Monday, December 28, 2015

Silent LED Message Center Killers: Heat

Heat kills LEDs. The death knell of a typical Red-Green-Blue (RGB) full color LED display is seen in depreciated light quality, poor color quality and eventually a dim, dying sign. Typical lights dissipate heat by radiating the heat outward from the source. LEDs unfortunately hold the heat in and high temperature slowly breaks down the components causing a multitude of problems. Red LEDs burn out faster and this is usually seen on a message center when  “clean white” turns to a bluish hue because of the lack of strong Red LED components.

Thermal (heat) management is critical to the longevity and continued high-level of performance for a message center. Manufacturers tend to deal with thermal management in a variety of ways:


  • Heat sinks (metal spread out and “finned” to allow for heat to draw away from the LED and let passive/active airflow over the fins dissipate heat buildup
  • MCPCB (Metal Core Printed Circuit Board) – a rare option due to increased expense
  • Separation – a popular method, LEDs are separated from the circuit board using longer “legs” which allows for air flow to draw heat from the LED through the extended legs, unfortunately proper placement/setting of LEDs is difficult and can result in bad contacts which leave “dead pixels” on a sign.


All the above methods serve to draw heat away from the LED source thus keeping the LED relatively cool and ensuring the highest performance and longest life possible. With this in mind, here are LED killers to watch for on an LED module (also known as a driver/board):

1.    ANY type of heavy/dark silicone coating on the back of an LED PCB (Printed Circuit Board: Silicone coatings have the benefit of reducing exposure to condensation which can oxidize metals, but it’s better to use a light conformal PCB coating. Heavy silicone coatings trap heat and don’t leave any place for the heat to be drawn away. Be wary of modules with “heat sinks” as the heat sinks often don’t have trace leads (metal pathways from the LED to the heat sink) and thus do not work to reduce heat on the overall module.


2.    LEDs which have no louvered (shaded) protection: the louvers on a face plate for an LED module act like an umbrella at the beach. They serve a dual purpose of allowing LEDs to shine their brightest in daylight conditions while also giving them some protection from direct overhead sun  exposure. If you see a face plate with exposed silicone, be especially wary. The silicone acts as a sealant to protect the LED Injection Modules face from weather elements, but an exposed silicone coating is prone to UV (Ultra Violet) solar radiation which will crack the sealant and cause eventual exposure to the elements which will kill the module over time.

3.    led sign modules which are “fully enclosed” from the rear: Picture a medieval knight in full armor standing in the summer sun, that knight is likely more than a little warm. While the rear seal plating looks great on an led sign module and it sounds good to have a “waterproof” LED module, the plating doesn’t ultimately protect the LED, it harms the LEDs in a module because heat has no source to vent off to. If the manufacturer is using a rear-face module, have them show you a cutaway or internal view to see how they’re drawing heat to the back plate. If they aren’t drawing heat from the LEDs to the back plate, they’re slowly killing your sign.

Wednesday, December 23, 2015

Xicato puts people in the spotlight with Beauty Series LED modules

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New formulation brings out the natural and subtle beauty of human skin tones.

SAN JOSE, Calif. – Xicato, a leading manufacturer of intelligent light sources, announces the immediate availability of new commercial LED modules that make people look good – and feel good about how they look. The Beauty Series was developed in partnership with leading lighting designers and cosmetology professionals, who were looking for a light source that is more effective at helping customers match cosmetic foundations to skin tones at cosmetics counters. The new product was not only superior in comparing skin tones, but people preferred how they looked. And when customers looked better, they felt better and more confident, which is desirable in many applications other than the cosmetics counter.

Interested in more articles & announcements on LEDs & sources?

“So often, as lighting designers, we are looking for lighting that enhances the beauty of materials or objects, such as wood, brick, jewelry or tomatoes,” said Claire Hamill, lighting designer at Nulty+. “This is the first time we have looked at people as our primary subject. Accurate and flattering rendering of skin tones is a difficult challenge, because skin is such a rich and complex palette, consisting of many subtle shades. Our studies show that people feel good when they look good, and Beauty Series does this while also providing the clarity and enhanced contrast that facilitates color matching.”

