White Paper | Technology | Mar 30, 2015

TRIAC Dimmable, Isolated LED Driver with High Power Factor Needs No Opto-Isolators

As environmental concerns over traditional lighting in-crease and the price of LEDs decreases, high power LEDs are fast becoming a popular lighting solution for offline applications. In order to meet the requirements of offline lighting - such as high power factor, high efficiency, isolation and TRIAC dimmer compatibility - prior LED drivers used many external discrete components, resulting in cumbersome solutions. By Wei Gu Applications Engineering Section Leader at Linear Technology demonstrates how new solutions reduce complexity while improving performance. Read more »

Resources | White Papers | Light Sources | Engineering | Simulation Tools

WHITE PAPER: "Accurate LED Source Modeling Using TracePro"

Modern optical modeling programs allow product design engineers to create, analyze, and optimize LED sources and LED optical systems as a virtual prototype prior to manufacturing the actual product. The precision of these virtual models depends on accurately representing the components that make up the model, including the light source. Read more »

Resources | White Papers | Thermal Management

WHITE PAPER: "High Intensity UV LED Sources Enabled by Next Generation Substrates"

Thermal management of high-power UV LEDs is substantially more demanding than for white LEDs. This arises due to their lower efficacy combined with the end use requirement for intense light sources. Critical to the thermal management of densely packed LED arrays is the substrate the semiconductors are mounted on. This whitepaper investigates how next generation Nanoceramic substrates can benefit the LED industry and presents a case study of a 75W UV LED module, just 2cm². Read more »

Simulation Tools | Engineering | White Papers | Optics + Opt. Materials | Resources

WHITE PAPER: "LED Reflector and Lens Simulation using TracePro® Illumination Design and Analysis Software"

TracePro® allows users to design, analyze, and optimize LED lighting systems using software simulation prior to building hardware. The resultant accuracy of these models depends on the accuracy of the components that make up the model. These include light source characteristics, surface and material properties, and model geometry. Read more »

White Paper | Technology | Feb 17, 2015

The Future of More Efficient LEDs and Lasers Probably Starts in 2D

The future of electronics could lie in a material from its past, as researchers from The Ohio State University work to turn germanium - the material of 1940s transistors - into a potential replacement for silicon. Read more »

White Paper | Technology | Feb 16, 2015

Osram Improves Efficiency of Blue LED Chips by Reducing Forward Voltage

Osram Opto Semiconductors has achieved one of the best values in the world in terms of forward voltage for blue high-current chips. This has led to an increase in efficiency of up to eight percent. Optimized InGaN chips (Indium-Gallium-Nitride) featuring UX:3 chip technology are the basis for blue or white LEDs – and are already used in production. Osram experts also see considerable potential for reducing the value by a further 20 to 30 millivolts (mV) by the summer of 2015 – offering a further boost in efficiency. Read more »

White Paper | Technology | Feb 05, 2015

Universities Develop Novel LEDs by Band-Structure Engineering in van der Waals Heterostructures

Semi-transparent, flexible electronics are no longer just science-fiction thanks to graphene’s unique properties, University of Manchester researchers have found. Published in the scientific journal Nature Materials, University of Manchester and University of Sheffield researchers show that new 2D ‘designer materials’ can be produced to create flexible, see-through and more efficient electronic devices including semi-transparent LEDs. Read more »

Fundings + Projects | White Paper | Jan 15, 2015

Holst Centre and Flex-o-Fab Take the First Step Towards "Lighting by the Mile"

Researchers from the EU-funded Flex-o-Fab project have successfully fabricated working OLED devices on a flexible barrier layer produced in a roll-to-roll (R2R) process. Produced on a PET plastic film, this breakthrough is a significant first step towards taking flexible OLEDs ‘from lab to fab’ and hence to commercial production. It draws on technical developments achieved within both Flex-o-Fab and Holst Centre’s joint research program into high-performance flexible barriers for organic electronics. Read more »

