Muna Ezzi Raypah, Shahrom Mahmud, Mutharasu Devarajan and Anoud AlShammari
Optimization of light-emitting diodes’ (LEDs’) design together with long-term reliability is directly correlated with their photometric, electric and thermal characteristics. For…
Abstract
Purpose
Optimization of light-emitting diodes’ (LEDs’) design together with long-term reliability is directly correlated with their photometric, electric and thermal characteristics. For a given thermal layout of the LED system, the maximum luminous flux occurs at an optimal electrical input power and can be determined using a photo-electro-thermal (PET) theory. The purpose of this study is to extend the application of the luminous flux equation in PET theory for low-power (LP) LEDs.
Design/methodology/approach
LP surface-mounted device LEDs were mounted on substrates of different thermal resistances. Three LEDs were attached to substrates which were flame-retardant fiberglass epoxy (FR4) and two aluminum-based metal core printed circuit boards (MCPCBs) with thermal conductivities of about 1.0 W/m.K, 2.0 W/m.K and 5.0 W/m.K, respectively. The conjunction of thermal transient tester and thermal and radiometric characterization of LEDs system was used to measure the thermal and optical parameters of the LEDs at a certain range of input current and temperature.
Findings
The validation of the extended application of the luminous flux equation was confirmed via a good agreement between the practical and theoretical results. The outcomes show that the optimum luminous flux is 25.51, 31.91 and 37.01 lm for the LEDs on the FR4 and the two MCPCBs, respectively. Accordingly, the stipulated maximum electrical input power in the LED datasheet (0.185 W) is shifted to 0.6284, 0.6963 and 0.8838 W between the three substrates.
Originality/value
Using a large number of LP LEDs is preferred than high-power (HP) LEDs for the same system power to augment the heat transfer and provide a higher luminous flux. The PET theory equations have been applied to HP LEDs using heatsinks with various thermal resistances. In this work, the PET theory luminous flux equation was extended to be used for Indium Gallium Aluminum Phosphide LP LEDs attached to the substrates with dissimilar thermal resistances.
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Muna E. Raypah, Mutharasu Devarajan and Shahrom Mahmud
One major problem in the lighting industry is the thermal management of the devices. Handling of thermal resistance from solder point to the ambiance of the light-emitting diode…
Abstract
Purpose
One major problem in the lighting industry is the thermal management of the devices. Handling of thermal resistance from solder point to the ambiance of the light-emitting diode (LED) package is linked to the external thermal management that includes a selection of the cooling mode, design of heatsink/substrate and thermal interface material (TIM). Among the significant factors that increase the light output of the of the LED system are efficient substrate and TIM. In this work, the influence of TIM on the luminous flux performance of commercial indium gallium aluminium phosphide (InGaAlP) low-power (LP) LEDs was investigated.
Design/methodology/approach
One batch of LEDs was mounted directly onto substrates which were glass-reinforced epoxy (FR4) and aluminium-based metal-core printed circuit boards (MCPCBs) with a dielectric layer of different thermal conductivities. Another batch of LEDs was prepared in a similar way, but a layer of TIM was embedded between the LED package and substrate. The TIMs were thermally conductive epoxy (TCE) and thermally conductive adhesive (TCA). The LED parameters were measured by using the integrated system of thermal transient tester (T3Ster) and thermal-radiometric characterization of LEDs at various input currents.
Findings
With the employment of TIM, the authors found that the LED’s maximum luminous flux was significantly higher than the value mentioned in the LED datasheet, and that a significant reduction in thermal resistance and junction temperature was revealed. The results showed that for a system with low thermal resistance, the maximum luminous flux appeared to occur at a higher power level. It was found that the maximum luminous flux was 24.10, 28.40 and 36.00 lm for the LEDs mounted on the FR4 and two MCPCBs, respectively. After TCA application on the LEDs, the maximum luminous flux values were 32.70, 36.60 and 37.60 lm for the FR4 and MCPCBs, respectively. Moreover, the findings demonstrated that the performance of the LED mounted on the FR4 substrate was more affected by the employment of the TIM than that of MCPCBs.