The Beauty Series of LED modules was developed to support a collaborative study between University College London, Nulty+, Xicato, and a leading global cosmetics brand, and is backed by in-depth research and real-world trials. The object of the study was to get good color matching between cosmetic foundations and skin color, in order to improve customer satisfaction and reduce product returns. Returns are a problem not only for brand retailers, but also for department store owners, since the cosmetics concession typically takes in more revenue than all the other departments. Reducing returns from 10% to 5%, for example, would have a huge impact on profitability.

The trials – designed, implemented and analyzed by the University College London – tested a wide range of light sources with different spectral characteristics, including CCT, CRI, color balance and gamut. Consumers were placed in isolated areas with each light source, and surveyed as to how they felt, how they looked, which of three consultant-chosen shades best matched their skin, whether the product appealed to them, whether they would buy the product, etc. Xicato Beauty Series LED modules were developed over the course of the study to produce the best balance between beautiful, natural skin tones and color discrimination. On average, twice as many people in the study reported that their skin looked good, and that they felt good, under Beauty Series light, and 15% more people reported that foundation matched and appealed to their skin.

Managers and customers in cosmetics stores in which Beauty Series is installed have commented on how soft and natural the light feels, while at the same time making it easier to choose and apply makeup. There is no longer the need to accommodate workstations near windows or to walk outside for an accurate impression of makeup on skin.

“With our participation in independent application specific research, we were able to create a new formula, distinct from our Artist, Vibrant V80 and V95, and Standard Series products,” said Roger Sexton, VP of Specifier Service at Xicato. “Our Corrected Cold Phosphor Technology® gives us a unique ability to create a very precise spectral power distribution and achieve targeted illumination effects that meet the specific requirements of the application. Xicato guarantees unmatched color accuracy, and that the lit effect is consistent for many years. No other vendor has done this.”

Beauty Series is available today in Xicato’s XTM LED modules, with 19mm light emitting surface, and 1300 lumen and 2000 lumen output models. Lighting designers and system manufacturers should contact Xicato or their local distributors for samples and detailed information.
- See more at: http://www.ledtendency.com/industry/179.html#sthash.MS7uF5vf.dpuf

Xicato puts people in the spotlight with Beauty Series LED modules

f12e350b771c8c60a53b713d9e9ed201.jpg
New formulation brings out the natural and subtle beauty of human skin tones.

SAN JOSE, Calif. – Xicato, a leading manufacturer of intelligent light sources, announces the immediate availability of new commercial LED modules that make people look good – and feel good about how they look. The Beauty Series was developed in partnership with leading lighting designers and cosmetology professionals, who were looking for a light source that is more effective at helping customers match cosmetic foundations to skin tones at cosmetics counters. The new product was not only superior in comparing skin tones, but people preferred how they looked. And when customers looked better, they felt better and more confident, which is desirable in many applications other than the cosmetics counter.

Interested in more articles & announcements on LEDs & sources?

“So often, as lighting designers, we are looking for lighting that enhances the beauty of materials or objects, such as wood, brick, jewelry or tomatoes,” said Claire Hamill, lighting designer at Nulty+. “This is the first time we have looked at people as our primary subject. Accurate and flattering rendering of skin tones is a difficult challenge, because skin is such a rich and complex palette, consisting of many subtle shades. Our studies show that people feel good when they look good, and Beauty Series does this while also providing the clarity and enhanced contrast that facilitates color matching.”

The Beauty Series of LED modules was developed to support a collaborative study between University College London, Nulty+, Xicato, and a leading global cosmetics brand, and is backed by in-depth research and real-world trials. The object of the study was to get good color matching between cosmetic foundations and skin color, in order to improve customer satisfaction and reduce product returns. Returns are a problem not only for brand retailers, but also for department store owners, since the cosmetics concession typically takes in more revenue than all the other departments. Reducing returns from 10% to 5%, for example, would have a huge impact on profitability.

