Electroluminescent Lamps provide uniform keypad lighting.
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Press Release Summary:
Series DFLX Flexible EL Lamps are based on phosphor technology and are comprised entirely of flexible printed resins measuring only 0.004 in. in thickness. They fit easily between assembly metal dome array and keypad, allowing designers to place light directly under each key without affecting tactile feel of key actuations. Lamps can be folded, creased, and pierced while maintaining complete functionality. They use very low current and generate no heat.
Original Press Release:
DUREL® Introduces New 'DFLX' Durel Flexible Electroluminescent Lamp for High-Quality Keypad Lighting
**Very thin, pliable, uniform light**
Chandler, Arizona, July 7, 2003: Durel Corporation, an affiliate of 3M and Rogers Corporation, has expanded its electroluminescent (EL) technology capabilities with the development of an all-new flexible electroluminescent lamp for mobile phones, remote controls and other electronic devices with keypads. Durel Flexible EL Lamps ("DFLX") offer designers the ultimate in design versatility for low-cost, uniform keypad lighting, including the ability to provide many types of decorative lighting. The uniform lighting characteristics of DFLX lamps enable designers to achieve best-in-class illumination in the keypad, complementing the latest improvements in LCD displays.
DFLX lamps are based on Durel Corporation's patented phosphor technology and EL resin systems. Durel's flexible lamps provide the same low power consumption and bright, uniform lighting already available in Durel's traditional custom EL products. These lamps have the additional feature of flexibility because of the absence of a rigid, thicker polyester carrier.
DFLX lamps are comprised entirely of flexible printed resins. Measuring only 0.004" (0.1mm) in thickness - one-third the thickness of traditional EL - these flexible lamps fit easily between an assembly metal dome array and keypad. This enables designers to place light directly under each key without affecting the tactile feel of the key actuations. "The big difference," states John Dowdell, president of Durel, "is that in traditional lighting methods, such as LEDs, designers must place the light somewhere around or between the keys. With DFLX lamps, they get bright light just where it is needed."
Durel flexible EL lamps provide a very thin form factor and supple rubbery composition (like a thin coat of latex paint), while maintaining durability. Lamps have been subjected to over one million actuations in keypad applications with no degradation. Durel's flexible lamps can be folded, creased and pierced while maintaining complete functionality - allowing design concepts previously unachievable. Designs can include in-mold, bands of light - the possibilities are limitless.
Luminance levels, environmental stability, and life curves of DFLX lamps are comparable to the values obtained with Durel's traditional EL lamps. Custom-made to meet specific applications, designers can choose from an array of colors. Another benefit is that it is not necessary to blank or die cut the lamps. For easy shipment and handling, DFLX lamps are printed in their final shape to the customer's specification on a coated release liner.
Powered by a small IC driver, DFLX lamps use very low current and generate no heat. A broad range of high-power EL drivers is available from Durel as part of its matched system-solution approach. Durel also provides comprehensive engineering support for customers requiring assistance in optimizing EL backlighting systems for their applications.
Samples of DFLX lamps are available through Durel's Customer Service or any of Durel's sales agents. Datasheets and additional technical information on the Durel Flexible Electroluminescent Lamp are available on Durel's Web site at www.durel.com.
Durel is ISO 9001Certified and QS9000 Registered. For more information about Durel's EL Lamps, EL Drivers, and Electroluminescent Materials Systems, please contact Durel's Customer Service at customerservice@durel.com, or telephone Customer Service at 480/917-6000, fax: 480/917-6049. Visit Durel's Web site at www.durel.com.
Durel Corporation is a joint venture between 3M Corporation, located in Minnesota, and Rogers Corporation, located in Connecticut. The company's product lines include coated phosphors, inks, custom electroluminescent lamps, EL drivers, design engineering applications, and consulting services.
