(1) DDP LED stack lights may replace incandescent bulbs in industrial apps eeProductCenter says: “DDP has designed a LED–based stack light lamp to provide distinct visual indication of machine status from anywhere on a factory or office floor. The SL3 series stack light lamp provides 360 degrees of visibility, even in high ambient lighting conditions. Suitable for retrofits, the SL3 is designed as a drop–in replacement for a variety of incandescent bulb–based stack lights and signal towers.”
Readers say:
» “Due to plant maintenance and spare part stocking I’d probably still stay with some sort of AB, Square D, or Federal Signal unit.”
» “I’m glad to see industry is offering low energy alternatives at what seems to be a reasonable price.”
» “The elimination of a fragile wire filament in safety critical indicators is a more significant feature of LEDs than their inherent efficiency. Drop–in compatibility speeds the adoption of such technology.”
» “Another welcome but trivial LED application. The efficiency and reliability of LEDs is most welcome.”
» “Wave of the future to reduce energy demand.”
» “It might be good to utilize on the factory floors where failure means significant cost.”
» “This product has far more uses than industrial machine status. Examples include outdoor laser testing facilities, high RF radiating structures, exposed high voltage, etc.”
» “This seems to be a decent, workmanlike product at a reasonable price, but not particularly innovative.”
» “Currently it takes multiples of LED emitters to get significant light. Anything that improves the use of multiple emitters is important.”
» “Make it waterproof could be used for planes, hiking, connect with GPS systems for S&R.”
» “Estimates on power savings might be nice. That is more likely to get more customers.”
» “Great way to save energy and long lifetime of the product.”
» “We currently use incandescent lamps in these stacks. Never thought of LEDs. I have seen some LED “replacements” that were not suitable for our needs. I would have to compare this stack against our current product to determine if its suitable.”
» “Maintenance and reliability are the big advantages. If these are designed correctly, then there should never be a failure.”
» “The life and the electrical and optical characteristics look great.”
» “I find it more reliable, efficient and versatile for industrial apps...Its sleek looking shape is very attractive.”
USABILITY RANK: 1
(2) OSRAM High–power LED touts high brightness eeProductCenter says: “OSRAM Opto Semiconductors has expanded its DRAGON series line of high–power LEDs with the Platinum DRAGON for applications that call for high brightness in a small space. The Platinum DRAGON LED produces white light at 75 lm from an operating current of 700 mA (30 lm/W), which makes it the brightest single–chip, high–power LED in the DRAGON series. Potential efficiencies range from 30 to 50 lumens per watt depending on actual application drive current. The high–power ThinFilm and ThinGaN chips, better thermal connection between the chip and the package, and optimum heat dissipation of the SMT package itself, all contribute to a significant boost in output, said the company.”
Readers say:
» “Alternative hi power solutions are emerging in the marketplace. Ability to meet a variety of applications is critical.”
» “Nice package and acceptable price, but lower efficiency than Cree’s XR–E LEDs also announced that month.”
» “Compact, powerful and splendid.”
» “Again, would be nice to see bi and tri colors available.”
USABILITY RANK: 4
(3) LUMEX High–power LEDs combine high intensity with low power consumption eeProductCenter says: “Lumex has expanded its high–power LED portfolio with three surface–mount packages and 34 product variants that combine high levels of illumination with low power consumption. These devices may be used in LCD backlights, decorative lighting, automotive interior lighting, animated signs, warning lights and alarms, or other applications that call for high light output LEDs with lower power consumption.”
Readers say:
» “Adequate, medium-efficiency. Not for general illumination, but maybe useful for color–mixing.”
» “Looks like an excellent product for the intended applications.”
» “Low power consumption and high intensity are great traits to show its efficiency.”
» “NA real nice feature would be this type of power in a bi or tri color LED!!”
USABILITY RANK: 2
(4) JARO Micro fan touts high airflow, fast speed eeProductCenter says: “JARO Thermal has introduced a series of high–flow, micro–sized fans. Designated at the Super–Flow Micro fan, this cooling device offers a rated speed as high as 15,000 rpm in a 15 x 15 x 6–mm footprint. The Super–Flow Micro fan also provides a maximum airflow of .22 cfm, which makes the device suitable for cell phones, PDAs and other space–constrained applications. The fan is designed to provide a minimum life cycle of 50,000 hours.”
Readers say:
» “50000 hour life cycle should be defined more clearly. Is it under normal use condition, or lab test condition?”
» “We are working in embedded processor hardware and fan technology that can provide heat dissipation for embedded solutions is important.”
» “An interesting product that could permit spot air circulation in some limited applications. Given its small size, flying leads, and lack of mounting options this product is not suited to automatic insertion in the end item products for which it is targeted. The cost of touch labor to use this product probably limits its end item uses. I believe it needs some more development to be truly useful product.”
» “Get the delivery lead time down.”
» “Its small size and minimum life cycle is an asset for its success.”
