WO2024113160A1

WO2024113160A1 - Color-temperature-tunable lighting devices

Info

Publication number: WO2024113160A1
Application number: PCT/CN2022/135022
Authority: WO
Inventors: Yi-Qun Li; Jingqiong Zhang; Jungang ZHAO
Original assignee: Bridgelux Inc
Current assignee: Bridgelux Inc
Priority date: 2022-11-29
Filing date: 2022-11-29
Publication date: 2024-06-06
Anticipated expiration: 2025-05-29

Abstract

A lighting device comprises a package comprising: a first LED that generates light of a first chromaticity in a first chromaticity region defined by chromaticity coordinates (0.498, 0.422), (0.522, 0.370), (0.562, 0.410), and (0.537, 0.461); a second LED that generates light of a second chromaticity in a second chromaticity region defined by chromaticity coordinates (0.330, 0.480), (0.342, 0.385), (0.392, 0.420), and (0.378, 0.514); and a third LED that generates light of a third chromaticity in a third chromaticity region defined by chromaticity coordinates (0.196, 0.261), (0.206, 0.212), (0.234, 0.243), and (0.226, 0.290), wherein light generated by the device comprises a combination of light generated by the first, second, and third LEDs and wherein a chromaticity of light generated by the device is tunable by independently controlling power to the first, second and third LEDs.

Description

Color-Temperature-Tunable Lighting Devices

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the invention relate to color-temperature-tunable lighting devices that can generate light with a Correlated Color Temperature (CCT) that is tunable from about 1500K to about 7500K. More particularly, though not exclusively, embodiments concern multi-color LED (Light Emitting Diode) packaged devices and multi-LED packaging arrangements.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

An example of a known color-tunable multi-LED packaged lighting device is shown in FIG. 1A and 1B, in which FIG. 1A shows a top view and FIG. 1B shows a sectional side view through A-A of the multi-LED packaged lighting device. The known color-tunable lighting device 1 comprises a lead frame 2 for providing power to the red, green and blue direct-emitting

LED chips

3R, 3G, 3B. A housing 4 is molded onto the lead frame and comprises a single cavity (recess) 5 (e.g. circular in shape) . The red, green and blue LED direct-emitting

LED chips

3R, 3G, 3B are mounted on the floor of the cavity 5 and electrically connected to the lead frame 2. To protect the

LED chips

3R, 3G, 3B from the external environment, the cavity 5 is typically filled with a light-transmissive encapsulant 6 such as a silicone material. Portions of the lead frame 2 extend laterally to the outside edges of the housing 4 and form respective electrical terminals 7, 8 along opposing edges and base of the package allowing electrical power to be independently (individually) applied to the anode and cathode of each of the red, green and blue direct-emitting

LED chips

3R, 3G, 3B.

Phosphor Converted (PC) LEDs are to be contrasted with Direct-Emitting Color LED chips, wherein PC LEDs comprise a Direct-Emitting blue LED chip and a photoluminescence material, typically a phosphor material, that converts a portion blue excitation light generated by the LED chip, with the remainder of the blue light contributing to the final emission product. The phosphor material may be incorporated in the light-transmissive encapsulant in the LED package.

A disadvantage of color-tunable multi-LED packaged lighting devices based on Direct-Emitting Color LEDs, however, is that since they are based on different semiconductor material systems each Color LED has different characteristics such as thermal stability, ageing characteristics, drive requirements etc. As a result of these different characteristics, the light output of Red, Green and Blue LEDs will change differently to one another with temperature and time. The color composition of light generated by an RGB system based on Color LEDs will consequently change with temperature and time and such RGB systems may employ complex drive circuitry to compensate for these differing characteristics which can lead to additional cost during manufacture and maintenance.

