high-voltage LEDs to mid-power Luxeon line

Philips Lumileds has announced the Luxeon 3535 HV LED loved ones that, since the model suffix implies, operate from greater voltages -- 24V and 48V versions are available. The greater forward voltage simplifies driver layout due to the fact the voltage drop in the AC line energy is much less than in standard low-voltage LEDs, and also the lesser distinction can result in superior efficacy.


With all the new LEDs, Lumileds is targeting what it terms space-constrained, solid-state lighting (SSL) applications which include retrofit lamps, downlights, and wall-mounted luminaires such as sconces. Lumileds products manager Michael Howley said, "We're getting that manufacturers of wall packs, wall sconces, and pendants in many distinctive areas with the world are keen on high-voltage LED technological innovation and the style simplicity it affords."


The advantages of a large forward voltage are manifested directly in driver component count, in line with Lumileds. "The advantage of designing in high-voltage LEDs is the fact that they use drivers containing on average less than twenty parts, relative to conventional LED drivers that will include up to 50 components," said Howley. "As a end result, the total BOM price can be lowered as well as the volume of stock they will need to carry to layout the driver is minimized."


The brand new mid-power LEDs do trail the latest high-power LEDs when it comes to efficacy. At a 4000K CCT, efficacy tops out at 125 lm/W for that 24V model when driven at 20 mA and characterized at a 25￠XC junction temperature. Individuals disorders yield an output of 120 lm, as well as LEDs supply CRI of 80 throughout the board.


Lumileds only entered the mid-power LED room focusing on general lighting applications last year. The firm announced the 3535 2D family, as an example, final May well. The business now intends to broaden its position in what it considers a fast-growing segment. Certainly, in an interview final October, CEO Pierre Yves Lesaicherre foreshadowed a broader mid-power relatives around the way.


Some marketplace players have questioned the dependability of mid-power devices, specifically in applications such as downlights or retrofit lamps in which temperatures get rather large. Indeed, we've a characteristic post authored by Cree that specifics some reliability troubles with mid-power units. Primarily the article queries the dependability of plastic LED packages.


Due to the fact getting into the mid-power marketplace, nevertheless, Lumileds has insisted that it would apply technological innovation gleaned from its high-power LEDs on the lower-cost products. The business has yet to reveal particulars of how the brand new LEDs are packaged or constructed. But Rahul Bammi, vice president of advertising and marketing at Lumileds, said, "Lumileds' intended objective is identical reliability for mid-power and high-power LEDS."



Lumileds explained that it is actually giving LM-80 lumen servicing data for its mid-power LEDs that would give backing for long-life claims. In addition, the enterprise mentioned the new LEDs are being made available that has a decision of 3- or 5-step MacAdam ellipse color bins -- shade uniformity prevalent to discrete high-power LEDs.