LEDs Remain Readable In Bright Ambient Light

For display applications in which contrast is the key to improved legibility, especially in high ambient-light conditions, the TopLED Black Series (with lens) is a range of medium-power LEDs mounted in an industry standard package but in matte black material. The black package offers significantly higher contrast with lower reflectivity than comparable white-package devices without compromising overall luminous intensity. The devices achieve a typical luminous intensity of 1.9 cd (at 20 mA) and is claimed as the only LED in a black package that provides the same luminous intensity as a comparable LED in a white package. Target applications include information displays for traffic and public transportation systems and price changing displays such as fuel price totem pole signs. The black package ensures there is hardly any reflection from incident light. Displays equipped with black-body LEDs are therefore razor-sharp even in strong sunlight. Their 60° beam angle has been optimized for display applications, so the light is focused for excellent distance legibility. They are ideal as a replacement for conventional through-hole radial LEDs. Initially available in red and yellow, the devices are equipped with a thin-film chip that guarantees high luminous efficiency in the black package. As “surface emitters,” the thin-film LEDs emit almost all their internally generated light from their surface. The new LEDs are SMT components suitable for automatic handling, and they provide high placement tolerances for highly uniform light dispersion. OSRAM OPTO SEMICONDUCTORS INC., Sunnyvale, CA. (866) 993-5211.