The trials – designed, implemented and analyzed by the University College London – tested a wide range of light sources with different spectral characteristics, including CCT, CRI, color balance and gamut. Consumers were placed in isolated areas with each light source, and surveyed as to how they felt, how they looked, which of three consultant-chosen shades best matched their skin, whether the product appealed to them, whether they would buy the product, etc. Xicato Beauty Series LED modules were developed over the course of the study to produce the best balance between beautiful, natural skin tones and color discrimination. On average, twice as many people in the study reported that their skin looked good, and that they felt good, under Beauty Series light, and 15% more people reported that foundation matched and appealed to their skin.

Managers and customers in cosmetics stores in which Beauty Series is installed have commented on how soft and natural the light feels, while at the same time making it easier to choose and apply makeup. There is no longer the need to accommodate workstations near windows or to walk outside for an accurate impression of makeup on skin.

“With our participation in independent application specific research, we were able to create a new formula, distinct from our Artist, Vibrant V80 and V95, and Standard Series products,” said Roger Sexton, VP of Specifier Service at Xicato. “Our Corrected Cold Phosphor Technology® gives us a unique ability to create a very precise spectral power distribution and achieve targeted illumination effects that meet the specific requirements of the application. Xicato guarantees unmatched color accuracy, and that the lit effect is consistent for many years. No other vendor has done this.”

Beauty Series is available today in Xicato’s XTM LED modules, with 19mm light emitting surface, and 1300 lumen and 2000 lumen output models. Lighting designers and system manufacturers should contact Xicato or their local distributors for samples and detailed information.
- See more at: http://www.ledtendency.com/industry/179.html#sthash.MS7uF5vf.dpuf

Sunday, December 20, 2015

Classification of LED module

Standard classification methods of LED module : According to color ,it can be divided into single color、RGB and full color single point control ; single color means single lighting color module,usually red,green,yellow,white and so on usually colors ; RGB LED module is made up of seven different colors and changes during those 7 colors ,it has more colors and more changeable ; Comparing with RGB color module,the full color module is more colorful,it can realize the real “color changes”,not only include beautifulness,but also dynamic and more atractive.

According to single LED power,it can be divided into low power (below 0.3W),medium power ( 0.3-0.5W ),high power ( 1W and above ).high power module has higher brightness than low power ones ,as well as longer lifespan,it will be the development direction of LED lighting and will be more practical.

According to leakproofness,it also can be divided into waterproof and non-waterproof items.It is mainly depends on the application environment .,usually waterproof module was applied in outdoor lighting and publicity used ,it will not caused problem by water entered,your better choice for bad weather condition.For non-waterproof ,it mainly used in indoor place .Surely ,waterproof modules will be higher in price than non-waterproof ones.

Based on shape of LED,it can be divided into :DIP LED module,LED piranha module,SMD LED module.
- See more at: http://www.ledmodules.net/news/Industry/Classification-of-led-module.html#sthash.6ob4r5of.dpuf

Sunday, December 13, 2015

LED modules advance in performance, standardization questions persist (MAGAZINE)

Many of the largest names in the LED industry now offer modular light engines, alongside specialty vendors that have nurtured the segment. In many cases, simplicity of system design drives solid-state lighting (SSL) manufacturers to utilize modules. But the module makers believe that the technology can also deliver superior performance, especially in areas such as color consistency. The unanswered question in the segment is whether the Zhaga Consortium standards will enable the vision of standardized interchangeable light engines that deliver benefits from the supply chain to field service/upgrade of luminaires.

SSL manufacturers face a shortlist of questions when considering whether to use a modular light engine in a product or to design their own light engine. If the module route is chosen, the development team must then decide whether to buy a module with an integrated driver, choose a separate off-the-shelf modular driver, or design their own. The other decision points include criteria such as modules that use phosphor-converted white LEDs or modules with blue-pump LEDs and remote-phosphor optics. And the last decision point is whether standardization and Zhaga are beneficial to the project. This article will discuss all of those questions.
First, let's address what qualifies as a module or modular light engine. The list includes products ranging from a circuit board with LEDs installed to more finished modules in an enclosure of some type. Modules are available for products ranging from streetlights to ceiling troffers to track heads and more. Modules can require tools and fasteners to attach into a fixture or in cases can be snapped or twisted into place.

