[Editor's Note] Recently, based on merits such as long life, high efficiency, and low power consumption, the use of LED as a light source is increasing in various devices, and the use of LED light sources for camera sensing in autonomous driving and electric vehicles is increasing. Accordingly, developers are required to have various knowledge and approaches regarding technologies for handling LED light sources. In the midst of this, semiconductor manufacturer ROHM will hold a webinar titled ' Clear Explanation! How to Handle LEDs ' through the e4ds news ee webinar on September 29th at 10:30 AM. This webinar will cover the basics of LEDs and precautions for use, with the topic of LEDs. Accordingly, our magazine has arranged an opportunity to hear about LED light sources through an interview with Park Cheol, a senior researcher at ROHM who is hosting this webinar.

■ Please introduce ROHM.

ROHM Co., Ltd. is a comprehensive semiconductor manufacturer that provides system solutions in a wide range of market fields, from consumer electronics and IT devices to automotive-related devices and industrial equipment.

Through our global network of development and sales, we supply LSI and discrete semiconductors, and electronic components with excellent quality and reliability.

In order to construct high-efficiency and high-performance power circuits, we utilize excellent analog & power technology and know-how to provide high-quality products including not only power ICs but also power devices including SiC, transistors, diodes, resistors, and other peripheral components.

In addition, we are also developing a reference business that supplies everything from ICs to electronic components through high quality, stable supply, and a loyal support system both domestically and internationally.

■ Recently, LED light sources are increasing in various devices. The causes of this trend and the outlook for the future conversion of light sources to LEDs

As many functions are loaded and implemented in a single application, LEDs are often used as indicators to show that various functions are operating.

In addition, as development on autonomous driving increases, the demand for IR-LEDs for sensing in each front and rear camera is also increasing.

While LEDs of various colors have been used for display purposes in the past, it is expected that they will be used for a variety of purposes in the future, including sensing.

■ What are some things developers should be careful about when handling LED light sources?

Since LED is a light-emitting device, it is one of the products that is sensitive to heat. Its characteristics change depending on temperature, and its brightness also changes.

Therefore, LEDs should be used in accordance with the electrical characteristics and ratings according to temperature. In addition, since there are differences by product, this is also one of the factors to consider.

■ I understand that the points to note in the specifications are the absolute maximum ratings, electrical/optical characteristics, and characteristic data. Why it matters

For all semiconductor components, we recommend using them within the ratings because there is a high possibility that the device will be destroyed if the absolute maximum rating is exceeded. We also recommend that you consider designing for electrical/optical characteristics that change depending on temperature and deviation.

■ If there are any points to be careful about when installing depending on the internal structure of the LED,

Some reflector type (white case equipped) products use silicone resin for the purpose of improving reliability, but silicone resin may cause damage to the internal parts due to applied stress.

Therefore, it is necessary to select an appropriate suction collet size and be careful not to contact the molding part on the upper surface of the product.

Additionally, in the case of small chip LED products, depending on the amount of solder, the solder may cover the top surface of the product terminal and penetrate into the interior.

ROHM also has a series of countermeasure products to address these challenges.

■ Please introduce ROHM’s LED light source products.

ROHM's LED light source products have a diverse lineup depending on the package/brightness. In addition, we are recently strengthening our lineup of blue and white LED products by brightness.

We are working to supply products with improved reliability in response to future automotive products, and are developing and preparing to supply high-reliability products that meet customer needs.

■ A final word to the readers

I would like to thank you for giving me the opportunity to introduce ROHM and ROHM LEDs through this webinar, and I hope that it will be of some help to those who are actually using them.

thank you