.2 Electrical & Optical Characteristics
- 3. Binning System Explanation
- 4. Performance Curve Analysis
- 5. Mechanical & Packaging Information
- 5.1 Package Dimensions
- 5.2 Polarity Identification & Pad Design
- 6. Soldering & Assembly Guidelines
- 6.1 Reflow Soldering Profile
- 6.2 Hand Soldering
- 6.3 Cleaning
- 6.4 Storage Conditions
- 7. Packaging & Ordering Information
- 7.1 Tape and Reel Specifications
- 8. Application Recommendations
- 8.1 Typical Application Scenarios
- 8.2 Circuit Design Considerations
- 9. Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Protection
- 10. Technical Comparison & Differentiation
- 11. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- 12. Design-in Case Study
- 13. Technology Principle Introduction
- 14. Industry Trends
1. Product Overview
This document details the specifications for a high-performance, surface-mount yellow LED. The device utilizes an Ultra Bright AlInGaP chip technology, delivering high luminous intensity in a compact, industry-standard package. It is designed for compatibility with automated assembly processes, including infrared reflow soldering, making it suitable for high-volume manufacturing environments. The product is compliant with RoHS directives and is classified as a green product.
2. Technical Parameter Deep Dive
2.1 Absolute Maximum Ratings
The device's operational limits are defined at an ambient temperature (Ta) of 25°C. Exceeding these ratings may cause permanent damage.
- Power Dissipation (Pd): 75 mW. This is the maximum power the LED can dissipate as heat.
- Peak Forward Current (IF(PEAK)): 80 mA. This is permissible only under pulsed conditions (1/10 duty cycle, 0.1ms pulse width) to prevent overheating.
- Continuous Forward Current (IF): 30 mA DC. This is the recommended maximum current for continuous operation.
- Derating: The maximum forward current must be linearly reduced by 0.4 mA for every degree Celsius above 50°C ambient temperature to maintain reliability.
- Reverse Voltage (VR): 5 V. Applying a higher reverse voltage can damage the LED's semiconductor junction.
- Operating & Storage Temperature Range: -55°C to +85°C.
- Infrared Soldering Condition: Withstands 260°C peak temperature for 5 seconds, compatible with lead-free (Pb-free) processes.
2.2 Electrical & Optical Characteristics
Key performance parameters are measured at Ta=25°C and a forward current (IF) of 20 mA, unless otherwise stated.
- Luminous Intensity (IV): Ranges from a minimum of 18.0 mcd to a typical value of 50.0 mcd. This is the perceived brightness as measured by a sensor filtered to match the human eye's photopic response (CIE curve).
- Viewing Angle (2θ1/2): 130 degrees. This wide viewing angle indicates the LED emits light over a broad area, with the half-intensity points located 65 degrees off the central axis.
- Peak Emission Wavelength (λP): 595 nm. This is the wavelength at which the spectral power output is highest.
- Dominant Wavelength (λd): 592 nm. This is the single wavelength that best represents the perceived color of the LED, derived from CIE chromaticity calculations.
- Spectral Line Half-Width (Δλ): 16 nm. This parameter indicates the spectral purity; a smaller value means a more monochromatic light source.
- Forward Voltage (VF): Typically 2.4 V, with a maximum of 2.4 V at 20 mA. This is the voltage drop across the LED when conducting current.
- Reverse Current (IR): Maximum 10 µA when a 5V reverse bias is applied.
- Capacitance (C): Typically 40 pF measured at 0V bias and 1 MHz frequency.
3. Binning System Explanation
The luminous intensity of the LEDs is sorted into bins to ensure consistency within a production batch. The bin code defines the minimum and maximum intensity range.
- Bin Code M: 18.0 - 28.0 mcd
- Bin Code N: 28.0 - 45.0 mcd
- Bin Code P: 45.0 - 71.0 mcd
- Bin Code Q: 71.0 - 112.0 mcd
- Bin Code R: 112.0 - 180.0 mcd
A tolerance of +/-15% is applied to each intensity bin. This system allows designers to select LEDs with predictable brightness levels for their application.
4. Performance Curve Analysis
While specific graphs are referenced in the datasheet (e.g., Fig.1, Fig.6), typical curves for such devices include:
- I-V (Current-Voltage) Curve: Shows the exponential relationship between forward voltage and current. The curve will have a characteristic "knee" voltage around 2.0-2.4V.
- Luminous Intensity vs. Forward Current: Intensity generally increases linearly with current up to a point, after which efficiency may drop due to heating.
- Luminous Intensity vs. Ambient Temperature: Intensity typically decreases as ambient temperature rises due to reduced internal quantum efficiency and increased non-radiative recombination.