USABILITY RANK: 5
(5) MOLEX Ultra–low–profile FPC connectors fit into tight spaces eeProductCenter says: “Molex has introduced two new series of ultra–low–profile FPC connectors with very high cable retention forces for secure contact reliability. These SMT right–angle connectors are suitable for mobile devices such as cell phones, digital cameras and other tight–packaging applications.”
Readers say:
» “Fairly common design now. What I would expect from a connector these days.”
» “Impressive Product.”
» “Can they still be operated with a finger?”
USABILITY RANK: 3
(6) TOSHIBA CMOS image sensors combine small pixel size, image quality for camera phones eeProductCenter says: “Toshiba America Electronic Components, Inc.(TAEC) has expanded its Dynastron image sensor product line with the addition of two new chips, the 3.2 megapixel ET8EE6–AS CMOS image sensor and 2.0 megapixel ET8EF2–AS CMOS image sensor SoC with an integrated image signal processor (ISP). With a pixel pitch of 2.2 microns, which is said to be a significant advance in cell–size miniaturization compared to the 2.7–micron pixel pitch of previous 2– and 3.2–megapixel products, they enable development of smaller camera modules for cellular phones and other camera-–enabled mobile devices.”
Readers say:
» “This image sensor module is manufactured in the heated chamber (to locate lens). Interested in how this method can compete with UV treated method.”
» “SoC married to sensor is very important, reducing size, power, and providing crucial image processing.”
» “Looks like a nifty product for a niche market like high end cameras and PDAs. Its price precludes its use from low end equipment like cell phones.”
» “Niche product for high end phone; technology not good enough yet to displace DSC.”
USABILITY RANK: 7
(7) ONE STOP DISPLAYS 5.7–inch TFT–LCD integrates white LED backlight eeProductCenter says: “OSD Displays (OSD) offers a 5.7–inch diagonal 640 x RGB x 480 (VGA) TFT–LCD with a white LED backlight for industrial control and mobile computing applications. The OSD057VGA display may also be used in test and measurement equipment, medical devices and telecommunications applications. The OSD057VGA display supports up to 18–bit (262 k) color. The brightness level is rated at 220 cd/m2 with a contrast ratio of 300:1. The display allows for simple image rotation via digital user inputs.”
Readers say:
» “Part of the continuing evolution to LED backlights.”
» “I suspect that OLED and edge emitting projection systems will overtake TFT due to lack of image intensity in daylight.”
» “Very price–sensitive.
» “I think we should standardize on 3.5 inch and 6.5 inch. Don’t see a need for a 5.7 inch. I like the integrated backlight.”
» “I like the built in LED backlight driver – more LCD panels need that”
USABILITY RANK: 6
(8) OMNIVISION Camera chip sensor enables thinner camera phones eeProductCenter says: “OmniVision Technologies, Inc. has launched its sixth generation 1.3 megapixel CameraChip sensor that features a 2–micron pixel and 1/5–inch optical format. The OV9660 enables a 25 percent thinner camera module, making it a good fit for ultra–slim handset designs. The smaller module size also allows for a drop–in upgrade from VGA to 1.3 megapixels, which is expected to extend the life of existing VGA camera phone designs.”
Readers say:
» “Camera phone needs low energy consumption. This is the top priority. Energy efficiency would be decisive factor in the camera chip industry.”
» “Thinner is usually better but CMOS sensors are moving circuitry away from pixel and into substrates to provide 90% or better fill factor.”
» “Design and features are very significant.”
USABILITY RANK: 8
(9) SITIME MEMS resonator touts small size, high Q eeProductCenter says: “Startup company SiTime claims to introduce the industry’s smallest and thinnest megahertz resonator. Shipped in die form, the SiT0100 MEMS resonator measures 0.8 (tall) x 0.6 (wide) x 0.15–mm (thick), and is compatible with standard semiconductor packaging for system–in–package (SIP) and multi–chip modules (MCM).”
Readers say:
» “A very interesting technological advance and application for MEMs. However, it is more a lab curiosity at this time with very little application give the availability of only 5.1 MHz unless the user can afford the huge tooling costs. Given the end item cost and niche capabilities that don’t meet stretch to MIL temperature requirements, I’m not sure this item will fair very well in the marketplace.”
» “If it improves survivability in harsh environments (military and automotive) it could be important.”
» “Splendid.”
USABILITY RANK: 10
(10) MILL MAX MFG. Receptacles make it easier to replace LEDs eeProductCenter says: “Mill–Max Mfg. Corp. offers a full line of low–profile, above board and elevated barrel receptacles suitable for socketing LED devices used in applications such as display backlighting, automotive signal lights, electronic signs and custom array displays. The LED receptacles make it easier to replace LEDs by simply unplugging the header connector from the receptacle and replacing the LED unit. The precision–machined receptacles use a multi–finger beryllium copper spring contact, which is said to provide secure retention and a hi–reliability electrical connection to the mated LED lead.”
Readers say:
» “Given the reliability of LEDs (at least at low power levels) I’m not sure why I would tout an otherwise terrific product for this application. I think showing how this product can be used to stack boards and the like would be a better application to advertise this product.”
» “How often do LEDs get replaced?”
» “We have not seen any LED output degradation that merits replacing a LED yet.”
