1. Product Overview
This document details the specifications for a surface-mount device (SMD) Middle Power LED utilizing AlGaInP chip technology to emit deep red light. The component is housed in a compact PLCC-2 (Plastic Leaded Chip Carrier) package, designed for automated assembly processes. Its primary advantages include high luminous efficacy, moderate power consumption suitable for extended operation, and a very wide viewing angle that ensures uniform light distribution. These characteristics make it a versatile choice for a broad spectrum of illumination applications beyond simple indicator use.
1.1 Key Features and Compliance
- Package: Standard PLCC-2 form factor for reliable SMT placement.
- Emitted Color: Deep Red (650-680 nm peak wavelength).
- Viewing Angle: 120 degrees (typical), providing a broad radiation pattern.
- Environmental Compliance: The product is Pb-free (lead-free), compliant with the EU RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) directive, adheres to EU REACH regulations, and meets halogen-free standards (Br <900ppm, Cl <900ppm, Br+Cl <1500ppm).
- Binning: Follows ANSI (American National Standards Institute) standards for consistent color and flux output, ensuring uniformity in production batches.
1.2 Target Applications
This LED is engineered for lighting applications requiring efficient red emission. Typical use cases include:
- Decorative and Entertainment Lighting: Architectural accent lighting, stage lighting, and mood lighting where specific color points are critical.
- Agriculture Lighting: Supplemental lighting in horticulture and vertical farming, particularly in photomorphogenesis processes where red light influences plant growth and flowering.
- General Lighting: Integration into luminaires requiring a red component for tunable white light or specific color temperature effects.
2. Absolute Maximum Ratings
These ratings define the limits beyond which permanent damage to the device may occur. Operation under or at these limits is not guaranteed.
| Parameter | Symbol | Rating | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forward Current (Continuous) | IF | 60 | mA |
| Peak Forward Current (Duty 1/10, 10ms pulse) | IFP | 120 | mA |
| Power Dissipation | Pd | 175 | mW |
| Operating Temperature | Topr | -40 to +85 | °C |
| Storage Temperature | Tstg | -40 to +100 | °C |
| Thermal Resistance (Junction to Solder Point) | Rth J-S | 50 | °C/W |
| Maximum Junction Temperature | Tj | 115 | °C |
| Soldering Temperature (Reflow) | Tsol | 260°C for 10 sec. | - |
| Soldering Temperature (Hand) | Tsol | 350°C for 3 sec. | - |
Important Note: This device is sensitive to electrostatic discharge (ESD). Proper ESD handling procedures must be followed during assembly and handling to prevent latent or catastrophic failure.
3. Electro-Optical Characteristics
These parameters are measured at a solder point temperature (Tsoldering) of 25°C and represent the typical performance under specified conditions.
| Parameter | Symbol | Min. | Typ. | Max. | Unit | Condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Radiometric Power | Φe | 40 | - | 100 | mW | IF = 60mA |
| Forward Voltage | VF | 2.0 | - | 2.9 | V | IF = 60mA |
| Viewing Angle (Half Angle) | 2θ1/2 | - | 120 | - | deg | IF = 60mA |
| Reverse Current | IR | - | - | 50 | µA | VR = 5V |
Notes:
1. Tolerance on Radiometric Power is ±11%.
2. Tolerance on Forward Voltage is ±0.1V.
4. Binning System Explanation
To ensure color and performance consistency in production, LEDs are sorted into bins. This device uses three independent binning criteria.
