Philips Research Technology Backgrounder
New white Solid State Lighting lamp prototypes for general lighting |
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Scientists at Philips have developed new bright white light emitting
diode (LED)-based lamps that are ideal for down lighting as they
deliver exceptional brightness from a very small source. In these
compact lamps the LED modules and the required electronics have been
integrated. The prototypes have been designed with a standard
fitting so they can be plugged-in directly to existing sockets.
Their brightness of 200 lumens exceeds that of a 20-Watt low-voltage
halogen lamp, while being more energy efficient and generating far
less heat.
The performance of one of these high brightness LED lamps was enabled by the development of a new AC/DC-DC converter that is small, robust and efficient. The converter is the electronic circuit that converts the main input power to the voltage and current that can be used to light the three Luxeon K2 high-power LEDs. The Philips converter has an efficiency of over 80% and contains Philips' proprietary temperature and circuitry control, which ensures the lifetime and safety of the lamp. The second prototype is based on different LEDs, that are characterized by much smaller optics capable of producing a smooth and homogeneous beam. The integration of LEDs and the required control electronics is very important for general lighting in the professional and consumer markets, as this will lower the threshold in applications where, for example, designers of luminaires and professional and end-customers want to use lamps with LED light sources. Examples of such applications are decorative illumination, outdoor lighting, accent lighting, strip lighting, and emergency lighting. Solid State Lighting uses LEDs as light sources and is quickly emerging as a new lighting technology in all segments of the lighting market. Since the 1970s, LEDs have evolved from the ubiquitous red low-power indicator lamps seen in consumer devices to the current high-power versions available in all colors including white. Philips Lumileds Lighting is a recognized leader with the Luxeon K2 high-power LEDs and continues to set the pace in the high-power LED industry. Within the next five to ten years, LEDs will have a huge impact on the lighting industry, owing to the clear benefits LEDs have to offer: They are compact, robust, extremely energy-efficient, and allows light intensity and color dynamics. In addition, LEDs have a long lifetime of more than 50,000 hours. Their compact size allows for entirely new form-factor lighting products while their robustness allows for integrating LEDs in materials and applications never before possible. |
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