1. Product Overview
This document provides the complete technical specifications for a T-1 (3mm) diameter through-hole LED lamp. Designed for status indication and signaling applications, this component is available in red and green color variants with a white diffused lens. The device is characterized by its low power consumption, high efficiency, and compliance with lead-free and RoHS environmental standards. Its compact, industry-standard T-1 package makes it suitable for a wide range of electronic equipment where reliable visual feedback is required.
1.1 Core Advantages and Target Market
The primary advantages of this LED lamp include its proven reliability in through-hole packaging, excellent luminous intensity for its size, and a wide viewing angle ensuring good visibility. It is designed for flexibility, with multiple intensity and viewing angle choices theoretically available for each color. The target markets are broad, encompassing communication equipment, computer peripherals, consumer electronics, and home appliances where durable, long-life indicator lights are essential.
2. Technical Parameter Deep-Dive
A thorough understanding of the electrical and optical parameters is critical for successful circuit design and achieving desired performance.
2.1 Absolute Maximum Ratings
These ratings define the stress limits beyond which permanent damage to the device may occur. Operation outside these limits is not advised. Key ratings are identical for both red and green versions: a maximum power dissipation of 78mW, a continuous DC forward current (IF) of 30mA, and a peak forward current of 120mA under pulsed conditions (duty cycle ≤1/10, pulse width ≤10µs). The device can operate in ambient temperatures from -30°C to +85°C and be stored from -40°C to +100°C. The leads can withstand soldering at 260°C for a maximum of 5 seconds when measured 2.0mm from the LED body.
2.2 Electrical & Optical Characteristics
These parameters are measured at a standard test condition of 25°C ambient temperature and a forward current of 20mA, which serves as the standard operating point.
- Luminous Intensity (Iv): The axial light output. The typical value is 65 millicandelas (mcd) for both colors, with a minimum of 38 mcd and a maximum reaching 310 mcd, indicating a significant performance spread handled by the binning system.
- Viewing Angle (2θ1/2): Defined as the full angle where intensity drops to half its axial value. This lamp features a very wide 120-degree viewing angle, providing excellent off-axis visibility.
- Forward Voltage (VF): The voltage drop across the LED at 20mA. It ranges from 2.0V to 2.6V for both red and green LEDs. Designers must account for this range when calculating series resistor values.
- Peak & Dominant Wavelength: For the red LED, the peak emission wavelength (λP) is 660nm, and the dominant wavelength (λd) is 638nm. For the green LED, λP is 565nm, and λd ranges from 569nm to 574nm depending on the bin.
- Spectral Line Half-Width (Δλ): Approximately 20nm for red and 15nm for green, describing the spectral purity of the emitted light.
- Reverse Current (IR): A maximum of 100µA at a reverse voltage of 5V. It is crucial to note that this device is not designed for reverse operation; this test condition is for characterization only.
3. Binning System Specification
To manage natural variations in semiconductor manufacturing, LEDs are sorted into performance bins. This ensures consistency within a production lot.
3.1 Luminous Intensity Binning
The luminous intensity is binned using a two-letter code (e.g., BC, DE, FG, HJ). This binning is separate for red and green LEDs. For example, bin 'BC' covers 38 to 65 mcd, while bin 'HJ' covers 180 to 310 mcd. The tolerance on each bin limit is ±15%. This system allows designers to select an intensity grade suitable for their application's brightness requirements.
3.2 Dominant Wavelength Binning (Green Only)
The green LEDs undergo additional sorting by dominant wavelength to ensure color consistency. Bins are designated as H06 (565-568nm), H07 (568-570nm), H08 (570-572nm), and H09 (572-574nm). The tolerance for each bin limit is ±1nm. This precise binning is critical in applications where specific color points or matching between multiple green LEDs is important.
4. Mechanical & Packaging Information
4.1 Outline Dimensions
The LED conforms to the standard T-1 (3mm) radial leaded package. Critical dimensions include the body diameter, lead spacing, and overall length. The lead spacing is measured where the leads emerge from the package body. Tolerances are typically ±0.25mm unless otherwise specified. A maximum resin protrusion of 1.0mm under the flange is allowed. Designers should refer to the detailed dimensional drawing in the datasheet for exact measurements when creating PCB footprints or panel cutouts.
4.2 Polarity Identification
Polarity is indicated by the lead length. The longer lead is the anode (positive), and the shorter lead is the cathode (negative). This is a standard convention for radial leaded LEDs. Additionally, the cathode side may be indicated by a flat spot on the LED lens's plastic flange.
4.3 Packing Specification
The LEDs are packaged in anti-static bags containing 500, 200, or 100 pieces. Ten of these bags are placed into an inner carton, totaling 5,000 pieces. Finally, eight inner cartons are packed into an outer shipping carton, resulting in a standard shipment lot of 40,000 pieces. It is noted that within a shipping lot, only the final pack may be a non-full pack.
5. Soldering & Assembly Guidelines
Proper handling is essential to maintain reliability and prevent damage.
5.1 Storage Conditions
For long-term storage outside the original packaging, the ambient should not exceed 30°C or 70% relative humidity. LEDs removed from their original packaging should be used within three months. For extended storage, they should be kept in a sealed container with desiccant or in a nitrogen-purged desiccator.
