Things to Know - SMT vs THT
Choosing LED Viewing Angles
LED Indicator Design Considerations
Topics
Things to Know - SMT vs THT
Choosing LED Viewing Angles
Comparing AlInGaP, GaP, and InGaN LED Technologies:
A Bright Spectrum of Choices
In the context of LED (Light Emitting Diode) technology, there are a variety of materials and technologies that are suitable for different applications requirements. Some of the popular options are AlInGaP (Aluminum Indium Gallium Phosphide), GaP (Gallium Phosphide), and InGaN (Indium Gallium Nitride) LEDs. Each of these materials offers unique characteristics and uses. In order to make informed choices for your next LED indicator or display project we will look at how AlInGaP, GaP, and InGaN LED technologies compare.
Material Composition
AlInGaP LEDs: These LEDs consist of Aluminum (Al), Indium (In), Gallium (Ga), and Phosphorus (P). This composition allows them to emit colors ranging from red to yellow.
GaP LEDs: GaP LEDs are primarily made from Gallium (Ga) and Phosphorus (P), mainly used for green and yellow-green LEDs.
InGaN LEDs: InGaN LEDs contain Indium (In), Gallium (Ga), and Nitrogen (N), offering a wide range of colors, including blue, green, and white.
Wavelength Range
AlInGaP LEDs: Boasting a broad wavelength range, AlInGaP LEDs can produce colors like red, orange, and yellow.
AllnGap Orange: 600-615nm
AllnGap Yellow / Amber: 580-595nm
AllnGap Yellow-Green: 565-575nm
GaP LEDs: GaP LEDs are limited to green and yellow-green light emissions.
GaP Red: 700nm
GaP Green: 560-572nm
InGaN LEDs: InGaN LEDs allow for an extensive spectrum of colors. Blue and green are the standard colors produced with InGaN technology. However, with the application of phosphor to the LED die surfaces, a process referred to a Phosphor Conversion (PC), it enables a broad spectrum of color production including white light.
InGaN Green 515-535nm
InGaN Blue 460-475nm
Reference chart for LED colors and wavelengths.
Efficiency
AlInGaP LEDs: Known for their high internal quantum efficiencies, AlInGaP LEDs efficiently convert electrical energy into light.
GaP LEDs: While still efficient, GaP LEDs are not as energy-efficient as AlInGaP or InGaN LEDs.
InGaN LEDs: InGaN LEDs are highly efficient, making them suitable for various high-brightness applications.
Brightness
AlInGaP LEDs: AlInGaP LEDs can be quite bright, making them suitable for applications requiring high luminosity.
GaP LEDs: GaP LEDs offer moderate brightness and are suitable for applications where brightness requirements are not as high.
InGaN LEDs: InGaN LEDs are known for their high brightness levels, especially in blue and green variants.
Applications
AlInGaP LEDs: These LEDs are commonly found in traffic signals, automotive taillights, and indicators requiring red, orange, or yellow light. They are also used in certain displays and signage.
GaP LEDs: GaP LEDs find their niche in green indicator lights, displays, instrument panels, and some consumer electronics.
InGaN LEDs: InGaN LEDs are versatile and used in a wide range of applications, including traffic lights, smartphone screens, backlighting, and general lighting.
Cost
AlInGaP LEDs: Due to their complex material composition, AlInGaP LEDs are typically more expensive to manufacture.
GaP LEDs: GaP LEDs are often cost-effective, making them a budget-friendly choice for various applications.
InGaN LEDs: InGaN LEDs, while efficient and versatile, can be costlier than GaP LEDs but offer superior performance.
Performance
AlInGaP LEDs: AlInGaP LEDs, due to their construction, generally offer lower forward voltages, less than 2.8 volts, than InGaN LEDs making them ideal for low voltage battery and handhelds application. Additionally they offer a better longer term light output stability vs some older technology LEDs in high humidity environments and outdoor applications. In applications with broad operating temperatures, the design must also consider the impact of the operating temperature on the LED intensity. The typical AlInGAp Red LEDs may lose as much as 30% of the room temperature output at elevated temperatures and amber as much as 50% of the room temperature intensity may be lost at elevated temperatures
GaP LEDs: Like AlInGaP LEDs GaP LEDs perform very similar to AlInGaP, however due to their lower intensity outputs that are best suited for indoor applications
InGaN LEDs: InGaN LEDs typically have a forward voltage greater than 3.0 volts, However due to the superior light output performance and be operated at lower currents improving their overall power consumption. With a typical intensity reduction of less than 10% at elevated temperatures, InGaN LEDs provide a very stable light output over a broad operating temperature range.
