Tyco Electronics (TE), a global leader in engineered electronic components and solutions, releases the solderless LED socket, Type CM, for easy integration of the new Cree XLamp® MP-L™ multichip LED into light fixtures. Introduced as a development program at LIGHTFAIR® International 2010, the product family is now available for production orders.

The new socket offers customers a simple termination solution for the Cree XLamp MP-L LED while allowing ample optical clearance for un-lensed applications. For lensed applications, the socket incorporates a snap-on connect feature for the LEDIL Tyra series of reflectors, which offer directional optics in 18, 30 and 50 degree beam angles.

The solderless LED socket provides a rapid termination solution for the XLamp MP-L LED’s six 0.60mm2 connection pads that are mounted on the top of the LED. This low-profile socket eliminates the need to solder by providing a solderless solution that reduces assembly time while providing a repeatable and separable termination. In addition, the socket is conveniently offered in two versions to suit wire or board applications -- each version is offered with or without attachment features for optics. A third version with an inverted connection option will be available in late September 2010.

The wire termination version incorporates a TE AMP mini CT connector header that mates to a cable mounted AMP mini CT plug -- allowing for quick, easy wire connections. This version eliminates the need for a circuit board and allows the XLamp MP-L LED to be mounted directly to the heat sink using a thermally conductive adhesive. A six-inch AMP mini CT pigtail assembly is also offered to provide a complete interconnect solution for the XLamp MP-L LED implementation.

The board termination version, suitable for PCB-mount applications, provides a solderless termination directly to the PCB from the XLamp MP-L LED. This version suits applications where drive circuitry and remote connectors are integrated onto the same board as the LED.

The socket design, recognized to UL 1977 requirements (file #E28476), utilizes standard commercially- available hardware for attachment.