5.2 Lead Forming
If leads need to be bent, bending must occur at a point at least 3mm away from the base of the LED lens. The base of the lead frame must not be used as a fulcrum. All forming must be done at room temperature and before the soldering process. During PCB insertion, use the minimum clinch force necessary to avoid imposing excessive mechanical stress on the LED body.
5.3 Soldering Process
A minimum clearance of 2mm must be maintained between the base of the lens and the solder point. The lens must never be immersed in solder. No external stress should be applied to the leads while the LED is at high temperature.
- Soldering Iron: Maximum temperature 350°C, maximum time 3 seconds per lead (one time only).
- Wave Soldering: Pre-heat to a maximum of 100°C for up to 60 seconds. Solder wave temperature maximum 260°C, contact time maximum 5 seconds. The dipping position must be no lower than 2mm from the base of the epoxy lens.
- Important Note: Infrared (IR) reflow soldering is not suitable for this through-hole LED product. Excessive temperature or time can cause lens deformation or catastrophic failure.
5.4 Cleaning
If cleaning is necessary after soldering, only alcohol-based solvents like isopropyl alcohol (IPA) should be used.
6. Drive Circuit Design & Application Notes
6.1 Recommended Drive Method
LEDs are current-operated devices. To ensure uniform brightness when driving multiple LEDs in parallel, it is strongly recommended to use a individual current-limiting resistor in series with each LED. The schematic labeled 'Circuit A' in the datasheet illustrates this configuration. Attempting to drive multiple LEDs in parallel from a single resistor ('Circuit B') is discouraged, as slight variations in the forward voltage (VF) characteristic of each LED will cause significant differences in current sharing and, consequently, uneven brightness.
6.2 Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Protection
These LEDs are susceptible to damage from electrostatic discharge. A comprehensive ESD control program should be implemented in the handling area:
- Personnel must wear grounded wrist straps or anti-static gloves.
- All equipment, workstations, and storage racks must be properly grounded.
- An ionizer (ion blower) is recommended to neutralize static charge that may accumulate on the plastic lens due to friction during handling.
- Regular training and certification for personnel working in ESD-protected areas are essential.
6.3 Application Scope and Limitations
This LED lamp is suitable for general indicator applications in both indoor and outdoor signs, as well as ordinary electronic equipment. The wide viewing angle makes it ideal for front-panel status lights. Designers should ensure the operating point (current) stays within the absolute maximum ratings and consider the effects of ambient temperature on light output and longevity. The device is not intended for reverse bias operation or as a lighting source for illumination purposes.
7. Performance Curves & Thermal Considerations
While specific curve data points are not enumerated in the provided text, typical datasheets for such components include graphical representations crucial for design.
7.1 Forward Current vs. Forward Voltage (I-V Curve)
The I-V curve shows the exponential relationship between current and voltage. The curve for the red LED (with a higher wavelength) will typically have a slightly lower forward voltage for a given current compared to the green LED, though the datasheet specifies the same range for both. This curve is vital for selecting the appropriate series resistor value to achieve the desired operating current over the specified VF range and supply voltage variations.
7.2 Luminous Intensity vs. Forward Current
This curve is generally linear over a significant range. Light output is directly proportional to forward current. However, operating above the recommended continuous current will reduce efficiency due to increased heat and may shorten the device's lifespan. The 20mA test point is a standard for comparing brightness.
7.3 Luminous Intensity vs. Ambient Temperature
LED light output decreases as the junction temperature increases. While the device operates from -30°C to +85°C, the luminous intensity will be highest at lower temperatures. For applications operating at high ambient temperatures or at high drive currents, thermal management considerations (like PCB copper area for heat sinking through the leads) may become relevant to maintain stable light output.
7.4 Spectral Distribution
The spectral output graph shows the relative intensity across wavelengths. It will peak at the specified peak wavelength (λP - 660nm for red, 565nm for green). The narrow spectral half-width indicates a relatively pure color emission, which is characteristic of standard indicator LEDs without phosphor conversion.
8. Technical Comparison & Design Considerations
8.1 Comparison with Surface-Mount Device (SMD) LEDs
The primary advantage of this through-hole LED is its mechanical robustness and ease of manual assembly and prototyping, making it ideal for low-volume production, hobbyist projects, or applications requiring high reliability against vibration. SMD LEDs offer a smaller footprint and are better suited for automated, high-volume PCB assembly. The T-1 package also typically allows for higher maximum power dissipation than similarly sized SMD counterparts due to its longer leads acting as heat paths.
8.2 Key Design Considerations
- Current Limiting: Always use a series resistor. Calculate its value based on the power supply voltage (VCC), the LED's forward voltage range (VF), and the desired forward current (IF). Use the formula: R = (VCC - VF) / IF. Choose a resistor power rating accordingly.
- Brightness Matching: For applications requiring multiple identical-looking LEDs, specify the same intensity and wavelength bin codes from the manufacturer to ensure visual consistency.
- Viewing Angle: The 120-degree viewing angle is very wide. If a more directional beam is needed, a lens with a narrower viewing angle would be required.
- Long-Term Storage: Adhere to the storage guidelines to prevent moisture absorption, which could cause 'popcorning' (package cracking) during subsequent soldering.
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. |