Why modules?

Traditionally, modules have been thought of as a way to develop products faster in the electronics industry, whether the application at hand was a computer or an LED-based luminaire. In the SSL segment, larger Tier 1 companies have tended to design their own light engines for each product, whereas smaller companies were more likely to choose a module to hasten the development process.

The projected demand and cost of a product also comes into play. Paul Scheidt, product marketing manager at Cree, describes how that company offers customers three levels of engagement at the luminaire design level. When a company isn't sure a project can justify a custom design, Scheidt said that a module is a good option that reduces engineering cost upfront but might result in a slightly higher bill of materials (BOM) in the production phase.

Chip-on-board (COB) LEDs are easier to design into a custom light engine than individual emitters, according to Scheidt, and fall into a middle ground in terms of functionality and cost. Scheidt said that individual emitters properly applied generally perform the best, and in high-volume luminaire production they have the lowest BOM but the highest upfront engineering costs. Ironically, some people have the mistaken idea that COB LEDs produce more uniform light than individual emitters. While it's true that COB LEDs are easier to work with, you can better control the light with smaller sources when a product is designed properly.

GE Lighting reports that customers of its Infusion modules follow the traditional thinking thus far. John Koster, product manager for LED modules, said that Tier 1 customers generally find a module too expensive, although he admits that GE focuses on high-performing products more than low cost with Infusion. Koster said that GE has around 20 OEM customers for Infusion that he described as Tier 2 players in lighting.

Changing the decision point

Dave Lidrbauch, product marketing manager at Osram Sylvania, sees the justification changing for choosing the modular route. A key challenge for SSL manufacturers is the pace of change in LED components. Lighting manufacturers want to use the latest LEDs and deliver top efficacy. But the manufacturers also need to offer a product today, and a product two years from now that may use different LEDs, with both looking identical in terms of light output, color temperature, and CRI. Lidrbauch said that you can buy a module from Osram, and Osram will ensure the consistency in its next-generation module.

As for customers, Lidrbauch said Osram is shipping a module in high volume to a Tier 1 customer. Moreover, he said that Osram often works with a close luminaire partner in developing a new module, thereby assuming much of the risk in the design. He recounted one project where Osram had to change the LED being used in a module deep in the development cycle with the customer/partner counting on the module. But Lidrbauch said the process was transparent with the customer involved in the decision. And testing had revealed that the chosen LED would not deliver on the customer's performance requirements.

Therein lies another issue with light-engine design. The LED industry has made great progress with LED manufacturers performing LM-80 testing and providing TM-21 projections on lumen maintenance. But quite often, a development team will need to start a design before there are the 6000 hours of component testing in place required for an LM-80 report. Lidrbauch said, "Designs are almost always started before LM-80 is complete." Still, the latest LED technology promises the best efficacy, lifetime, and color and lumen maintenance. Lidrbauch's message is leave the light engine design to experts who do that job every day.


Thursday, December 10, 2015

LED MODULE MARKET: EVERYONE WANTS A PIECE OF CAKE

“Many LED lighting modules are currently available, including mid-power and high-power modules”, explains Joel Thomé, PISEO’s General Manager. And he adds: “Mid-power LED modules offer low power consumption, high flux in association to large led count and lighting surfaces whereas high-power LED modules deliver more flux and in smaller LES. COB LED modules provide a compromise between size of light, LES, flux power and power consumption.”

However they need additional components to give the light effect desired, such as clamp holders and optics. The choice of the LED module technology will depend on an application’s system requirements with regards to power consumption, LES and light flux.

