What is a Light Emitting Diode?
It is a semiconductor device that converts electrical energy into a specific colour of light. The first practical LED was invented in 1962 by Nick Holonyak. At the time, Mr Holonyak was working as a consulting scientist for the General Electric Company. He also invented the red-light semiconductor laser (used in CD and DVD players) and helped to create the first light dimmer.
LED Benefits Compared to other lighting sources such as Neon or fluorescents, LEDs: - Are solid state units that are less likely to break. - Consume less energy. - Generate less heat. - Have no hazardous chemicals. - Can be used to create dynamic displays.
Life Span Neon > Up to 25,000 hours (or 2.8 years) LED > Up to 100,000 hours (or 11.4 years)
What Colours Do LEDs Come In? - LEDs are available in the full range of primary colours. However, they are not all the same. - LEDs are commonly available in red, green and blue colours. - They can be combined to generate white light and a myriad of colours. - Red is the oldest existing LED and is one of the brightest and cheapest. It is also the most popular colour used. - There are also modified blue and UV LEDs that produce a high brightness white light commonly used to substitute fluoresecent tubes or incandescent lighting.
Examples of LED Signage: - Channel-lettering/light boxes - Building facades - Large outdoor video screens - Digital billboards - Sport/stadium displays - Small indoor retail displays - Good displays (restaurants/supermarkets) - Signs on taxis - Destination signs on mass-transit vehicles Plus, in most cases LEDs can be retro-fitted into existing signage to create a more sustainable lighting option for illumination.
Future Prediction In 2010, the worldwide consumption of LED used in signage and professional displays reached $1.52billion (US) and forecasted to reach $2.78billion (US) in 2016.
