North America

Avnet Expert to Keynote at 2008 LED Technology Investment Forum

Emma — Tue, 13 May 2008 03:20:10 +0000

According to Avent, Eskow is a twenty-seven-year Avnet veteran who holds two industry patents and will present On the Shoulders of Edison a view of the current state and future opportunities for solid-state lighting (SSL) using light emitting diode (LED) technology.

In one sense, we're all at the leading edge of the solid state lighting revolution, said Eskow. To date the impetus has been improved energy efficiency, but the true innovators will go beyond efficiency and leverage LED-based lighting's potential to positively impact the quality of life in many segments, ranging from improving a surgeon's acuity in the operating room to enhancing the visual appeal of merchandise by managing the color temperature of white light. The horizons for LED-based lighting are nearly limitless.

One-on-one discussions with investors will follow Eskow s address and the question and answer session.

New Industrial LCD Panels With Long-Life LED Backlighting Systems From Toshiba America Electronic Components

Emma — Tue, 13 May 2008 03:17:57 +0000

TFT LCD Modules Feature Replaceable LED Backlights, High Brightness and Low Power Consumption

Toshiba America Electronic Components, Inc., a committed industry leader that collaborates with customers to create breakthrough designs, today announced a new color active-matrix thin-film transistor (TFT) liquid crystal display (LCD) module product lineup for industrial applications that incorporates long-life light-emitting diode (LED) backlighting systems. Developed by Toshiba Matsushita Display Technology Co., Ltd. (TMD)**, the modules are designed to satisfy the requirements of a broad range of industrial applications, such as test and measuring equipment, medical equipment, portable handheld computing devices, and more, utilizing the latest LED backlighting technology.

The series includes five new LCD products: 5.7-inch QVGA 320 x 240, 6.5-inch VGA 640 x 480, 8.4-inch SVGA 800 x 600, 8.4-inch 1024 x 768, and 10.4-inch XGA 1024 x 768. All the products have replaceable, long-life, LED-based backlighting systems, and are designed such that a resistive touch panel can be added as an option.

"These new, leading-edge LED-backlit modules are an important addition to our line-up and address a growing demand in a wide variety of industrial LCD applications," said Sean Collins, vice president business development, Display Devices and Components Group, for TAEC. "TMD continues to demonstrate a long history and commitment to the industrial market by providing displays that feature high brightness, wide viewing angles, wide operating temperature ranges, and replaceable backlighting structures. The addition of these new LED long-life product will bring clear and further benefits to industrial system designers."

The LED-based backlighting systems provide an average backlight lifetime of 70,000 hours, or approximately 8 years continuous operation, (to half-brightness of the initial luminance specification), which exceeds that of today's common TFT LCDs for industrial applications utilizing long-life cold cathode fluorescent lamp (CCFL) backlighting systems. TMD has achieved this by applying long-life LEDs, and by optimizing the thermal design of the industrial-type LED-based backlighting system based on TMD's extensive experience in utilizing LED backlighting for mobile notebook PC TFT displays. The modules have been designed with a replaceable backlight structure to accommodate the product longevity requirements, and the harsh-usage environments, of industrial applications. In addition, TMD has added the LED driver circuitry into the electrical interface for the displays, an added benefit for customers to simplify their design-in time and costs.

Compared to CCFL backlit displays, LED-backlit displays feature superior characteristics such as lighter weight, lower electrical noise, lower power consumption, and offer a wider adjustable luminance range. LED-backlit displays also reduce the environmental impact, in consideration of both material and energy consumption, since they are mercury-free(1) and lower in power consumption. Also, the new LED-backlit displays do not require the high-voltage and high-frequency circuits required to control luminance in CCFL-backlit displays, thus enabling a higher level of flexibility in system design in terms of safety, electro-magnetic interference (EMI) compensation, and system architecture.

