Taiwan is focusing on solar power and AC light-emitting diodes (LED) as the main drivers of the nation’s green technology initiatives, and is seeking to become a world leader in AC light-emitting diodes (LED), according to the Taipei Times. The AC LED Alliance of Taiwan, under the direction of the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI), is ready to submit the world’s first AC-powered LED technology standard proposal to the International Commission on Illumination.

Macroblock launches a new 16-bit PWM LED driver with 8-bit digital dot correction, MBI5040. To provide uniformed LED brightness and accurate LED color for high-end LED display panels, “matched LEDs” are insufficient, and dot correction of each LED pixel becomes necessary. However, it is costly and complex to process dot correction through controllers for the increasing loading of the controllers and the limited control of LED pixels.

UPEC Electronics Corp. introduced their new product – CP150 series, which used Aluminum oxide to replace for original LTCC package materials. Utilizing UPEC’s superior ceramic packing technology for high power LED, CP150 is packed with the smallest size and still can keep excellent thermal conductivity and higher CTE (coefficient of thermal expansion). Furthermore, the heat dissipation of high power LED will no longer be an issue for CP150 series and the lifetime can reach 50,000 hours.

Scientists have developed a method to make lettuce darker and healthier using ultraviolet (UV) light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Steven Britz of the U.S. Department of Agriculture and his colleagues used low-power LEDs that exposed lettuce to ultraviolet B (UVB) light for 43 hours. The lettuce was noticeably darker than plants not exposed to the UVB. They have not quantified this effect, but the lettuce darkening increased with the intensity of the light. Darker lettuce, like spinach, is known to be more nutrient dense than its lighter counterparts, such as iceberg.

In Japan, a digital signage system using OLED panels is being tested at Ebisu station this week. The test is carried out by JR East Group's JR East Mechatronics Co Ltd and East Japan Marketing & Communications Inc. Last year at the same ticket gate, the two companies tested a digital signage using color electronic paper modules made by Hitachi Ltd and Fujitsu Ltd, and the pixel counts of the modules were 320 x 640 and 400 x 600, respectively.

Intematix Corp., a leading innovator in phosphors, LED components and solid state lighting modules announced today that it has completed a pan-European franchise agreement with Rutronik Elektronische Bauelemente GmbH. The agreement provides Rutronik distribution rights to Intematix' entire product portfolio of chip-on-ceramic power LEDs, arrays and modules. Rutronik will also have access to Intematix full-solution line of control systems, secondary optics and heat management technologies.

IST Lighting, a UK-based designer and manufacturer of LED lighting technologies, announces that it has established a strategic partnership with Lighting Science Group Corporation to develop and produce dimmable LED fixtures which utilize its iDrive range of LED drivers. The company plans to launch the new 45W iDrive MultiDIM mains dimmable LED driver and mains dimmable LED downlight ranges in cooperation with Lighting Science Group Corporation, according to IST.

Welland, Canada has recently approved the resolutions to require developers to use LED fixtures in new streetlight installations, and is looking at the replacement of existing fixtures with LEDs. Located in the Niagara Region of Ontario, Canada, Welland became an LED City in September 2008, and is leading the way in new initiatives.

San Jose, Calif., plans to convert 125 lights in the city’s Hillview North neighborhood by June 2009 in its second LED streetlight pilot project. The new streetlights will use energy efficient LED lamps equipped with the locally based Echelon’s power line networking technology and segment controllers. The LED Streetlights connected with the Echelon’s intelligent controls for smart networks can help reduce energy and maintenance costs while improving light quality, decreasing light pollution and providing increased safety, according to the company.

TT electronics Optek Technology has developed a new family of visible LED backlighting strips that offer high intensity, reliable and cost-effective backlighting solution. Designated OPA775 and OPA776, the "Jacob's Ladder" series of backlighting strips are offered with daylight white LEDs and designed specifically for illumination of small- and medium-size display applications where lighting intensity and reliability are imperative.

Since their inception in 2004, Spirit Circuits have proven that UK manufacturers who offer innovation in service and delivery can thrive despite economic challenges and foreign competition.

With LED backlights more and more used in LCD TVs, Taiwanese LED makers, including Epistar Corp., Formosa Epitaxy Inc. and Tekcore Co., Ltd., have seen a flood of orders in recent months, according to Taiwan Economic News.

Radionic Hi-Tech, Inc., a U.S.-based lighting company, has become the first under-cabinet LED lighting manufacturer to receive the Lighting Facts label.

