Background

Unlike Incandescent and Halogen light sources, which inherent to their design tolerate extremely high operating temperatures (i.e. 500'F+), if one is to realize the long lifetime promised by LED products, LEDs must be operated at cool temperatures. Unlike the common misconception that LEDs do not generate heat, Illumination Grade LED products do generate heat and without proper heat sinking the lifetime of the LED product risks being compromised.

How hot is too hot?

While an LED or LED product may not feel that hot, that doesn't mean the LED source within shares your observation. LEDs require a good thermal path to remove the heat from the LED source into the surrounding environment. Without a good thermal path, the LED temperature may far exceed the temperature measured at the fixture housing. In other scenarios, even with a good thermal path, while an LED may be content at ambient temperature, in direct sunlight or when installed in a tight or insulated space, LED temperatures will rise as the ambient temperature rises, whether due to self heating or ambient conditions.

What happens if an LED runs too hot?

• Accelerated Lumen Maintenance
  (light output drops more rapidly over time)
• Decreased Efficacy
  (less light output for the power applied)
• Decreased Light Output
• Possible Shift in Color Temperature (CCT)
• Possible Catastrophic Failure

An Innovative Solution:
Active Thermal Management (ATM)

i2Systems Active Thermal Management (ATM) offers OEMs, Resellers, and Consumers added confidence that their i2Systems LED product will provide extended operating life and strong lumen maintenance. While i2Systems products are conservatively engineered and specified to operate within a defined operating temperature range, we live in an unpredictable world and as long as it remains that way, why not play it safe? i2Systems ATM actively manages LED temperature. In the event that the LED temperature shows indication of exceeding our factory defined safe limit, ATM activates and gradually reduces the light output until a safe limit is achieved. Reduced light, means reduced heat, and while the light reduction may be on the order of only 10 or 20 percent, even the slightest reduction results in big gains. As ambient temperatures return to normal, so does the light output.

When might Active Thermal Management Activate?

• In ambient temperatures higher than the product maximum rating
• When products are installed in direct sunlight
• When products are installed without proper ventilation