White Paper | Technology | Jan 15, 2015

Ending the Invisible Threat - Confronting the LED Flickering Issue

One of the topics in 2014 International LIGHTFAIR DOE training was “SSL Flicker Fundamentals and Why We Care“ (Michael Poplawski and Naomi Miller 2014),this reignited the industry’s discussion on light modulation. This topic was already raised by ASSIST earlier, where research on human’s level of tolerance to high-frequency flickers have been done and published in several lighting magazines by Rebekah Mullaney, hoping to encourage LED manufacturers and distributors to put more emphasis on finding a permanent solution that is more suitable for people’s well-being. - Andy Fei and Nina Chen from ALT-LED summarize these flicker research results and explain how to avoid flicker issues. Read more »

White Paper | Technology | Jan 09, 2015

Compute Simulation Sheds Light On Why Blue LEDs Are So Tricky To Make

Researchers in our Department of Chemistry have collaborated with groups at University College London (UCL) and Daresbury to uncover the mystery of why blue light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are so difficult to make, by revealing the complex properties of their main component – gallium nitride – using sophisticated computer simulations. Read more »

White Paper | Technology | Jan 09, 2015

LpS 2014 Scientific Award Winner Article: New Binning Strategy for White LEDs

After having recognized the deficiencies of the ANSI binning strategy, which is based on the visually false magnification of MacAdam’s ellipses, Dr. Peter Bodrogi and Prof. Tran Quoc Khanh from the Technical University Darmstadt propose a new binning strategy based on a so-called semantic interpretation to describe and easily communicate the magnitude of acceptable chromaticity differences. Read more »

White Paper | Standardization + Regulation | Dec 11, 2014

Zhaga Consortium Starts Work on New Specification for COB LED Arrays

In response to feedback from a broad range of stakeholders, the Zhaga Consortium, which develops specifications for interchangeable LED light sources, is now working on a new Book that will include Chip-on-Board (COB) LED arrays. The new Zhaga Book will specify a family of six rectangular or square LED modules with different dimensions. Read more »

White Paper | Technology | Nov 21, 2014

Thermoresponsive PDLC Coating for Smart CCT-Tunable LED Applications

When the 2014 Nobel Prize in physics was awarded this October to three Japanese-born scientists for the invention of blue light emitting diodes (LEDs), the prize committee declared LED lamps would light the 21st century. Now researchers from the Netherlands propose a novel way to ensure the lights of the future not only are energy efficient but also emit a cozy warmth. Cornelissen and his colleagues from the Eindhoven University of Technology, Netherlands describe their new LEDs in a paper published in The Optical Society's (OSA) open-access journal Optics Express. Read more »

White Paper | Technology | Aug 28, 2014

Osram Opto Demonstrates "3D nano LEDs" for White Light and Sees Series Maturity in Coming Years

By making use of nanotechnology, Osram hopes to produce significantly more LED chips with its existing production plant. Osram researchers have for the first time succeeded in manufacturing a so-called "3D nano LED" for white light. The productivity boost is possible due to the special surface characteristics of the LED chip – in contrast to today's standard models, this is not smooth but consists of many adjacent, microscopically small columns with a three-dimensional structure, thus increasing its light-generating area. The new technology is expected to achieve series maturity in coming years, and Osram would then be one of the first companies to use this technology. Read more »

White Paper | IP, Reports & Roadmaps | May 22, 2014

Yole Releases New Nanowire LED IP Study - Startups Compete with Asian LED Giants in the IP Landscape

Asian giants Samsung, Panasonic and LG are the top three patent assignees for Nanowire LED technology. Facing them are several startups including glo, Aledia and Ecospark, which between them have raised more than $150M - thus confirming their serious interest in this field. However, these newcomers face strong technological challenges. Read more »

White Paper | IP, Reports & Roadmaps | Apr 23, 2014

GaN-on-Silicon Substrate Patent Investigation - Knowmade & Yole See More Players on the Playground

