LED chip, lamp and lighting fixture maker Cree Inc of Durham, NC, USA has announced the NX technology platform, which will power the next generation of its lighting-class LEDs.
The NX technology platform enables the new Extreme Density (XD) LED family to deliver up to four times higher lumen density than the firm’s previous generation of high-power LEDs. It makes possible new designs that eliminate existing constraints for a wide spectrum of lighting applications such as color mixing, directional lighting and industrial lighting.
“Our new NX technology platform builds on Cree’s advancements in epitaxial structure, chip architecture and light conversion, and leverages Cree’s lighting applications expertise,” says Dave Emerson, Cree LEDs senior VP & general manager. “Unlike other technology platforms adapted from LCD backlighting applications, our NX technology platform was designed from the beginning to dramatically improve the performance of LEDs in lighting applications.”
The new platform embodies advances in a number of components and technologies, including the new Dmax LED chip, a more efficient phosphor system, new package designs and simpler manufacturing processes.
The first product available in the new family of XD LEDs is the XLamp XD16 LED, which delivers a lumen density of up to 264lm/mm2 (reckoned to be 50% higher than the best LEDs currently available). Specifically optimized for applications that require high light output and high lumens-per-watt (such as street lights and high bays), XD16 LEDs enable higher performance luminaires with better light control. In addition, the ceramic-based XD16 LED addresses challenges with assembly, thermal design, optical design and reliability that have been experienced with other competing LED technology platforms, it is claimed.
Engineering samples of XLamp XD16 LED will be available by late spring, with production quantities to be available by the end of summer.
