Interesting Facts About LEDs and its Sustainability

Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are currently the most efficient light bulb on the market, often out-performing formerly popular compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) and incandescent bulbs. The lights have the potential to create a more sustainable future for energy in the United States. It is estimated that if every American replaced one conventional light bulb with an LED, the energy savings would be equivalent to removing the greenhouse gas emissions of 800,000 cars. Let’s take a look at the history of LEDs, and how their technology has the capacity to change power consumption in the United States.

In 1907, scientists discovered that when a voltage is applied to silicon carbide crystal, it emits yellowish light. At the time, the light was too dim to be used in any application. Over the coming years, LEDs were continuously developed and in the 1970’s the design we see today was born. The LEDs we recognize today utilize semiconductor chips to power light emitting diodes. They create light by electroluminescence within a semiconductor material using an interaction called a p-n junction.

When electrical currents pass through a semiconductor material, the electrons want to fill electron holes, or areas where an atom might have missing electrons and are positively charged. A material, like silicon, can be adjusted to control the number of electron holes by adding other elements to change its properties. Through this manipulation, two semiconductors can exist within one material, and this creates a boundary between the two called a p-n junction. Here, current can only pass through in one direction. As electrons pass through both semiconductors, they fill electron holes and emit the light that we see. Engineers have further developed LEDs to concentrate their light emission by controlling the angle at which light leaves the semiconductor.

With their efficient engineering, LEDs cut 80% of energy consumption compared to other types of light bulbs, and last up to 25% longer. To put this in perspective, you can run an average LED continuously for 3 years, 24/7, before it would need to be replaced. LEDs also convert 95% of the energy they consume directly into light, which reduces current overflow and waste, unlike incandescent lamps which only convert an average 10% of power consumed. As LEDs become more affordable and widely used, they’re quickly becoming popular with consumers. Various statistics project that by 2030, LED bulbs will account for 75% of all lighting sales in the United States.

At NSN Parts Now, owned and operated by ASAP Semiconductor, we can help you find LED Displays and Semiconductor devices, new or obsolete. As a premier supplier of parts for the aerospace, civil aviation, and defense industries, we’re always available and ready to help you find all the parts and equipment you need, 24/7x365. For a quick and competitive quote, email us at sales@nsnpartsnow.com or call us at +1-714-705-4780.


Share

Recent Twitter Posts

Semiconductor's Certifications and Memberships

Thanks for Visiting!

Before You Leave, Consider Taking a Look at Our NSN Parts Catalog. Don’t forget That We Can offer Same-Day Shipping On Most of Our Inventory!

Request for Quote

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.