Light emitting diodes
VISHAY Intertechnologies, represented in Australia by Soanar , produces light emitting diodes as part of its optoelectronics product offering.
LEDs are being used for taillights, high-mounted brake lights, and side markers.
LEDs are semiconductor devices that convert current directly into light. They measure only 1mm across and have low energy consumption, operational lifetimes of over 100,000 hours, and the ability to withstand vibration.
Vishay’s first products were red GaAsP (Gallium Arsenide Phosphide) LEDs, with a diameter of 5mm, requiring a forward current of 20mA and delivering 1mcd of luminous intensity. Today its products are available in a wide range of form factors, including leaded 3mm and 5mm, the PLC2/3/4 SMT, the MiniLED (measuring 2.2mm x 1.4mm x 1.2mm), and the TELUX LED. A full range of colours is available in almost every package, with brightness levels of up to 25cd.
The maximum available brightness of LEDs has doubled every year over the past five years, which has helped to open up a whole range of new applications for these products. LEDs are used for flashlights or even as a substitute for halogen lamps.
Advances in LED technology have done more than just make these colours brighter. They've also allowed the creation of blue and white LEDs. Applications for LEDs are expanding to replace regular light bulbs for illumination. Ultra-bright LEDs are visible in bright sunlight and can be used in outdoor applications like score boards, video walls, traffic lights, billboards and orientation lighting.
While conventional GaAs (Gallium Arsenide) LEDs were used for automotive interiors, AllnGaP (Aluminium Indium Gallium Arsenide Phosphate) technology is being used for such automotive applications as taillights, high-mounted brake lights, and side markers. For example, the Volkswagen Phaeton uses more than 150 LEDs in these areas.
23-Sep-2004