The new 0.5-W SMD LEDs from Kingbright Corp. (City of Industry, CA, U.S.; www.kingbrightusa.com) are said to bring high quality and reliability to consumer electronics and kitchen appliances. Operating at a forward current up to 150 mA, the package design comprises a low thermal resistance, providing great heat-dissipating capability and low power consumption.

According to Man Yu, engineering manager, a built-in zener diode ensures reliability. The device allows the LEDs to withstand electrostatic discharge (ESD) voltage up to 8000 V to protect against ESD damages at the production line. “In other words, during high ESD, the overcurrent going through the zener diode instead of the LED chip can protect the LED from high transient voltage,” he says. “This distinctive feature further prolongs the longevity and efficiency of the LEDs.”

While the company admits that 95% of its LED manufacturing process uses conventional techniques, a unique proprietary technique is used to construct the LEDs’ heat management capabilities. The LEDs meet industrial temperature ratings of –40° to 85°C and also feature a built-in heat sink. “The performance failure of LEDs is mostly caused by heat-related issues,” Yu says. “With the built-in heat sink feature, it helps to dissipate the heat generated by the LEDs to further reduce heat damage by external factors.”

Tailored to enhance aesthetic benefits and design versatility for engineers, the LEDs are available in various color selections such as blue, white, warm white, green, yellow, and red, as well as an RGB full-color option at 120 mA per channel. Yu says this can allow designers to enhance display lighting in refrigerators, microwaves, dishwashers, and vacuum cleaners.

Another key aesthetic feature is the wide 120° viewing angle. Yu says this is achieved by placement of chips with a proprietary reflector and lens technology. “The proprietary reflector and lens technology refers to how the lens is incorporated into the base material and lead frame,” he explains. “Special optical lenses are utilized in certain product packages, including SMD and through-hole designs.”

Yu adds that the LEDs’ compact package is due to the company’s proprietary PCB design, materials, and state-of-the-art encapsulation process. “As more innovative appliances are invented, the small and compact concept becomes an essence,” he notes. “This benefit allows appliance engineers to design with ease and versatility on various high-technology appliance applications.”

The new series is also IR reflow solderable and designed for an automatic pick-and-place mounting process to increase productivity and reduce assembly cost.