Low-Voltage Blue LEDs Fit In Portable Products

Three new blue, surface-mount LEDs consume little power (Vf is =3.15V at 5mA) and have a narrow forward voltage range (2.75V to 3.15V) for better color and brightness. Because of their small size and low power consumption, the QTLP610C-EB, QTLP601C-EB and QTLP611C-EB LEDs are well-suited for use in lighting and illumination applications in compact, portable products. The right-angle configuration of the QTLP610C-EB and QTLP611C-EB allow them to target edge lighting LCD displays and communication devices, such as cell phones and PDAs. The low-profile QTLP601C-EB allows it to function in backlighting keypads, pushbuttons and LCD displays. All three LEDs boast of advantages over cold-cathode fluorescent or electroluminescent lamps: they are smaller, make use of DC (rather than AC) voltage, and do not require auxiliary circuitry. The QTLP610C-EB measures 3 x 2 x 1 mm with a 120º viewing angle; QTLP611C-EB measures 2.1 x 1 x 0.6 mm with a 130º viewing angle; and QTLP601C-EB is 1.6 x 0.8 x 0.6 mm in size and has a 100º viewing angle. All three are InGaN/sapphire blue LEDs and use water clear optics. Price: $0.45 each/10K. FAIRCHILD SEMICONDUCTOR INTERNATIONAL, South Portland, ME. (888) 522-5372.