Anti-Fuse Element controls open defects in LEDs.
Press Release Summary:
Connected in parallel to serial LEDs, Anti-Fuse Element allows each LED to stay lit should one become open, ensuring uninterrupted and even light. Unit measures 1.0 x 0.5 x 0.5 mm with allowable current of 350 mA, nominal voltage of 4 V, and trigger voltage of 20 V. Before activation, insulating resistance is 1 MW and resistance after activation is less than 3 W. Element is suited for all LED lighting fixtures, especially large outdoor lights.
Original Press Release:
Murata Electronics Develops Anti-Fuse Element
New Component Controls Open Defects in LEDs and Provides Improved Energy Efficiency
Smyrna, GA, September 8, 2009 - Murata Electronics North America, a world-leading innovator in electronics and the largest global supplier of ceramic passive components, today introduced an anti-fuse element for light emitting diodes (LEDs).
Developed to control open defects in LEDs, Murata's anti-fuse device prevents the lowering of power supply voltage, typically observed in Zener diodes, which results in higher energy efficiency. Other key benefits include a simple and economical circuit design, the reduction of color unevenness and small size.
Reduced power consumption is one of the main reasons LED lighting fixtures are in demand. However, LEDs are typically connected in series and therefore are at risk of failure if a single LED becomes open. The solution is to re-route current flow around the open LED. Murata's new anti-fuse element is connected in parallel to a serial LED, allowing each LED to stay lit should one become open. This allows for uninterrupted and even light, reduced maintenance costs and increased energy efficiency. The company's anti-fuse element can be used in all LED lighting fixtures and is especially well suited for large outdoor lights that generally require more maintenance.
"Providing solutions for green technology, such as LEDs, is an important part of Murata's vision," said Gerry Hubers, product manager, for Murata Electronics North America. "Murata's new anti-fuse element helps make energy conservation more obtainable."
The anti-fuse element measures 1.0mm x 0.5mm x 0.5mm. However, 0.6mm x 0.3mm and 0.4mm x 0.2mm sizes are in development. The allowable current is 350mA with a nominal voltage of 4V and a trigger voltage of 20V. Before activation, the insulating resistance is 1MW and the resistance after activation is less than 3W. This new product is available in sample quantities for 40 cents and lead times are approximately eight to 10 weeks starting January 2010.
About Murata Electronics North America (www.murata.com)
Murata Electronics North America is a wholly owned subsidiary of Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd., whose global headquarters are in Kyoto, Japan. Established in 1944, Murata Manufacturing is a worldwide leader in the design, manufacture and sale of ceramic-based passive electronic components and power supply modules. With annual revenues in excess of ¥524 billion, Murata is committed to the development of advanced electronic materials and leading edge, multi-functional, high-density modules. Products include: RF & microwave front end filters, connectivity modules, sensors, ceramic chip antennas, GaAs switches and Switchplexers(TM), baluns, couplers, isolators, coaxial connectors, RF test points, DC-DC converters, traps, discriminators, ceramic capacitors, EMI filters, inductors, piezoelectric alarms, ceramic resonators, trimming potentiometers, trimming capacitors and thermistors. The company has employees and manufacturing facilities throughout the world.
