Ultracompact LED suits mobile phone keypads

Rohm Co. Ltd has introduced an ultracompact LED in a 0.04 x 0.02-inch footprint for devices that require ultracompact components such as mobile phone keypads, small dot-matrix units and compact seven-segment display devices.

The PicoLED SML-P12 series also delivers high-luminosity in a range of colors: red, orange, yellow, green, blue and white. The InGaAlP or InGaN PicoLEDs feature the same level of brightness as conventional chip LEDs, but in a package size that is 53 percent smaller in area with 74 percent less volume than standard 0603-sized products, said Rohm. This makes them suitable for use in high-density applications with narrow spaces.

The LEDs can also be used to create compact, full color, high-density matrices with a 0.06-inch pitch that can be used in car audio displays or to produce seven-segment displays with a character height of 0.2 inches, which is said to be an industry first.

Sample pricing for SML-P12 is 80 cents each.

Mass production is scheduled to start next month. Lead time is 10-12 weeks ARO.

- Gina Roos
eeProductCenter