Cree introduces multi-chip LEDs with narrow bins

Cree has introduced bins based on two-step MacAdam ellipses for its multi-chip XLamp MP-L and MC-E EasyWhite LEDs in warm and neutral color temperatures of 2700 K, 3000 K, 3500 K, and 4000 K.

When first introduced, the EasyWhite bins for the multichip MC-E were based on 4-step MacAdam ellipses.

The new bins are 94 percent smaller than the respective ANSI C78.377 quadrangle and 75 percent smaller than current (4-step) EasyWhite bins.

The narrow bins can only be achieved using multi-chip LEDs. Four white LED “chips” (i.e. chips with phosphor coating) are chosen by Cree, having previously been tested and sorted, so that the resulting mixed white-light output hits the desired color-point range or bin.

This EasyWhite approach eliminates the need to purchase multiple small bins and perform complex color mixing.

“This innovation gives the lighting community a simple solution to a previously challenging issue — combining-lighting class LED efficacy with traditional incandescent color consistency,” said Paul Thieken, Cree, director of marketing, LED components.

“Providing our customers with Cree’s EasyWhite technology in smaller, single bins can lower their cost and potentially speed time-to-market.”

EasyWhite binning is a unique feature of Cree multi-chip, lighting-class LED components that enables customers to specify a color temperature and lumen output, simplifying LED system design and improving LED-to-LED color consistency.

Cree says that the new multi-chip LEDs are now available in sample and production quantities with standard lead times.