Low-profile LEDs target wearables, drones and other devices

Rohm Semiconductor has added seven new colours to its PICOLED series of low-profile ultra-compact chip LEDs optimized for wearable tech, portable devices and drones - allowing for greater colour expression and improved design freedom. In recent years the number of applications that have adopted LEDs for lighting in conjunction with a notification function has grown significantly, and greater miniaturization at the component level is increasingly demanded in compact portable equipment. For drones in particular, which are attracting attention in a variety of fields, adoption in new applications is expected, such as utilizing multiple drones that integrate LEDs in visual performances. And due to significant expansion in these markets a number of companies have begun focusing on proprietary designs that require compact LEDs in a wider selection of colours. In response, Rohm developed the popular SML-P1 series of class-leading thin, compact chip LEDs, utilizing a comprehensive, integrated production system and leveraging its strengths in element technology to eliminate wavelength variations that in the past have proven problematic. As a result, ROHM was able to increase the number of colours from 8 to an industry-leading 15, providing unmatched compatibility. In addition, combining a lower gold wire loop with a thinner light emitting element (developed using proprietary technology) makes it possible to achieve the thinnest form factor on the market at only 0.2mm, contributing to greater compactness, lower profile and weight saving in mobile applications. Also, taking into consideration usage conditions during reflow allowed the company to prevent solder intrusion into the resin by implementing penetration countermeasures within the package itself. This is expected to prevent failures caused by solder infiltration during the customer’s soldering process, improving reliability considerably. And going forward, Rohm will focus on strengthening its PICOLED line-up to include high-brightness types as well as expand its line-up of RGB LEDs capable of improved colour mixing, says the company.