- Spectral Distribution: A plot of relative radiant power versus wavelength, peaking at 595nm with a 16nm half-width, confirming the yellow color emission.
- Viewing Angle Pattern: A polar plot illustrating the angular distribution of light intensity, confirming the 130-degree full viewing angle.
5. Mechanical & Packaging Information
5.1 Package Dimensions
The LED is housed in an industry-standard EIA package. All dimensions are in millimeters with a general tolerance of ±0.10 mm unless otherwise specified. The package features a water-clear lens.
5.2 Polarity Identification & Pad Design
The datasheet includes a suggested soldering pad layout to ensure proper solder joint formation and mechanical stability during reflow. The cathode is typically identified by a visual marker on the package, such as a notch, green marking, or a shorter lead. The recommended pad design helps prevent tombstoning and ensures correct alignment.
6. Soldering & Assembly Guidelines
6.1 Reflow Soldering Profile
A recommended infrared (IR) reflow profile is provided for lead-free (SnAgCu) solder paste processes. Key parameters include:
- Preheat: Ramp-up to 120-150°C.
- Soak/Preheat Time: Maximum 120 seconds to activate flux and equalize board temperature.
- Peak Temperature: Maximum 240°C.
- Time Above Liquidus: A specific duration (implied by the profile) to ensure proper solder joint formation without overheating the component.
- Critical Limit: The component body must not exceed 260°C for more than 5 seconds.
6.2 Hand Soldering
If hand soldering is necessary:
- Iron tip temperature should not exceed 300°C.
- Soldering time per lead should be limited to a maximum of 3 seconds.
- This should be performed only once to avoid thermal stress on the package.
6.3 Cleaning
Only specified cleaning agents should be used. Recommended solvents are ethyl alcohol or isopropyl alcohol at normal room temperature. The LED should be immersed for less than one minute. Unspecified chemicals may damage the plastic lens or package material.
6.4 Storage Conditions
- Recommended storage ambient: ≤30°C and ≤70% relative humidity.
- LEDs removed from their original moisture-barrier packaging should be reflow-soldered within 672 hours (28 days) to prevent moisture absorption.
- For extended storage outside the original bag, use a sealed container with desiccant or a nitrogen desiccator.
- Components stored out of bag for more than 672 hours require a baking pre-treatment (approximately 60°C for at least 24 hours) before soldering to drive out absorbed moisture and prevent "popcorning" during reflow.
7. Packaging & Ordering Information
7.1 Tape and Reel Specifications
The LEDs are supplied in 8mm carrier tape on 7-inch (178mm) diameter reels, compatible with standard automated pick-and-place equipment.
- Pieces per Reel: 3000.
- Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ) for Remainders: 500 pieces.
- Cover Tape: Empty component pockets in the carrier tape are sealed with a top cover tape.
- Missing Components: A maximum of two consecutive missing LEDs ("skips") is allowed per reel specification.
- The packaging conforms to the ANSI/EIA 481-1-A-1994 standard.
8. Application Recommendations
8.1 Typical Application Scenarios
This LED is suitable for general illumination and indication purposes in ordinary electronic equipment, including but not limited to:
- Status indicators on consumer electronics (TVs, routers, chargers).
- Backlighting for buttons, switches, or small panels.
- Decorative lighting in appliances.
- Signage and display elements.
Important Note: It is not recommended for safety-critical applications (e.g., aviation, medical life-support, transportation control) without prior consultation and qualification, as failure could jeopardize life or health.
8.2 Circuit Design Considerations
Drive Method: LEDs are current-operated devices. To ensure uniform brightness when driving multiple LEDs in parallel, it is strongly recommended to use an individual current-limiting resistor in series with each LED (Circuit Model A).
- Circuit Model A (Recommended): Vcc → Resistor → LED → GND. This compensates for minor variations in the forward voltage (VF) of individual LEDs, ensuring each receives nearly the same current and thus emits similar brightness.
- Circuit Model B (Not Recommended for Parallel): Connecting multiple LEDs directly in parallel to a single current-limiting resistor (Vcc → Resistor → [LED1 // LED2 // ...] → GND) is discouraged. Small differences in VF can cause significant current imbalance, where the LED with the lowest VF hogs most of the current, appearing brighter and potentially being overstressed, while others appear dimmer.
The resistor value (R) can be calculated using Ohm's Law: R = (Vsupply - VF) / IF, where VF is the typical forward voltage (e.g., 2.4V) and IF is the desired operating current (e.g., 20mA).
9. Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Protection
The LED is sensitive to electrostatic discharge. ESD can cause latent or catastrophic damage, degrading performance or causing immediate failure.
Symptoms of ESD Damage: High reverse leakage current, abnormally low forward voltage (VF), or failure to illuminate at low drive currents.