These newly developed products will be exhibited by TMD at the 11th Embedded Systems Technology Expo & Conference (ESEC), booth #EAST35-15, to be held at Tokyo Big Sight, Tokyo, Japan, May 14-16, 2008, and by Toshiba America Electronic Components at the 2008 Society for Information Display International Symposium, Seminar and Exhibition, booth #135, to be held at Los Angeles Convention Center in Los Angeles, CA, USA, May 20- 22, 2008.

LED rings in the IR spotlight

Emma — Mon, 12 May 2008 06:32:32 +0000

The OPA80 Series and OPA83 Series from Optek Technology are available in a variety of ring sizes and configurations, and feature an optional ambient light sensing device to minimise current consumption during high ambient light conditions "The OPA80 and OPA83 Series light rings were designed to easily illuminate a specific area with infra-red light", says Roland Chapa, Vice President of Optek Technology's Assemblies Business Unit

"With a variety of configurations and sizes, along with the option for reduced current consumption, the light rings are ideal for applications ranging from mood lighting to daylight security camera lighting".

Additional applications for the near-infra-red light rings include spot lighting, flash lighting and under-counter lighting.

The near-infra-red light ring series includes the OPA80 12V light ring with ambient light sensor; OPA81 12V light ring without sensor; OPA82 5V light ring with ambient light sensor; and OPA83 5V light ring without sensor.

LED quantities range from 10 to 24, depending on voltage rating and ring size.

LED types include surface mount devices, with a viewing angle of 100 degrees, as well as 3mm through-hole packages with viewing angles of 18 degrees.

The OPA80 and OPA83 Series light rings are available in either 850nm or 880nm centre wavelengths.

Typical forward voltage for each LED is 1.35V.

Reverse voltage per emitter is 2.0V, with a continuous forward current of 50mA and peak pulsed forward current of 1.0A at 1% duty cycle.

Operating temperature ranges from -40 to +85C.

Custom mounting, electrical, cabling and connectors are also available.

The light rings are RoHS-compliant.

Typical pricing for the OPA80 and OPA83 Series light rings starts at US $11.75 each in quantities of 1000.

Lead time, if stock is not available, is from 6 to 8 weeks

RGB-LED Development Board Includes Wireless Remote

Emma — Mon, 12 May 2008 06:25:26 +0000

Addressing the high level of interest in solid-state lighting, TPS62260LED LED develoipment board from Texas Inatruments enables lighting designers to develop and evaluate a variable-color RGB-LED lighting system using an RF lighting control for management of lighting intensity and color. The board combines three OSRAM high-brightness LEDs (red, green and blue) with an MSP430F2131 microcontroller to control the brightness of each LED using the output of three dedicated TPS62260 solid-state lighting drivers (SSLD).

The eZ430-RF2500 development tool plugs directly onto the board to allow designers to create a lighting network of RF-controlled lamps. The design module is also pin-compatible with TPS62240 buck converters for lower-current applications such as indoor ambient lighting and the TPS62290 for higher-current applications such as wall washing. The TPS62260LED board is available today at a suggested resale price of $19 and includes a populated and pre-programmed MSP430 microcontroller, plus board documentation. Additionally, the eZ430-RF2500 development tool can be ordered for $49.

Acuity inks LED pact with Lighting Science Group

Emma — Mon, 12 May 2008 03:36:53 +0000

Acuity Brands Lighting Inc. has forged a relationship with Dallas-based Lighting Science Group Corp. (OTC BB: LSCG) to develop and sell multiple light emitting diode (LED) lighting products.

The products will be added to the Acuity Brands Inc. (NYSE: AYI) unit's portfolio, which includes Lithonia Lighting, Holophane, Hydrel and Gotham. The products will be for architectural, commercial, industrial, and public infrastructure use.

"This alliance with Lighting Science Group allows Acuity Brands Lighting to enhance its existing LED portfolio using advanced technology," said Vernon J. Nagel, chairman, president, and CEO of Atlanta-based Acuity Brands. "We continue to seek out strong alliances to accelerate our ability to integrate advanced technologies, such as LED, into leading edge fixture design to serve specific customer needs. LSG's patented technology, experienced management team, and expertise in thermal management, driver design, and color control will give us a broader product offering for the growing LED market."