Research limitations/implications
One of the major problems in the lighting industry is the thermal management of the device. In many low-power LED applications, the air gap between the two solder pads is not filled up. Heat flow is restricted by the air gap leading to thermal build-up and higher thermal resistance resulting in lower maximum luminous flux. Among the significant factors that increase the light output of the LED system are efficient substrate and TIM.
Practical implications
The findings in this work can be used as a method to improve thermal management of LP LEDs by applying thermal interface materials that can offer more efficient and brighter LP LEDs. Using aluminium-based substrates can also offer similar benefits.
Social implications
Users of LP LEDs can benefit from the findings in this work. Brighter automotive lighting (signalling and backlighting) can be achieved, and better automotive lighting can offer better safety for the people on the street, especially during raining and foggy weather. User can also use a lower LED power rating to achieve similar brightness level with LED with higher power rating.
Originality/value
Better thermal management of commercial LP LEDs was achieved with the employment of thermal interface materials resulting in lower thermal resistance, lower junction temperature and brighter LEDs.
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Muna Raypah, Mutharasu Devarajan and Shahrom Mahmud
The presence of voids in the solder layer has been considered as one of the main issues causing reliability problems in optoelectronic devices. Voids can be created due to trapped…
Abstract
Purpose
The presence of voids in the solder layer has been considered as one of the main issues causing reliability problems in optoelectronic devices. Voids can be created due to trapped gas, clean-up agent residues (fluxes), poor wettability at interface or shortcoming of the reflow process. The voids hinder the heat conduction path and subsequently, the thermal resistance will increase. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the influence of lead-free water-washable Sn96.5Ag3.0Cu0.5 (SAC305) solder paste (SP) voids on the thermal and optical performance of white high-power (HP) surface-mounted device (SMD) light-emitting diode (LED).
Design/methodology/approach
Five LEDs are mounted on five SinkPAD substrates by using the SP. The SMT stencil printing is used to control the thickness of the SP and reflow oven for the soldering process. The fraction of voids in the SP layer is calculated using the X-ray machine software. The thermal parameters of the LEDs with different voids fraction and configuration are measured using a thermal transient tester (T3Ster) system. In addition, the optical characterizations of the LEDs are determined by the thermal and radiometric characterization of power LEDs (TeraLED) and the electroluminescence by using the spectrometer.
Findings
The results showed that the thermal performance and temperature distribution are improved for the LED with lower voids fraction and good filling state of soldering. In addition, luminous flux, efficacy and color shift of the LEDs with different fraction and configurations of voids on the SP layer are compared and discussed. It is found that the color shift of LED1 of low voids fraction and higher thickness are less than other LEDs.
Originality/value
The paper provides valuable information about the effect of water-washable SAC305 SP voids fraction and filling state of solder on the thermal and optical performance of ThinGaN HP SMD LED. A comprehensive overview of the outcomes is not available in the literature. It was shown experimentally that the voids fraction, height and configuration of the SP layer could strongly influence the heat dissipation efficiency and thermal resistance. This study can help in heat diffusion investigation and failure analysis of HP SMD LEDs.
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Muna E. Raypah, Mutharasu Devarajan and Fauziah Sulaiman
Proper thermal management is a key to improve the efficiency and reliability of light-emitting diodes (LEDs). This paper aims to report the influence of applying thermally…
Abstract
Purpose
Proper thermal management is a key to improve the efficiency and reliability of light-emitting diodes (LEDs). This paper aims to report the influence of applying thermally conductive materials on thermal performance of indium gallium aluminum phosphide (InGaAlP)-based thin-film surface-mounted device (SMD) LED.
Design/methodology/approach
The LED thermal and optical parameters were determined using the combination of thermal transient tester (T3Ster) and thermal and radiometric characterization of power LEDs (TeraLED) instruments. The LED was mounted on FR4, 2W and 5W aluminum (Al) package substrates. Measurements were carried out by setting different boundary conditions: air between LED package and substrate and using thermally conductive epoxy (TIM A) and adhesive (TIM B) of thermal conductivity 1.67 and 1.78 W/mK, respectively.