GaN-on-Si technology appeared naturally as an alternative to GaN-on-Sapphire—the main stream technology for LED applications. Today, despite potential cost benefits, the mass adoption of GaN-on-Si technology for LED applications remains unclear. Most major LED makers have a patenting activity related to GaN-on-Si technology, but so far, few have made it the core of their strategy and technology roadmap. Contrary to the LED industry, we expect GaN-on-Si to be widely adopted by Power Electronics and RF applications because of its lower cost and CMOS compatibility. Read more »

White Paper | Standardization + Regulation | Apr 09, 2014

EEPCA & LightingEurope Announce ENEC+ - The First European Mark That Certifies the Initial Performance of LEDs and Other Luminaires

EEPCA, the European Electrical Products Certification Association, in cooperation with LightingEurope, today announced the launch of ENEC+, the first pan-European mark capable of certifying the initial performance of traditional and LED luminaires. The new performance rating provides the market with certification as to the compliance of LED light fixtures and other luminaires, proving compliance with European safety standards and ensuring the reliability of their stated performance characteristics at the beginning of their life cycle. Read more »

White Paper | Standardization + Regulation | Apr 08, 2014

Zhaga Starts Work on New Books

The Zhaga Consortium, a global lighting-industry organization that is enabling interchangeable LED light engines, has started the development of three new interface specifications, known as Books. The new Books are designated numbers 9, 10 and 11. Read more »

White Paper | IP, Reports & Roadmaps | Mar 20, 2014

Yole Développement's GaN-on-Si Report Forecasts Future of power Electronics and LEDs

Yole Développement releases this week the GaN-on-Si Substrate Technology and Market for LED and Power Electronics report. Under this report, Yole Développement reviews the GaN-on-Si technology growth, challenges and solutions. Dr Hong Lin and Dr Eric Virey, Yole Développement’s analysts give an overview of GaN-on-Si epiwafer playground. This report also provides an in-depth analysis of the GaN-on-Si technology for LED and power electronic applications, including technology and cost aspect. Yole Développement’s analysts, both develop possible business models for the adoption of GaN-on-Si technology. GaN-on-Si substrate technology and market for LED and Power Electronics report also includes market volume and revenue forecast to 2020. Read more »

White Paper | Standardization + Regulation | Mar 17, 2014

Zhaga Aims to Enable Independent Interchangeability of LED Modules and Drivers

The Zhaga Consortium, which develops specifications for interchangeable LED light engines, has decided that it will also aim to enable LED modules and drivers that are independently interchangeable. This is in addition to Zhaga’s stated aim to enable interchangeability of LED light engines. Read more »

White Paper | Technology | Mar 14, 2014

Quantum Materials Secures Los Alamos Thick-Shell Quantum Dot Technology to Increase Brightness

Quantum Materials Corporation and Los Alamos National Laboratory's today announce Quantum Materials optioning Thick-Shell 'Giant' Quantum Dot patented technology with the potential of 10 to 100-fold improvement in solid-state brightness over conventional nanocrystal quantum dots (QD). High brightness leads to efficient use of materials and increased performance in electronic displays and solid state (LED) lighting. Read more »

Fundings + Projects | White Paper | Feb 13, 2014

New Research Initiative: LASSIE-FP7 To Develop LED-Based Modules for Professional and Architectural Lighting

CSEM announces the launch of LASSIE-FP7, a research project funded by the European Commission to develop a unique integrated solid-state module that will constitute a breakthrough in professional and architectural lighting. Read more »

Fundings + Projects | White Paper | Feb 11, 2014

CPI Manufactures Flexible OLED Lighting Demonstrators

The Centre for Process Innovation (CPI) has produced a range of flexible Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) demonstrators. Manufactured on CPI’s OLED/OPV Prototyping Line, the devices have been built on a range of substrates with thickness ranging from 50µm to 125µm. The device structure consists of an Indium Tin Oxide anode, evaporated hole injection layer, co-evaporated emissive layer and a conventional cathode. The device chemistry can be modified to produce a variety of colours and is encapsulated using a pressure sensitive adhesive and a commercially available barrier material. Read more »

White Paper | Products, Materials + Tools | Feb 11, 2014

WHITE PAPER: "LED Reflector and Lens Simulation using TracePro® Illumination Design and Analysis Software"