“The main benefits to lighting integrators of using LED modules cover faster product development cycles, less complexity for integration as well as the management of high level parameters, which is directly handled by the LED module supplier,” explains Pars Mukish, Business Unit Manager, LED, OLED and Sapphire at Yole. But the choice of the module requires a deep knowledge and understanding of the three areas: application, technology and system architecture. These factors are highly interdependent. As a consequence, specifications of the main functions of the module, including thermal management, optical design and power supply, need to be carefully studied to ensure the right components and materials are used.
Growth of the LED industry initially came from small display applications and was driven forward by larger LCDs. Since 2012, most companies have been participating in the ultimate application for the LED business, general lighting. Now, for solid-state lighting to grow, the industry expects strong price decreases though development of new LED platforms.
Furthermore, complete standardization of these sub-systems is still difficult as integration of LED modules must follow specific rules in areas such as design and electrical insulation. In this context, the Zhaga consortium has been created to develop guidelines for interchangeability of LED light sources made by different manufacturers. Standardization will further reduce development and maintenance but will also limit the possibility of differentiation between suppliers.

Most LED lighting module suppliers are packaged LED manufacturers that have used vertical integration to capture more value within the supply chain. These players have a strong competitive advantage in terms of mastering the LED binning strategy. However some other types of players are also involved in this business. They mainly want to diversify their activities and/or define new strategies to support the development of their primary business. They are: LED luminaire, LED driver, optic, connector, heatsink … manufacturers.

Monday, December 7, 2015

Three advantages for LED advertising module

First one is save electricity.For low price and low quality LED products ,their luminous efficiency is low,lighting consumption is fast,it’s impossible for them to save electricity,on the contrary,high quality LED advertising module can save as many as 50% electricity than normal energy saving fluorescent lamp.
Second is “Save money ”,low price low quality LED products cannot realize “saving electricity” effect ,also with low quality,short lifespan,needs to be maintained and replaced frequently ,not saving,but waste more . High quality LED advertising module can save your money by saving electricity and maintenance cost .according to an investigation by a journalist ,using 8W LED bulb to replace 40W filament lamp ,,8 pcs for each family,lighted 4hrs a day,¥0.6 per kwh,you can save 374 kwhs electricity for one year,that means you will save ¥224 a year.
Last one is “free from worry”,no matter family users or supermarket,hotel and so on commercial users,maintaining and replacing is hard work.
Under the circumstances of high labour cost today,the maintenance cost of lighting products becomes higher and higher .For high quality LED advertising module,it can be used for a long time ,no need to maintain and replaced frequently,to realize the real “free from worry”.
Currently LED advertising module production cost is higher than traditional lighting products ,it’s economic benefit does not embodied in purchasing cost,but reduce down operation cost and maintenance cost by”long lifespan,low energy consumption”, so as to offset the purchasing cost balance.Yayuhong Optoeletronic & Technology here remind dear customers ,to realize real “save money,save electricity,free from worry”,you need to choose both high quality and excellent after sales service .Don’t misguide by low price and salesman.

Friday, December 4, 2015

Effect for LED sign module in city


LED sign module is one kind of LED light source ,usually applied in channel letter、lighting signages、light box and so on advertising lighting .Under normal circumstances it will be used as back lights ! that makes LED sign modules very suitable for some display characters and signages. These characters and signages can not only shines but also take advertising effects . LED sign module not only  show it’s advantage at night time,but also during daytime.
There are single color、full color、RGB and single point color for LED advertising module,providing different choices for different customers. The higher power LED sign module,the higher brightness ,the longer operation time .These products has high brightness and big emitting angle ,fully played advertising effects,and the advertising details won’t be ignored by customers !
LED advertising module has better publicity effects than traditional advertising methods,higher visibility,the effects will be much more better when night falls.Using LED advertising module during night time ,it will shine like stars,people who are far away will be attracted to there,if with placard ,that needs to add some other additional lights so that it can be seen .this will cost more than LED advertising module ,more importantly,it cannot be seen in a longer distance,that will greatly reduce down the advertising effects.
To compete with industry competitors,you needs to choose LED advertising modules when your location is not as good as others,that will bring you a much more better advertising effects.