LEDs ideal for LCD display and keypad backlighting

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Feb 8, 2001

Toshiba has launched two new series of surface mount LEDs that combine high-brightness, low current operation with one of the industry's smallest LED packages.

Toshiba has launched two new series of surface mount LEDs that combine high-brightness, low current operation with one of the industry's smallest LED packages.

Ideal for LCD display and keypad backlighting applications in mobile phones, the new devices will suit a variety of applications where small size, high luminous intensity and low power consumption are critical design criteria.

Based on Toshiba's high-brightness InGaAlP technology, the TLxV1020 and TlxU1020 low-profile LEDs have dimensions of just 1.6 x 0.8 x 0.6mm, feature a transparent plastic 'ESC' flat-lead package and are available in red, orange, amber, yellow, green and pure green variants.

Using low driving currents of 2mA for general-purpose backlighting and 5mA for higher brightness applications, the devices deliver power consumption reductions of up to 90% when compared with previously available LED technology.

The new LEDs offer a viewing angle of 140?d have typical luminous intensities that range from 3.5mcd for pure green to 38mcd for red when driven by a forward current of 5mA operating from -40?p to +100?These features are particularly well-suited to emerging mobile phones and handheld equipment as the devices can reduce power consumption while delivering the high-brightness backlighting required to support extended keypad and display usage required for mobile Internet access and text messaging.