At the dawn of the era of LEDs, even a slight glow of an element seemed like a breakthrough, because even several pieces combined together practically did not consume energy. Time passed, and with it similar products developed. Today, you will not surprise anyone with super-bright LEDs, which have become used everywhere. But despite their prevalence, people know little about such LED elements. Today's article will correct this omission.
High brightness LEDs: general information
Such elements can be formally divided into 2 categories. Some have increased power, others are designed in such a way that, with low power consumption, they are able to produce a luminous flux that is several times greater than that of conventional counterparts.
One of the representatives of such ultra-bright LEDs are Cree products. The cost of such chips is quite high, which leads to the emergence of many fakes. Especially distinguished in this field are the Chinesemanufacturers. Often, their products at first shine even brighter than the original, but the fake quickly degrades. After 10-15 hours of continuous operation, the diode dims down to complete failure.
If we talk about SMD components, then among them you can also find super-bright LEDs, but their power consumption will be much higher, as well as their dimensions. But elements of small sizes can be found under the Epistar brand. Pretty good quality and long service life are the reasons for the popularity of these LEDs.
Types of similar elements and their characteristics
In the manufacture of such LEDs, certain semiconductors are used. If we divide them by type, we can distinguish 2 main ones:
- AlInGaP - elements of yellow, green, orange and red colors are made from it.
- InGaN - white, blue, green and blue-green LED elements.
The characteristics of ultra-bright LEDs allow them to be used in completely different areas. They are used to illuminate workshops, streets, apartments. Such elements are also installed on cars as daytime running lights, dimensions or low beam headlights. However, the latter option is increasingly losing popularity.
The fact is that ultra-bright LEDs get very hot during operation. After they are installed in the headlight housing, they have to work almost constantly, which leads to an increase in temperature and rapid degradation. But asdimensions, included only in the dark, when it is much cooler outside, they have proven themselves well.
But the most common application of super-bright LEDs can be called lights. Such a device with elements installed in it, for example Cree, is capable of penetrating the darkness with a beam at a distance of up to 2-3 km. At the same time, its power consumption will remain at a fairly low level. Most often, headbands are used by fishermen when fishing at night - the light flux reaches the bottom through a water column of 3-4 meters.
Automotive LED applications
Not all LED elements are suitable for cars. Many types need only 2-3 V power, while the on-board network of the car needs 12 V. That is why the manufacturer offers specialized LED elements for cars. The main thing here is to understand where you can put super-bright 12-volt LEDs, and where they should not be mounted. After all, if such elements are on the brake lights, it is likely that they will blind the driver of the car coming behind, and this will not lead to anything good. Also, do not install them in the backlight of the panel - it will be impossible to drive at night with such “tuning”.
It is acceptable to install super-bright LEDs at 12 volts in reversing lights, dimensions, and also as interior lighting. In these cases, the installation of such equipment will be justified. It is possible to include LEDs in the circuit as a low beam, but in this case, it is necessary to organize high-quality aircooling. An example of this use of ultra-bright elements are Lexus cars.
LED operating voltage
Many people pay too much attention to this parameter, not understanding its essence. The point here is this. If, for example, it is written that the rating of a super-bright LED is 3 volts, this figure means only the voltage drop across it. A more important parameter is the operating current of the element, which can reach 1 A.
What to consider when choosing and installing
When choosing ultra-bright LEDs for auto or other applications, you should pay attention not only to the characteristics declared by the manufacturer, but also to the appearance of the product, the quality of its manufacture. Often a fake can be detected even with a visual inspection with the naked eye. Counterfeit LEDs may have jagged edges, and the chip under the lens is often asymmetrical.
The lower price compared to the market average should also alert the buyer. Before going to the store, it is better to familiarize yourself with the prices on the official websites of manufacturers of such products - this will save you from purchasing low-quality goods.
Installation of ultra-bright LEDs also requires compliance with certain rules. Even with good ventilation, if there is a possibility of an additional radiator, it is worth doing. Thermal paste should be used to connect the chip to the cooler.
Pros and cons of usingsuper-bright elements
Like any equipment, such LEDs have supporters and opponents. According to surveys conducted by an independent company, about 30% of respondents were "against" the use of such LED elements. The most interesting thing is that the reason for the emergence of a negative attitude was the use of super-bright LEDs for flashlights. People said that it is very harmful when such a beam shines into the eyes. A strange opinion came from residents of the United States of America, where polls were conducted on this topic.
Basically, the use of such elements in lighting fixtures has more positive than negative qualities. Of course, if you purchase a high-quality, branded product, its cost will be high, however, it will last much longer than a low-grade cheap diode. The main thing in this matter is to compare your capabilities with the level of need for such an acquisition.
Summarizing the above
Super-bright LEDs are truly the pinnacle of LED-element development today. Do not complain that their cost is quite high. Like any other devices, they will fall in price over time. Although it is possible that engineers will develop some other novelty that will outshine the ultra-bright LED. Based on the pace of progress in all technical areas, this cannot be ruled out.
