LED / SSL Photometry & Design Masterclass

A multi-disciplinary training course for those working with LEDs & SSL

Pro-Lite has teamed up with the Photonics Cluster, Carclo Technical Plastics, High Light Optics and FLIR Systems to provide a multi-disciplinary Master Class for those who are developing and manufacturing LED-based products and Solid State Lighting (SSL). The modular, one-day course is held at the Birmingham Science Park in Aston and includes modules on the fundamentals of photometry and colorimetry, practical LED & SSL measurements, optical design, driver technology and thermal engineering.

Module 1 - Metrology of LEDs & SSL

The metrology and measurement modules will define the basic science and the metrics used in the photometry, colorimetry, spectroradiometry and goniophotometry of LEDs and Solid State Lighting. LEDs are being used in increasing numbers in lighting and display applications, ranging from solid state lighting luminaires, display backlights, large area video displays and signage. The human eye is very sensitive to brightness and colour differences and the problem with LEDs is they cannot be manufactured with consistent optical properties, even within the same batch. This makes measuring LED output an important activity, but their small size, narrow spectral emissions, directionality and temperature dependence mean that traditional photometric and colorimetric measurement methods are not always the most appropriate. These modules will explain the metrics used to describe the output of LEDs and luminaires, present the concept of useful light, review current industry standards and provide an overview of the available test equipment.

Module 2 - Designing Optics for LEDs

The optical design module will review the pros and cons of using no optics, basic lenses and more advanced options when designing an optical system using LEDS. Advice will be given on how to select optics depending upon where you want the light to go, the level of illuminance or luminous intensity and what colour of illumination you require. This module will highlight several LED optic case studies:

• Interior lighting where the brief was to deliver a target illuminance and where the specifications are given in units of lux.
• Exterior lighting where the brief was to design a beacon lamp of a specified luminous intensity which was to be mounted on a radio mast. Specifications were given in units of candelas. There will be a discussion of how to select optics such that the light output is isotropic (the same at all angles).

Module 3 - LED Driver Technology

The LED driver design module will review the historical background of LED driver technology and explain the basics of why we need to drive an LED. There will be a discussion of the different types of driver (single and multiple channel) and issues such as regulation, power factor, interfaces, dimming and the multichannel control of RGB and RGBW type sources will be considered. The important issue of driver IPR will also be addressed - is it better for SSL manufacturers to design a driver in-house ot buy one off the shelf? A case study will be presented which reviews the design and specification of an integrated driver for a 4-chip LED GU10 replacement lamp.

Module 4 - Thermal Engineering

The thermal engineering module addresses the approaches to mitigating the effect of thermal conditions on LED and SSL performance. The topics covered include:

• The theory of thermography, emissivity and thermal conductivity.
• Mathematical modeling – a systems approach.
• Tailoring thermal measurement to the needs of the industry.

Further Information

Each Masterclass comprises three out of the possible four modules and the training course will be run approximately 4 times a year. Check our Events Page to see when the next course is being held. For further information on the course, for course fees or to register your interest in attending, please use our Enquiry Form.