Understanding the differences among these LED technologies helps designers and manufacturers select LEDs that produce the desired brightness in the required spectrum of colors for their visual indication needs.
Things to Know When Choosing Between SMT and THT LEDs
for Circuit Board Indicators
When incorporating LED indicators in printed circuit board (PCB) applications, design engineers must decide between surface mount technology (SMT) LEDs and through-hole technology (THT) LEDs. Here are some key considerations when making this choice:
1. SMT LEDs take up less space on the board since they do not require drill holes. This enables tighter packing densities and a smaller overall circuit size.
2. Housed THT LEDs allow for ganged arrays which are not offered in SMT.
3. SMT LEDs allow for automated assembly and faster production. The LEDs are simply placed and soldered by pick-and-place machines.
4. THT LEDs are installed manually by inserting leads through holes and soldering. This takes more time and labor.
5. SMT LEDs generally have better thermal management as the flat bottom surface adheres closely to the PCB for heat conduction.
6. THT LEDs can withstand more mechanical stress and vibration as the leads provide support. SMT LEDs rely solely on the solder joint.
7. SMT LEDs are recommended for high-density designs with space limitations. THT LEDs allow more flexibility in positioning.
8. THT LEDs are easier to replace or upgrade selectively if needed. SMT LEDs require specialized tools for desoldering.
9. Housed THT LEDs allow for multi-level configurations 2 to 4 high without sacrificing space on the PCB.
10. The viewing angle and brightness specifications should be evaluated to ensure the chosen technology meets visibility needs. THT LEDs provide direct viewing of the LED, allowing for higher intensity and in some cases wider viewing angles.
11. Regulations may dictate the use of THT LEDs in certain applications like high-reliability aerospace systems.
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4 wide through hole (THT) circuit board indicator array. Dialight 551-0207-004F
This chart visually captures the main trade-offs between the two technologies when designing with LED circuit board indicators.
SMT LEDs are usually preferred for small, compact indicator designs thanks to their miniaturized footprint. But THT LEDs have advantages in resilience, serviceability, and flexibility. Consider all factors including long-term maintainability and inspection requirements when selecting the best LED indicator technology for your application design.
Choosing the Right LED Viewing Angle for Circuit Board Indicators
When it comes to selecting LEDs for circuit board indicators, the viewing angle plays a crucial role in determining visibility and brightness. Here are some important considerations to keep in mind:
1. Opt for a narrower degree viewing angle when the LEDs are placed on the board for backlighting a panel or when direct visibility is required. This will maximize straight-on brightness as the concentrated beam enhances visibility head-on.
2. For LEDs placed on the edges or sides of the boards with a need to be viewed from a variety of angles to the system i.e. diagnostic indicators, a slightly wider degree angle is recommended. This will spread the light and ensure better visibility from oblique angles.
3. Keep in mind that wider degree angles may appear dimmer from the front, as the light is distributed across a broader field of view.
Take into account the LED's mounting orientation and lens design, as these factors can impact the effective viewing angle.
4. Consider the ambient lighting conditions, as LEDs with narrow beams are more resistant to washout from bright surroundings.
5. Don't forget to consider factors like directivity, beam pattern, regulations, and application requirements when selecting the ideal viewing angle.
6. Experiment with different LED viewing angles to determine the optimal visibility for each board's layout and intended viewing direction.
7. Specifications provided will indicate the viewing angle and intensity, which will help narrow down the selection.
Narrow Viewing Angle:
Range between 10 to 25 degrees
Medium Viewing Angle:
Range between 30 to 70 degrees
Wide Viewing Angle:
Range between 120 to 140 degrees
In summary, the LED viewing angle plays a crucial role in determining the visibility and brightness of circuit board indicators. If LEDs have the same total light output but different viewing angles, the way they appear when viewed directly will be influenced by the viewing angle. Narrow-degree angles are ideal for optimizing straight-on visibility and backlighting, while wider-degree angles allow for visibility from more oblique angles if needed.