Selecting LED Lamps for Automotive Interior Applications - App Note

LED lamps are available in a wide range of LED materials technologies and package configurations. Selecting the best LED lamp for a given application is based on a number of considerations including the lighting characteristics, compatibility with environmental conditions and intended assembly processes, and price. This guide is intended to familiarize potential automotive customers with the choices available. One possible flowchart that outlines the LED lamp selection process is shown in Figure 1. The first step is to select the appropriate LED materials technologies based on the desired color. Note that in many cases several materials technologies can be used. The next step is to select the desired LED lamp optical properties, such as luminous intensity and viewing angle based on the lighting application. Then, the optimal LED lamp package can be selected based on the printed circuit board manufacturing process and the worst case reliability test conditions for the targeted application. Following this selection process, prototype lighting evaluation units can be constructed and tested. Finally, a detailed specification can be written that defines the desired electrical and optical test limits.