In the Trafford Centre in Manchester UK, LED luminaires from OSRAM’s innovative new range have been used to create a unique shopping experience.

The overall solid-state lighting (SSL) market will achieve worldwide revenues topping $33 billion by 2013, forecasts an industry research institute in its new report. The illumination segment of the LED market will light the way with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of nearly 22% from 2009 to 2013 as cities worldwide switch to more energy-efficient and ecologically friendly SSL solutions. The display portion of the market also will shine brightly, achieving a five-year CAGR of over 14 percent, according to the report.

Rutronik Elektronische Bauelemente GmbH has entered into a pan-European franchise agreement with the USA-based LED specialist Intematix Corporation as their exclusive distribution partner in Europe. Effective immediately, Rutronik will distribute Intematix's entire product portfolio of individual components, arrays, LED modules, control systems, secondary optics and heat sinks.

The 2009 Lighting for Tomorrow (LFT) competition is to take place May 14-15. OnSpeX, a division of CSA Group and a global provider of consumer product performance evaluations, inspections and advisory services is hosting the judging event for the competition at its testing facility in Cleveland, Ohio, the U.S.

Researchers of the University of Tokyo in Japan have created a flexible organic electroluminescent display (OLED display) that can be stretched and folded like rubber without influencing the image quality or damaging the display.

In New Mexico of the U.S., traffic and pedestrian lights at intersections throughout the state will be retrofitted with LEDs in the State Energy Program with $5 million federal stimulus money. The incandescent bulbs will be replaced with LED bulbs, which use significantly less electricity. The documented savings from switching to LED bulbs at a traffic intersection is at least 80% compared to incandescent bulbs, according to Gov. Bill Richardson. Communities will see an immediate reduction in their electric bills.

In Europe cities like Berlin, Prague and Warsaw, the ancient gas street lamps are to be replaced with LED lamps, which will cut power consumption by more than 90% without altering the old-world look or the light quality of the gas-driven fixtures. The retrofit is designed by Berlin-based Braun Schaltgeräte & Service with assistance from LED solutions provider Future Lighting Solutions. And the first eight LED models were recently installed on Berlin’s Alexanderplatz public square.

Researchers at the Technical University of Dresden and Novaled AG have collaborated to create a 90 lm/W OLED luminaire. The OLED has a brightness of 1,000 cd/m2 according to the researchers. The OLED light engine with a 3-D light extraction technology reportedly achieved an efficacy of 124 lm/W.

Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. yesterday added to its Little Star® family with a new, automotive qualified 1-W white LED that combines extraordinarily high brightness with a compact package outline. The Little Star® VLMW711U2U3XV additionally offers a low thermal resistance and high luminous intensity for a wide range of applications.

A riot of color in a compact package - Smallest multicolour LED extends OSRAM product portfolio

NeoPac Opto launches NeoPac Universal Platform (NUP) and Standard Solid-State Light Sources for accelerating adoption of LEDs for illumination applications

Luminus Devices, Inc. announced the introduction of the CSM-360-W PhlatLight LED, the newest in a series of white LEDs designed specifically for general lighting applications. Luminus said the CSM-360-W combines the benefits of large monolithic chips in a multi-chip configuration to deliver a Chip-on-Board LED package capable of delivering 6,000 lumens.

Avnet Electronics Marketing China, part of the global technology distributor, Avnet, Inc., turned the spotlight on energy efficient, high brightness (HB) LEDs at the "Symposium on Sustainability Driven Innovative Technologies" implemented by the Hong Kong Productivity Council.

Opto Tech Corp., a Taiwanese LED provider, has successfully outbid its counterparts to supply large-sized LED display screens for China Pavilion of the World Expo 2010 in Shanghai, according to the company.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) recently funded LED lighting maker Liquidleds Lighting Corp. NT$26 million (US$764,700) through its venture capital fund VTFA and has acquired 11% stake in the LED provider. The investment is considered as part of its plan to develop strong presence in green technology field. Liquidleds was co-founded in 2005 by a former iD SoftCapital Group executive. The company reportedly has introduced the first AC LED bulb in the industry.  In LED filed, TSMC has invested in epitaxy-wafer maker BridgeLux of the U.S.

Micron Technology is requesting for $20 million stimulus fund through the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to help the company expand into the LED industry and create new jobs in Idaho. LEDs (Light-emitting diodes), which use one-seventh as much energy as conventional lighting and can last much longer, can be used in lamps and fixtures, municipal streetlights and outdoor lighting such as street lamps, traffic signals and auto lights.