Jim Young and Bernie Weir
ON Semiconductor and Cree

It is estimated by the International Energy Agency that more than 19% of electrical energy demand globally is used for lighting so there is a significant impact in replacing inefficient light sources such as incandescent lamps with more energy efficient solutions. Much of the focus in reducing this demand has been on encouraging the adoption of compact fluorescent lamps (CFL). The choice of using CFLs is not without consequence; each bulb contains mercury which, when not disposed of properly, ends up in landfills. In addition, the form factor is not ideal for all applications. An alternative that have been gaining significant attention is phosphor converted white LEDs. LED efficacy—the measure of lumen output versus input power—and lumen output continues to make significant progress year over year. Moreover power LEDs can have lifetimes of greater than 50,000 hours when properly designed and operated.