2023-11-17
The light-emitting diode (LED) market has been booming with the growing demand for LED displays and lights. LEDs have now been adopted in the automotive, aerospace, building, traffic light and advertisement sectors. This market will grow endlessly until we replace every conventional light with an LED. In such a scenario, it’s crucial that buyers have accurate measurements of the various optical parameters of LEDs.
Parameters to measure while testing LEDs
Colour rendering index (CRI): A higher CRI indicates more accurate colour rendering. This is a measurement of a light source’s capability to reveal the colours of various objects, when compared to a natural light source, and this is rated on a scale from 0 to 100.
Colour temperature: A‘warm’colour temperature is typically 3000K or less, while a ‘cool’colour temperature is 4000K or more.
Light intensity: This is the total amount of visible light emitted from a light source, measured in lumens.
Power consumption: This is the rate at which energy is generated or consumed, measured in watts.
The Energy Star rating requires LED lamps of 5 watts or greater to have a minimum power factor of 0.7.
To test the longevity of LED hardware, certain tests need to be performed. These include fatigue testing, assembly checks, dielectric voltage-withstand tests, function tests, endurance tests, and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) tests. Fatigue tests help to assess the durability of functional parts for prolonged use. The assembly check can help to verify whether customers can easily assemble, install and use the product. The dielectric voltage-withstand test measures the current leakage and detects electrical or dielectric breakdown. A function test helps to verify whether the LED lighting product functions properly, according to the user manual. An endurance test, or running test, assesses the safety and functional performance of lighting products over time. EMC testing helps ensure LED lights do not emit excessive electromagnetic interference (EMI) during use. High EMI can disrupt or damage other electronics within the same environment.