Acuity said LED light sources can sometimes surpass traditional technology in energy efficiency, fixture life, and environmental impact. LEDs consume up to 80 percent less energy than traditional incandescent sources and as much as 50 percent less energy than compact fluorescent lamps.

AXT to Present at the 2008 AmTech Research LED Technology Investment Conference

Emma — Mon, 12 May 2008 03:25:26 +0000

AXT, a manufacturer of compound semiconductor substrates, announced that Robert G. Ochrym, Vice President of Business Development, will present at the American Technology Research 2008 LED Technology Investment Forum at the New York Palace Hotel in New York, NY on Thursday, May 15th, at 9:30 a.m. ET.

Ochrym will address the requirements and outlook of gallium arsenide (GaAs) semi-conducting substrates for the LED industry.

A copy of his presentation is available on AXT's website, the company noted in a release.

TFT LCD modules feature replaceable LED backlights

Emma — Mon, 12 May 2008 03:21:46 +0000

It's reported that Toshiba America Electronic Components Inc. (TAEC) has rolled a new color active-matrix TFT-LCD module product lineup for industrial applications that incorporates long-life LED backlighting systems.

Developed by Toshiba Matsushita Display Technology Co. Ltd, the modules are designed to meet the requirements of a broad range of industrial applications, such as test and measurement equipment, medical equipment and portable handheld computing devices utilizing the latest LED backlighting technology.

The series includes five new LCD products: 5.7-inch QVGA 320 x 240, 6.5-inch VGA 640 x 480, 8.4-inch SVGA 800 x 600, 8.4-inch 1,024 x 768, and 10.4-inch XGA 1,024 x 768. All the products have replaceable, long-life, LED-based backlighting systems, and are designed such that a resistive touch panel can be added as an option.

The LED-based backlighting systems provide an average backlight lifetime of 70,000hrs, or 8 years of continuous operation, (to half-brightness of the initial luminance specification), which exceeds that of today's common TFT LCDs for industrial applications using long-life CCFL backlighting systems. TMD has achieved this by applying long-life LEDs, and by optimizing the thermal design of the industrial-type LED-based backlighting system based on TMD's extensive experience in using LED backlighting for mobile notebook PC TFT displays. The modules have been designed with a replaceable backlight structure to accommodate the product longevity requirements, and the harsh-usage environments, of industrial applications. In addition, TMD has added the LED driver circuitry into the electrical interface for the displays, an added benefit for customers to simplify their design-in time and costs.

Compared to CCFL backlit displays, LED-backlit displays feature superior characteristics such as lighter weight, lower electrical noise, lower power consumption, and offer a wider adjustable luminance range.LED-backlit displays also reduce the environmental impact, in consideration of both material and energy consumption, since they are mercury-free and lower in power consumption. Also, the new LED-backlit displays do not require the high-voltage and high-frequency circuits required to control luminance in CCFL-backlit displays, thus enabling a higher level of flexibility in system design in terms of safety, EMI compensation and system architecture.

Samples are now available. Information on pricing and scheduled mass production is available from TAEC.

Intematix Introduces Complete Line of Patented Chip on Ceramic LEDs and LED Arrays

Emma — Fri, 09 May 2008 09:30:44 +0000

Intematix Corp., a leading innovator in materials, phosphors, LED lighting components and integration services, today announced a broad expansion of its product offerings with the introduction of a complete line of patented "chip on ceramic" LEDs and LED arrays.

Available through its subsidiary, Intematix Technology Center (ITC) of Yang Mei, Taiwan, the new line of solid state lighting components leverages Intematix' recognized expertise in phosphor and material development to offer solid state lighting manufacturers and integrators reliable, high-efficiency LED components across a full range of color temperatures. Typical performance from an 8000K cool white production device is 80 lumens/watt, while warm white 3300K devices are delivering 70 lumens/watt from the packaged 1 watt devices.