TracePro® is award-winning opto-mechanical design software for layout, optimization, & analysis of illumination systems. This white paper illustrates how TracePro allows users to begin a project with an initial or basic design for LED lighting systems, use software simulation prior to building hardware, and easily create complex reflector shapes. TracePro’s reflector and lens simulation utilities are specifically designed to help CAD designers without traditional optical engineering expertise design LED optical components quickly. Read more »

Simulation Tools | Engineering | White Papers | Optics + Opt. Materials | Resources

WHITE PAPER: "Optimization of LED Lens Components using TracePro® Illumination Design and Analysis Software"

TracePro® is award-winning opto-mechanical design software for layout, optimization, & analysis of illumination systems. This white paper illustrates how TracePro’s 2D & 3D optimization utilities are designed to help CAD designers without optical engineering expertise design a variety of LED optical components – including practical examples. The capabilities of TracePro lead the designer through a process to maximize the technical merits of the device/system in the shortest amount of time. Read more »

White Paper | Technology

WHITE PAPER: Intelligent Over Temperature Protection for LED Lighting Applications

LED lighting is becoming increasingly popular. It offers numerous advantages over conventional lighting, but there are still some issues. One is thermal management. Bernd Pflaum and Hakan Yilmazer from Infineon Technologies explain how LED driver ICs with smart over temperature protection help to increase lifetime and optimize system costs of LED lighting systems. Read more »

White Paper | Technology | Jan 24, 2014

Cree Sets New Efficiency Benchmark with First 200 lpw LED Luminaire Prototype

Cree, Inc. raises the performance bar again with the demonstration of the first 200 lumen-per-watt (LPW) LED concept luminaire, which is more than twice the efficiency of the best linear fluorescent luminaires. The latest Department of Energy (DoE) projections* had estimated that this level of luminaire efficiency would not occur until after 2020, but Cree’s latest innovation has made this possible six years sooner than projected. The prototype leverages Cree’s vertical integration with innovations in LED chips, optics, materials technology and novel system design to deliver unprecedented performance. Read more »

White Paper | Technology | Dec 11, 2013

The Right Choice of Current-Limiting Resistors for Constant Voltage LED Drivers

While LEDs are mostly driven by current sources, there are also several applications where constant voltage drivers are used. In that case current limiting resistors are mandatory. But that raises the question which resistor is the right one to guarantee reliable and accurate control while not compromising efficiency. Phil Ebbert, VP of Engineering at Riedon Inc. explains what to take care of and how to determine the correct parameters. Read more »

White Paper | Lighting Applications | Dec 06, 2013

LED Lighting Masters the Art of In-Flight Calm on Airbus A380s and Boeing 787s

Aboard a state-of-the-art aircraft might be the last place you would think of yourself enjoying a warm “candlelit” dinner, followed by a good night’s sleep under a starry night sky. The truth is, the latest aircraft cabins seek to provide just that – a revolutionary in-flight experience through the use of mood lighting. Mood lighting uses the full spectrum of colors and the ability to change these colors continuously with LEDs to mimic or enhance a sunrise morning or a bright, fresh afternoon or a cool evening that winds down the day. These lighting effects even seek to reduce your likelihood of jetlag. LED lighting programs can be specifically designed to gradually shift your waking and sleeping biorhythms to match that of your destination city. Read more »

White Paper | Standardization + Regulation | Dec 03, 2013

The Connected Lighting Alliance Extends Scope to Indoor Professional Lighting

Following its endorsement of ZigBee Light Link as the preferred common open standard for residential connected lighting applications, The Connected Lighting Alliance announced today the launch of a new initiative focused on the indoor professional lighting market. The Alliance will analyze market requirements for indoor professional lighting applications and identify standard development organizations to engage with. As an open association, the Alliance invites interested companies to join the industry initiative and share their expertise in this field. The contribution of multiple companies in the lighting industry will greatly benefit the global adoption of wireless lighting solutions. Read more »