ESD Prevention Measures:
- Operators should wear a grounded wrist strap or anti-static gloves.
- All equipment, workbenches, and storage racks must be properly grounded.
- Use an ionizer to neutralize static charges that may accumulate on the LED lens due to handling friction.
- Handle components in an ESD-protected area (EPA).
Testing for ESD Damage: Check for illumination and measure VF at a very low current (e.g., 0.1mA). For this AlInGaP product, a "good" LED should have a VF > 1.4V at 0.1mA.
10. Technical Comparison & Differentiation
This LED differentiates itself through several key features:
- Chip Technology: Uses AlInGaP (Aluminum Indium Gallium Phosphide), which is known for high efficiency and stability in the red, orange, amber, and yellow color spectrum, compared to older technologies like GaAsP.
- Brightness: Offers high luminous intensity (up to 180 mcd in the highest bin) from a small package.
- Wide Viewing Angle: The 130-degree viewing angle provides broad, even illumination ideal for panel indicators.
- Process Compatibility: Fully compatible with automated SMT assembly and lead-free IR reflow soldering, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
- Standardization: The EIA-standard package footprint ensures easy second-sourcing and design portability.
11. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is the difference between Peak Wavelength (λP) and Dominant Wavelength (λd)?
A1: Peak Wavelength is the physical point of highest spectral output. Dominant Wavelength is a calculated value representing the perceived color as defined by the CIE chromaticity diagram. They are often close but not identical.
Q2: Can I drive this LED at its maximum peak current (80mA) continuously?
A2: No. The 80mA rating is for very short pulses (0.1ms width) at a low duty cycle (10%). Continuous operation must not exceed the DC forward current rating of 30mA, and this should be derated above 50°C ambient temperature.
Q3: Why is an individual series resistor needed for each LED in parallel?
A3: It provides negative feedback, stabilizing the current. If one LED has a slightly lower VF, the voltage drop across its resistor increases slightly, limiting the current rise and balancing brightness across all LEDs.
Q4: How critical is the 672-hour floor life after opening the moisture barrier bag?
A4: It is very important for process reliability. Absorbed moisture can vaporize rapidly during reflow, causing internal delamination or cracking ("popcorning"). Adhering to this guideline or performing a bake cycle is essential for high yield.
12. Design-in Case Study
Scenario: Designing a control panel with 10 yellow status indicators. The system power supply is 5V.
Design Steps:
- Current Selection: Choose a drive current. For a balance of brightness and longevity, 20mA is selected from the datasheet test condition.
- Circuit Topology: To ensure uniform brightness, use Circuit Model A: one resistor per LED.
- Resistor Calculation: Using typical VF = 2.4V, Vsupply = 5V, IF = 0.020A.
R = (5V - 2.4V) / 0.020A = 2.6V / 0.02A = 130 Ω.
The nearest standard 5% resistor value is 130 Ω or 120 Ω. Using 120 Ω would yield IF ≈ (5-2.4)/120 = 21.7mA, which is acceptable. - Power Rating for Resistor: P = I2 * R = (0.020)2 * 120 = 0.048W. A standard 1/8W (0.125W) or 1/10W resistor is more than sufficient.
- Layout: Follow the suggested soldering pad dimensions from the datasheet for optimal solder fillets and mechanical strength.
- Assembly: Follow the recommended IR reflow profile. Ensure components are used within the 672-hour floor life or are baked accordingly.
13. Technology Principle Introduction
This LED is based on AlInGaP semiconductor material grown on a substrate. When a forward voltage is applied, electrons and holes are injected into the active region where they recombine. In a direct bandgap semiconductor like AlInGaP, this recombination often releases energy in the form of photons (light) – a process called electroluminescence. The specific wavelength of the emitted light (yellow, ~592-595nm) is determined by the bandgap energy of the AlInGaP alloy composition. The water-clear epoxy lens encapsulates the chip, provides mechanical protection, and shapes the light output beam (in this case, for a wide viewing angle).
14. Industry Trends
The market for SMD LEDs continues to evolve. General trends observable in components like this one include:
- Increased Efficiency: Ongoing improvements in epitaxial growth and chip design yield higher luminous efficacy (more light output per electrical watt).
- Miniaturization: While this is a standard package, the industry pushes for smaller footprints (e.g., 0402, 0201) for space-constrained applications.
- Enhanced Reliability: Improved packaging materials and processes lead to longer operational lifetimes and better performance under thermal and environmental stress.
- Standardization & Compatibility: Adherence to global standards (EIA, JEDEC) and process compatibility (lead-free, reflow) remains critical for seamless integration into modern electronics manufacturing.
- Color Consistency: Tighter binning specifications and advanced phosphor technologies (for white LEDs) are demanded for applications requiring precise color matching.
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. |