Acquired in June 2007 ITC initially provided marketing and integration support for Intematix phosphors and other key components, including chips and silicones from strategic partners in the greater China market. With direct access to critical components, the center has provided LED packagers with the full compliment of materials necessary for rapid prototyping and deployment of any phosphor-based solid state lighting solution. Since that time, ITC has rapidly expanded its full service integration and production capabilities, and is now in volume production with a range of chip-on-ceramic and integrated light engines/modules to support the needs of solid state lighting system providers.

"There are hundreds luminaire manufacturers, from Tier I down, that are looking for both single-chip LEDs and arrays that can be specifically tailored to their fixtures and applications," says Intematix' Director of Lighting Business Development, Ilkan Cokgor. "These new patent-backed product lines successfully leverage Intematix' knowledge of phosphors, packaging materials, optics, and thermal management to simplify those lighting manufacturer's designs and accelerate their time to market."

Solid state lighting (SSL) offers the promise of a high-quality light source combined with efficiency levels that will soon surpass fluorescent fixtures in terms of overall cost of ownership. All forms of efficient lighting are receiving increased attention as more nations make conservation policies a key priority. Solid state lighting provides additional benefits since LEDs are mercury-free, RoHS compliant and boast substantially increased lifetimes when properly designed and integrated.

The new ITC product lines designated Apus and Cetus, are available now in volume production quantities. The Apus line of single chip packages offers high efficiency in a compact point source that ranges from only 3mm to 5mm square in size. It typically delivers up to 80lm/W at 1W for 5500K cool white and 70lm/W at 1W for 3300K warm white. When making use of Intematix' new red phosphor technology, coloring rendering is typically greater than 90, even at these high efficiency levels. The chip-array-on-ceramic Cetus line is available in configurations from 4 to hundreds of chips in series or parallel, as well as series/parallel combinations.

"The Cetus employs a unique cavity design. Each cavity is connected through LTCC ceramic substrates, allowing ITC to create any desired array configuration and still deliver an illumination profile with a pleasant, smooth and natural looking light," said Mr. Harik Su, ITC’s Vice President of Engineering, and inventor of the unique packaging design. "These arrays really combine the features lighting companies are looking for which are ease of design, tight binning, robust thermal management and a simplified and scalable power and area design." The Cetus line can be directly driven at common DC and AC voltages.

Future Lighting Solutions and NEC Electronics America Introduce Intelligent Constant High-Current Driver with Microcontroller

Emma — Fri, 09 May 2008 06:46:14 +0000

Future Lighting Solutions, a division of Future Electronics, Inc., with NEC Electronics America, Inc., today introduced the world’s first intelligent constant High-Current Driver (HCD) with microcontroller (MCU). The new HCD/LED MCU can be used in lighting applications that employ multiple LEDs, in addition to industrial control applications such as stepping motors, solenoid drives, and switch-mode power supplies.

“Future Lighting Solutions and NEC Electronics America have developed a ‘smart’ design approach to support the growing performance demands of LED lighting and other applications,” said Bart Ladd, General Manager, Account Development and Applications, NEC Electronics America. “We have combined NEC Electronics’ extensive experience in MCUs with Future Lighting Solutions’ power LED applications knowledge, to produce this new HCD/LED MCU. The solution offers higher integration and greater intelligence, and is supported with a robust design environment that helps designers bring products to market faster and more cost effectively.”

The new device combines an NEC Electronics’ 8-bit All Flash™ microcontroller with a four-channel HCD that helps reduce device size and system costs. This solution delivers efficient power management capability in street illumination, architecture, entertainment, emergency vehicle and display lighting systems.

“Customers will value the flexibility that the µPD78F8024 solution provides, such as providing output current support to drive the full range of our LUXEON® high-power LEDs,” said Patrick Durand, Worldwide Applications Manager for Future Lighting Solutions. “Engineers who want to maximize control, reliability and power savings for their solid-state lighting applications can also leverage this new MCU’s ability to dynamically change the average current for an LED by communicating with a temperature or ambient light sensor.”