Findings
For LED mounted on FR4 package, the total real thermal resistance is improved because of TIM B by 6 and 9 per cent at 50 and 100 mA, respectively. Likewise, the relative decrease in total thermal resistance of LED on 2W Al package is about 9 and 11 per cent. As well, for LED mounted on 5W Al package, the total real thermal resistance is reduced by 2 and 4 per cent.
Originality/value
No much work can be found in the literature on thermal interface material effects on thermal performance of low-power SMD LED. This work can assist in thermal management of low-power LEDs.
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Muna E. Raypah, Dheepan M.K., Mutharasu Devarajan, Shanmugan Subramani and Fauziah Sulaiman
Thermal behavior of light-emitting diode (LED) device under different operating conditions must be known to enhance its reliability and efficiency in various applications. The…
Abstract
Purpose
Thermal behavior of light-emitting diode (LED) device under different operating conditions must be known to enhance its reliability and efficiency in various applications. The purpose of this study is to report the influence of input current and ambient temperature on thermal resistance of InGaAlP low-power surface-mount device (SMD) LED.
Design/methodology/approach
Thermal parameters of the LED were measured using thermal transient measurement via Thermal Transient Tester (T3Ster). The experimental results were validated using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software.
Findings
As input current increases from 50 to 90 mA at 25°C, the relative increase in LED package (ΔRthJS) and total thermal resistance (ΔRthJA) is about 10 and 4 per cent, respectively. In addition, at 50 mA and ambient temperature from 25 to 65°C, the ΔRthJS and ΔRthJA are roughly 28 and 22 per cent, respectively. A good agreement between simulation and experiment results of junction temperature.
Originality/value
Most of previous studies have focused on thermal management of high-power LEDs. There were no studies on thermal analysis of low-power SMD LED so far. This work will help in predicting the thermal performance of low-power LEDs in solid-state lighting applications.
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Muna E. Raypah, Mutharasu Devarajan and Fauziah Sulaiman
Thermal management of high-power (HP) light-emitting diodes (LEDs) is an essential issue. Junction temperature (TJ) and thermal resistance (Rth) are critical parameters in…
Abstract
Purpose
Thermal management of high-power (HP) light-emitting diodes (LEDs) is an essential issue. Junction temperature (TJ) and thermal resistance (Rth) are critical parameters in evaluating LEDs thermal management and reliability. The purpose of this paper is to study thermal and optical characteristics of ThinGaN (UX:3) white LED mounted on SinkPAD by three types of solder paste (SP): No-Clean SAC305 (SP1), Water-Washable SAC305 (SP2) and No-Clean Sn42/Bi57.6/Ag0.4 (SP3).
Design/methodology/approach
Thermal transient tester (T3Ster) machine is used to determine TJ and total thermal resistance (Rth–JA). In addition, the LED’s optical properties are measured via thermal and radiometric characterization of power LEDs (TeraLED) system. The LED is mounted on SinkPAD using SP1, SP2 and SP3 by stencil printing to control a thickness of SP and reflow soldering oven to minimize the number of voids. The LED with SP1, SP2 and SP3 is tested at various input currents and ambient temperatures.
Findings
The results indicate that at high input current, which equals to 1,200 mA, Rth–JA and TJ, respectively, are reduced by 30 and 17 per cent between SP1 and SP2. At same current value, Rth–JA and TJ are minimized by 42 and 25 per cent between SP1 and SP3, respectively. In addition, at an ambient temperature of 85°C, Rth–JA and TJ are decreased by 34 and 7 per cent between SP1 and SP2, respectively. Similarly, the reduction in Rth–JA and TJ between SP1 and SP3 is 44 and 10 per cent, respectively. Luminous flux, luminous efficacy and color shift of the LED with the three types of SPs are compared and discussed. It is found that the SP1 improves the chromatic properties of the LED by increasing the overall light efficiency and decreasing the color shift.
Originality/value
Thermal and optical performance of ThinGaN LEDs mounted on SinkPAD via three types of SPs is compared. This investigation can assist the research on thermal management of HP ThinGaN-based LEDs.