Sharp LED arrays get brighter

According to Sharp, the 50W Mega Zeni models are one of the first industrial led solutions to replace traditional 50W HID lamps. The devices are designed to maintain the same compact dimensions and high CRI values but with greater luminous fluxes. Sharp says they have a luminous efficiency of between 3590 and 4770lm, a light output of up to 100lm/W in standard operating mode and a service life of 40,000 hours at an operating temperature of up to 90°C. The modules have been developed for a forward voltage of 50V and a forward current of 950mA, but can also be operated with a standard power source of 1050mA. Additional features include R9 values of more than 85 with CRI values of more than 90, MacAdam three step Ellipse binning, as well as good colour consistency and colour stability values over time under realistic operating conditions (hot lumen). According to Sharp, the 50W led array can replace traditional HID lamps in the same performance class. Compared to halogen lamps, the service life of 40,000 hours of the array is notably longer and has a much lower decrease in brightness over time. The serial and parallel array of the led matrix is designed to ensure fail proof operation while offering the lowest possible thermal emission. The flat surface of the ceramic plate and the soldering points in place make it possible to attach the modules to a suitable heat sink without additional connecting material, improving heat dissipation. The electrical wiring is also said to lead to lower thermal stress of the single leds, because the heat is evenly distributed and dissipated across the entire surface of the matrix. The round light emitting surface (LES) consists of a total of 160 leds, subdivided into 10 parallel connected rows of 16. In the Mega Zeni series, this LES is fitted evenly with leds up to the edge, through which Sharp says the optical design of a lamp can be considerably simplified. The company states that formation of multiple shadows can be avoided, and at the same time it is easier to focus the optics (lens, reflector) on just one light emitting surface. The Mega Zeni measures 24 x 20 x 1.8mm and the colour temperature of the white led lighting components ranges from 2700 to 4000 Kelvin. The CRI values and colour temperatures of the modules correspond to the requirements of the international Energy Star programme. According to Sharp, the arrays are suitable for illumination of both streets and objects, as well as for indoor applications that include spot lighting and recessed ceiling light fixtures. Initial samples are available with colour temperatures of 3000 and 4000K.