Cree confounds calefaction

has unveiled its LED backlighting approach that reduces power consumption in larger format LCD monitors and televisions by 60 percent compared with other LED backlighting solutions and 12 percent compared with traditional compact fluorescent (CCFL)-based backlighting options.

The new backlighting solution is based on Cree's XThin blue and green LEDs mounted to a thermally conductive substrate.

Cree says that by reducing power consumption, television and computer monitor makers can design larger screens that do not require active cooling, eliminating the need for fans, heat pipes and heat sinks associated with first generation LED backlit LCD panels.

Manufacturers benefit from lower production costs as computer monitors and televisions can be significantly thinner relative to current LED backlighting solutions. Display systems that generate less heat can also maintain brightness and colour uniformity over a longer period of time.

"Initially, LED-based backlighting solutions for larger LCD monitors and televisions were applauded for significantly improving colour rendering. It's now clear that energy savings can also be significant if the backlighting system is designed for high energy efficiency," noted Jerry Simmons, who manages the Solid State Lighting R&D Program at Sandia National Laboratories.

"Sandia is working with LED industry leaders such as Cree in ongoing research and development efforts to further increase the energy efficiency of LED technology,” continued Simmons. “However, it is equally important to improve LED brightness and uniformity to spur the widespread adoption of this technology and to dramatically reduce energy consumption now and into the future. Advances such as this will make a significant reduction in the USA's energy consumption."

Key benefits of Cree's backlighting solution, demonstrated by a prototype large format LCD monitor, are said to include power consumption of 40 watts, as compared with 100 watts for other LED and peak brightness of 300 NITS at thermal equilibrium.

Cree targets making its backlighting solution commercially available for use in LCD computer monitors and televisions by late 2005.