The product’s high level of integration allows for a smaller number of external components to open up board space for other components. In addition to supporting a wide input voltage range from 9 to 38-volts, the flexible four-channel architecture also enables designs using both buck and boost regulator topologies.

The µPD78F8024 HCD/LED MCU is available in a 64-pin LQFP. Samples are available now, starting at US$3.50 per 1000 unit quantities1. Evaluation boards will be available in early May. For additional information, visit www.FutureLightingSolutions.com/NEC.

About Future Lighting Solutions

Future Lighting Solutions is a division of Future Electronics Inc., the 3rd largest electronic distributor in the world. We are focused on delivering world-class LUXEON® LEDs, technical solutions and commercial support that facilitate developing and manufacturing “never before possible” LUXEON LED based applications. Future Lighting Solutions brings customers unparalleled LED lighting knowledge, access to expert resources, full system solutions and global logistics support.

About NEC Electronics America, Inc.

NEC Electronics America, Inc., headquartered in Santa Clara, California, is a wholly owned subsidiary of NEC Electronics Corporation (TSE: 6723), a leading provider of semiconductor products encompassing advanced technology solutions for the broadband and communications markets; system solutions for the mobile, PC, automotive and digital consumer markets; and multi-market solutions for a wide range of consumer applications. NEC Electronics America offers local manufacturing in Roseville, California, and the global manufacturing capabilities of its parent company. In the Americas, NEC Electronics America markets and sells industrial-type active-matrix LCD modules from NEC LCD Technologies, Ltd., a global leader in innovative display technologies.

Pricing and availability are subject to change without notice. All Flash is a trademark or registered trademark of NEC Electronics Corporation.

Mitsubishi Electric Supplies 11 More Diamond Vision(TM) LED Scoreboards to PGA TOUR

Emma — Wed, 07 May 2008 05:08:40 +0000

Mitsubishi Electric, the Official High-Definition Television and the Official Large Outdoor Video Display Provider of the PGA TOUR, is supplying 11 additional state-of-the-art Diamond Vision(TM: 105.66, +0.54, +0.51%) LED high-definition scoreboards for PGA TOUR events. This completes the TOUR's initiative to upgrade the scoreboard technology to provide a better on-site experience for fans.

The Diamond Vision(TM: 105.66, +0.54, +0.51%) LED boards debuted at THE PLAYERS Championship in May 2007, providing an array of new player and course information tied to the TOUR's ShotLink real-time scoring system as well as a variety of videos. The 22 boards at THE PLAYERS were then divided into two traveling sets of 11 and were phased in at subsequent tournaments.

"The feedback we've received about the first set of scoreboards was tremendous," said Tom Wade, chief marketing officer for the PGA TOUR, referring to the original Diamond Vision(TM: 105.66, +0.54, +0.51%) scoreboards. "We originally planned to have 11 boards on the course, but they have been so popular that we're putting one at almost every hole."

The Diamond Vision(TM: 105.66, +0.54, +0.51%) scoreboards bring a new level of interaction and excitement to PGA TOUR tournaments. Thanks to the full-color capabilities of the Mitsubishi Electric scoreboards, fans are treated to animations, personal player profiles including images and action shots, and broadcast-quality graphics just as crisp and brilliant as those seen on Diamond Vision(TM: 105.66, +0.54, +0.51%) stadium and arena displays.

"We are always looking for ways to enhance the spectator experience at our tournaments, and the Mitsubishi Electric scoreboards have become a very important element of this initiative," Wade said. "Not only are we extremely pleased with what we already have been able to provide the fans through the scoreboards, we are excited about developing compelling new elements that we can include. The addition of these 11 scoreboards will further our efforts to inform fans about our players and the competition."

About Mitsubishi Electric

Mitsubishi Electric's US operations include nearly a dozen companies that manufacture and market an extensive line of commercial, industrial and consumer electronics products. These include elevators and escalators; heating and air conditioning systems; semiconductor devices; high-definition televisions, home theater and display devices; large-scale data walls and stadium displays; automotive components, electronics and entertainment systems; factory automation equipment, power products, solar panels and other items.