Cree have announced successful laboratory tests of a single high-power packaged LED that delivered almost 1600 lm with light quality matching a reference incandescent lamp. In particular, the packaged LED delivered 1587 lm at 350 mA of drive current and at a realistic temperature of 85°C. The company say the 134 Lm/W realised efficacy is 25% better than other LEDs that give similar light quality. Historically, Cree have tended to commercialise products about two years after they publicise successful laboratory demonstrations.
Previously, Cree’s announcements of record-high efficacies have been for LEDs with high CCT and low CRI. This latest milestone is different and notable for the high quality of the light produced. Cree say the demonstration was based on a packaged LED that can deliver ≥90 CRI and also ≥90 for the R9 saturated-red colour sample that is deficient in many commercial LEDs. The demonstration produced light of 2700K, a warm hue like that of the legacy incandescent.
Cree co-founder and Director of Advanced Optoelectronics John Edmond says “Today, advancing LED technology goes beyond just increasing lumens per watt; [Cree are] also focused on improving spectral content and the efficacy of warmer colour temperatures while pursuing tremendous opportunities to increase lumens per watt at real-world operating conditions. This R&D result continues Cree’s high-power LED technology innovation and provides a path to better lighting experiences at the lowest overall system cost.”