4.1 Radiometric Power Binning
LEDs are categorized based on their optical output power at 60mA. The bin code is part of the product ordering number.
| Bin Code | Min. Power | Max. Power | Unit | Condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| B2 | 40 | 50 | mW | IF = 60mA |
| B3 | 50 | 60 | ||
| B4 | 60 | 70 | ||
| B5 | 70 | 80 | ||
| C1 | 80 | 100 |
4.2 Forward Voltage Binning
LEDs are also sorted by their forward voltage drop, which is crucial for designing constant-current drivers and managing thermal load.
| Bin Code | Min. Voltage | Max. Voltage | Unit | Condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 27 | 2.0 | 2.1 | V | IF = 60mA |
| 28 | 2.1 | 2.2 | ||
| 29 | 2.2 | 2.3 | ||
| 30 | 2.3 | 2.4 | ||
| 31 | 2.4 | 2.5 | ||
| 32 | 2.5 | 2.6 | ||
| 33 | 2.6 | 2.7 | ||
| 34 | 2.7 | 2.8 | ||
| 35 | 2.8 | 2.9 |
4.3 Peak Wavelength Binning
This defines the spectral color of the emitted deep red light, critical for applications where specific wavelengths are required (e.g., plant photoreceptor response).
| Bin Code | Min. Wavelength | Max. Wavelength | Unit | Condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DA2 | 650 | 660 | nm | IF = 60mA |
| DA3 | 660 | 670 | ||
| DA4 | 670 | 680 |
Note: Dominant/Peak wavelength measurement tolerance is ±1nm.
5. Performance Curve Analysis
The following graphs, derived from typical data, illustrate how key parameters change with operating conditions. These are essential for robust system design.
5.1 Spectral Distribution
The provided spectrum curve shows a narrow, well-defined peak in the deep red region (approximately 660-670nm for the typical part), characteristic of AlGaInP technology. There is minimal emission in other spectral bands, resulting in a saturated red color.
5.2 Forward Voltage vs. Junction Temperature (Fig.1)
The forward voltage (VF) of a semiconductor LED has a negative temperature coefficient. As the junction temperature (Tj) increases from 25°C to 115°C, VF decreases linearly by approximately 0.25V. This characteristic is vital for temperature compensation in driver circuits and can be used for indirect junction temperature monitoring.
5.3 Relative Radiometric Power vs. Forward Current (Fig.2)
The optical output power increases sub-linearly with forward current. While driving at higher currents yields more light, it also generates significantly more heat, reducing efficacy (lumens per watt) and potentially shortening lifespan. The curve helps designers balance output against efficiency and reliability.
5.4 Relative Luminous Flux vs. Junction Temperature (Fig.3)
Like most LEDs, the light output of this device decreases as junction temperature rises. The graph shows the relative luminous flux dropping to about 80% of its room-temperature value when Tj reaches 115°C. Effective thermal management (low Rth) is therefore critical to maintaining stable light output.
5.5 Forward Current vs. Forward Voltage (IV Curve) (Fig.4)
This is the fundamental IV characteristic. It shows the exponential relationship at low currents transitioning to a more resistive behavior at the rated operating current (~60mA). The slope in the operating region is related to the dynamic resistance of the LED.
5.6 Maximum Driving Current vs. Soldering Temperature (Fig.5)
This derating curve is crucial for reliability. It indicates the maximum permissible forward current to keep the junction temperature below its 115°C limit, based on the temperature of the solder point (which is influenced by the PCB's temperature). For example, if the solder point reaches 70°C, the maximum safe continuous current is derated to approximately 45mA.
5.7 Radiation Pattern (Fig.6)
The polar diagram confirms the wide, Lambertian-like emission pattern with a typical half-angle of 120°. The intensity is nearly uniform across a broad central region, making it suitable for applications requiring wide-area illumination rather than a focused beam.
6. Mechanical and Package Information
6.1 Package Dimensions
The LED is housed in a standard PLCC-2 package. Key dimensions (in mm) are:
- Overall Length: 2.0 mm
- Overall Width: 1.25 mm
- Overall Height: 0.7 mm
- Lead Pitch: 1.05 mm (distance between solder pads)
- Pad Dimensions: Approximately 0.6mm x 0.55mm
All unspecified tolerances are ±0.1mm. The cathode is typically indicated by a notch or a green marking on the package.
