California Micro Devices (CMD) has unveiled LuxGuard family of protection devices for ultra high brightness (UHB) LED lighting applications. The LuxGuard family of protection solutions includes both LED submounts that deliver robust ESD protection and enhanced thermal management capabilities and side mounts which offer superior ESD protection for customers that utilize ceramic submounts.

A pioneer in the development of ESD protection circuits for high power UHB LED applications, CMD has shipped more than 300 million units to customers since 2001. Leveraging a significant foundation of application knowledge, CMD's LuxGuard solutions are being offered with popular design options that enable customers to optimize the products for seamless integration in the UHB LED lighting module.

The market for high power, UHB LEDs has expanded beyond traditional market segments such as status and alphanumeric display markets into a wider range of lighting applications, including handset display and keypad illumination, automotive, signage, residential and commercial lighting. Improvements in performance, efficiency, cost and reliability for UHB LEDs have been important contributing factors to their rapid penetration, accounting for over 15% of the total market in 2008, up from 10% in 2007, according to Jagdish Rebello. The expect forecasts the revenue for UHB LEDs to increase from $1.5 billion in 2009 to $3.9 billion in 2012 at a compound annual growth rate of 47%.

Kyle Baker, vice president of marketing for California Micro Devices notes high power LEDs are more ESD sensitive than their lower power counterparts, and require external ESD protection for enhanced reliability. Improved thermal management in a silicon based submount at a lower cost than more expensive ceramic submounts creates significant customer value. LuxGuard submounts and diodes address these exacting requirements for ESD performance and thermal management for UHB LEDs.

LuxGuard sub mounts provide integrated ESD protection at levels exceeding 15kV HBM (Human Body Model). The submount also helps to cushion the LED from stress due to thermal expansion coefficient differences between the LED and the lead frame, while the option of an aluminum top coat provides improved reflectivity.

CMD also offers TVS diodes mounted next to the LED die within the LED fixture as side mounts. ESD ratings vary based on die size, and are typically between 8kV and 15kV HBM.

Since High bright LEDs are more prone to ESD failure, LED manufacturers are mandating that ESD protection and thermal management ratings become a key specification for their products.

About California Micro Devices Corporation
California Micro Devices Corporation is a leading supplier of application specific analog and mixed signal semiconductor products for the mobile handset, digital consumer electronics and personal computer markets. Key products include protection devices for mobile handsets, digital consumer electronics products such as digital TVs, and personal computers as well as analog and mixed signal ICs for mobile handset displays. Detailed corporate and product information may be accessed at http://www.cmd.com.