LED stands for Light Emitting Diode. It is a semiconductor device that emits light when an electric current passes through it. LEDs have become increasingly popular in various lighting applications due to their energy efficiency, long lifespan, and environmental benefits.
Basic Parameters of LEDs:
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Luminous Flux (measured in lumens, lm): Luminous flux refers to the total amount of visible light emitted by an LED light source. It indicates the brightness or intensity of the light produced by the LED.
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Color Temperature (measured in Kelvin, K): Color temperature defines the color appearance of the LED light. It is expressed in Kelvin (K) and can range from warm white (lower color temperature) to cool white or daylight (higher color temperature).
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Color Rendering Index (CRI): CRI is a measure of how accurately an LED light source renders colors compared to a reference light source. It is expressed as a percentage, with higher CRI values indicating better color rendering.
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Forward Voltage (measured in volts, V): Forward voltage is the voltage required to make the LED emit light. It is a critical parameter in LED circuit design and determines the appropriate voltage supply for the LED.
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Forward Current (measured in milliamperes, mA): Forward current refers to the current that flows through the LED to produce light. It is an important parameter in LED driver selection and affects the brightness and efficiency of the LED.
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Beam Angle: Beam angle describes the spread of light emitted by the LED. It is measured in degrees and indicates how wide or narrow the light is distributed.
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Lifetime or Lumen Maintenance (measured in hours): LED lifespan refers to the operating hours until the LED’s brightness reduces to a certain percentage of its initial value. Common values are L70 (70% of initial brightness) or L80 (80% of initial brightness). LEDs are known for their long operational life compared to traditional lighting technologies.
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Efficiency (measured in lumens per watt, lm/W): LED efficiency indicates how efficiently the LED converts electrical energy into visible light. Higher efficiency values mean more light output for less power consumption.
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Dimmability: Some LEDs are dimmable, allowing the brightness to be adjusted using compatible dimming systems. Dimmable LEDs offer flexibility in controlling the light level according to specific needs.
These basic parameters help users and designers understand the performance, characteristics, and suitability of LEDs for different lighting applications. When selecting LEDs for specific lighting projects, considering these parameters is essential to achieve the desired lighting outcomes and energy efficiency.