6.2 Polarity Identification
Correct polarity is essential. The package features a visual indicator (such as a chamfered corner or a colored dot) to denote the cathode (-) terminal. The PCB footprint design must mirror this orientation.
7. Soldering and Assembly Guidelines
7.1 Reflow Soldering Parameters
The device is rated for standard infrared or convection reflow soldering. The recommended profile has a peak temperature of 260°C (+0/-5°C) measured on the package body, with the time above 240°C not exceeding 10 seconds. A single reflow cycle is recommended.
7.2 Hand Soldering
If manual soldering is necessary, it should be performed with a temperature-controlled iron set to a maximum tip temperature of 350°C. Contact time per lead should be limited to 3 seconds or less to prevent thermal damage to the plastic package and the internal die bond.
7.3 Storage Conditions
As a moisture-sensitive device (MSD), the LEDs are packed in a moisture-resistant bag with desiccant. Once the sealed bag is opened, the components must be used within a specified time frame (typically 168 hours at <30°C/60%RH) or baked before reflow to prevent \"popcorning\" damage during soldering.
8. Packaging and Ordering Information
8.1 Reel and Tape Specifications
The components are supplied on embossed carrier tape for automated pick-and-place machines. Standard reel dimensions are provided (e.g., 13-inch reel). Available quantities per reel include 500, 1000, 1500, 2000, 2500, 3000, 3500, and 4000 pieces.
8.2 Label Explanation
The reel label contains critical information for traceability and verification:
- P/N: Full product number, encoding the specific bin codes for Flux, Wavelength, and Voltage.
- QTY: Quantity of pieces on the reel.
- LOT No.: Manufacturing lot number for quality control.
8.3 Moisture-Resistant Packing
The shipping unit consists of the reel placed inside an aluminum laminated moisture-proof bag along with desiccant and a humidity indicator card. The bag is then sealed.
9. Reliability Testing
The product undergoes a comprehensive suite of reliability tests conducted with a 90% confidence level and 10% LTPD (Lot Tolerance Percent Defective). Key test items include:
- Reflow Soldering Resistance: 260°C for 10 seconds.
- Thermal Shock: 200 cycles between -10°C and +100°C.
- Temperature Cycling: 200 cycles between -40°C and +100°C.
- High Temperature/Humidity Storage & Operation: 1000 hours at 85°C/85%RH.
- High/Low Temperature Storage: 1000 hours at 85°C and -40°C.
- High/Low Temperature Operation Life: 1000 hours at various temperatures (25°C, 55°C, 85°C, -40°C) under specified drive currents.
These tests validate the long-term stability and robustness of the LED under harsh environmental and operational stresses.
10. Application Design Considerations
10.1 Thermal Management
With a thermal resistance (Rth J-S) of 50°C/W, managing heat is paramount. For continuous operation at 60mA (VF~2.5V, Pd~150mW), the junction will be 7.5°C hotter than the solder point. Use a PCB with adequate thermal vias and copper area under the pads to dissipate heat to the ambient environment. Refer to the derating curve (Fig.5) to adjust maximum current based on the expected PCB temperature.
10.2 Electrical Drive
Always drive LEDs with a constant current source, not a constant voltage. This ensures stable light output and prevents thermal runaway. The driver should be designed to accommodate the forward voltage bin range (2.0V to 2.9V). Consider implementing pulse-width modulation (PWM) for dimming to avoid color shift associated with analog (current reduction) dimming.
10.3 Optical Integration
The wide 120° viewing angle may require secondary optics (lenses, diffusers) if a more directed beam is needed. The water-clear resin lens minimizes light absorption. For multi-LED arrays, ensure adequate spacing to prevent thermal coupling between adjacent devices.
11. Technical Comparison and Differentiation
This Middle Power LED occupies a specific niche. Compared to low-power indicator LEDs, it offers significantly higher radiant flux and is designed for continuous illumination. Compared to high-power LEDs, it operates at lower current and has a simpler package without a metal-core PCB, making it more cost-effective for applications requiring many distributed points of light. Its key differentiators are the combination of AlGaInP deep red efficiency, the standardized PLCC-2 package for manufacturing ease, and comprehensive ANSI binning for color consistency.
12. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I drive this LED at 120mA continuously?
A: No. The Absolute Maximum Rating for continuous forward current is 60mA. The 120mA rating is for pulsed operation only (10% duty cycle, 10ms pulse width). Exceeding the continuous current rating will overheat the junction, leading to rapid lumen depreciation and premature failure.
Q: What is the difference between Radiometric Power (mW) and Luminous Flux (lm)?
A: Radiometric power measures the total optical power emitted in watts. Luminous flux measures the perceived power of light adjusted for the sensitivity of the human eye (photopic curve). For deep red LEDs, the luminous flux value will be relatively low because the human eye is less sensitive to red light, but the radiometric power (important for plant growth or sensing) is high.
Q: How do I interpret the product code 67-21S/NDR2C-P5080B2C12029Z6/2T?
A: The code encodes the package type (67-21S), the color (NDR = Deep Red), and the specific bin codes for various parameters (e.g., B2 for flux, C1 for flux, 29 for voltage, Z6 for wavelength). The exact decoding should be confirmed with the manufacturer's bin code chart.
Q: Is a heatsink required?
A> For a single LED on a standard FR4 PCB with moderate copper, a dedicated heatsink may not be necessary at 60mA. However, for arrays of LEDs or operation in high ambient temperatures, thermal analysis is required. The derating curve (Fig.5) provides guidance. Improving the PCB thermal design is often more effective than adding a separate heatsink to such a small package.
13. Practical Design Case Study
Scenario: Designing a supplemental lighting bar for indoor lettuce cultivation. The bar is 1 meter long and requires an even coverage of deep red light (660nm) to stimulate photosynthesis.
Design Steps:
1. Target Illuminance: Determine the required Photosynthetic Photon Flux Density (PPFD) at the plant canopy.
2. LED Selection: This LED, in bin DA3 (660-670nm), is ideal due to its spectral match with chlorophyll absorption peaks.
3. Array Design: Calculate the number of LEDs needed based on the radiometric output per LED (e.g., 70mW from bin B4) and the efficiency of the optical system. Space them evenly along the bar.
4. Thermal Design: Mount the LEDs on an aluminum PCB (MCPCB) to manage the collective heat from the array, keeping the solder point temperature low to maximize light output and longevity (per Fig.3 & 5).
5. Driver Design: Use a constant current driver capable of supplying the total current (number of LEDs * 60mA) with a voltage compliance that covers the sum of the maximum VF of the series string. Include PWM dimming for daily light integral control.
14. Operating Principle
This LED is based on Aluminum Gallium Indium Phosphide (AlGaInP) semiconductor material. When a forward voltage exceeding the diode's turn-on voltage (~2.0V) is applied, electrons and holes are injected into the active region from the n-type and p-type layers, respectively. They recombine radiatively, releasing energy in the form of photons. The specific bandgap energy of the AlGaInP alloy determines the wavelength of the emitted photons, which is in the deep red spectrum (650-680 nm). The epoxy resin lens encapsulates the chip, provides mechanical protection, and shapes the light output beam.
15. Technology Trends
The trend in Middle Power LEDs like this one is towards ever-increasing efficacy (more light output per electrical watt input) and improved reliability at higher operating temperatures. Advances in epitaxial growth and chip design continue to reduce efficiency droop (the decline in efficacy at higher currents). Packaging innovations focus on improving thermal pathways to lower Rth and using more robust, high-temperature resins. Furthermore, tighter binning tolerances are becoming standard to meet the demands of color-critical applications in horticulture and high-end architectural lighting, where consistency across thousands of LEDs is essential.
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. |