Prior art color-temperature-tunable lighting devices typically comprise two color temperature LEDs, one warm white (e.g. CCTs from 1800K to 3000K) and one cool white (e.g. CCT from 4000K to 6500K) . While such devices can generate warm light and cool light that corresponds to the black body locus, for color temperatures in between, in which light generated by the devices is a combination of warm white and cool white, said light deviates from the black body locus. A further limitation of the known color-temperature-tunable lighting devices is that their emission spectrum, intensity versus wavelength, does not resemble the spectrum of a black body radiator.

The present invention intends to address and/or overcome the limitations discussed above by presenting new designs and methods not hitherto contemplated nor possible by known constructions. More particularly, although not exclusively, embodiments of the invention concern improvements relating to increasing the luminous efficacy of color-tunable multi-LED packaged lighting devices.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to color-temperature-tunable lighting devices comprising multi-color LEDs in a single package that can generate light of a color temperature that is tunable from at 1800K to 6500K with a chromaticty/color temperature that corresponds to the black body locus. Advantageously, lighting devices according to the invention generate light with a spectrum, intensity versus wavelength, that closely resembles (matches) the spectrum of a black body radiator. The characteristic of being able to generate light with a spectrum that closely matches a black body radiator over a full range of color temperatures is desirable for circadian lighting in which color tuning is used to mimic the color temperature cycle of sunlight from sunrise to sunset to match the human circadian rhythm.

Aspects of the invention relate to color-temperature-tunable lighting devices comprising a single package comprising a plurality of LEDs that generate light of two, three, or four different chromaticity/CCTs. To improve the luminous efficacy of the lighting device, at least one of the plurality of LEDs, for example the LED that generates light with the lowest color temperature, may comprise a narrowband red phosphor such as a narrowband red fluoride phosphor; for example, K ₂SiF ₆: Mn ⁴⁺, K ₂GeF ₆: Mn ⁴⁺, and/or K ₂TiF ₆: Mn ⁴⁺.

In this specification “chromaticity” of light, “color of light” , and "color point” of light may be used interchangeably and refer to the chromaticity/color of light as represented by chromaticity coordinates CIE x, y on a CIE 1931 chromaticity diagram.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a lighting device comprising: a package comprising: a first LED that generates light of a first chromaticity in a first chromaticity region defined by chromaticity coordinates (0.498, 0.422) , (0.522, 0.370) , (0.562, 0.410) , and (0.537, 0.461) ; a second LED that generates light of a second chromaticity in a second chromaticity region defined by chromaticity coordinates (0.330, 0.480) , (0.342, 0.385) , (0.392, 0.420) , and (0.378, 0.514) ; and a third LED that generates light of a third chromaticity in a third chromaticity region defined by chromaticity coordinates (0.196, 0.261) , (0.206, 0.212) , (0.234, 0.243) , and (0.226, 0.290) , wherein light generated by the device comprises a combination of light generated by the first, second, and third LEDs and wherein a chromaticity of light generated by the device is tunable by independently controlling power to the first, second and third LEDs. In terms of CCT, light of the first chromaticity may have a CCT from 1720K to 2350K and light of the second chromaticity may have a CCT from 4000K to 5580K. Such a lighting device can generate light with a CCT from 1800K to 6500K with a General Color Rendering Index, CRI Ra, from 80 to 97 and have a chromaticity corresponding to, or close to, the black body locus or Standard Illuminant of the same CCT.

It may be that a chromaticity of light generated by the device are within 0.003 Δuv of the black body locus for CCTs from 1800K to 6500K. Δuv (Delta uv) is a metric that quantifies how close light of a given color temperature is to the black body locus. As is known, Δuv is the Euclidean difference of chromaticity coordinate uv between a test light source to the closest point on the black body locus and is defined in ANSI_NEMA_ANSLG C78.377-2008: American National Standard for electric lamps -Specifications for the Chromaticity of Solid State Lighting Products. Δuv is on the 1976 CIE u, v chromaticity diagram, a measure of the distance of the color point of light of a given CCT (Correlated Color Temperature) from the black body locus (Planckian locus of black body radiation) along the iso-CCT line (Lines of Constant Color Temperature) . A positive Δuv value indicates that the color point is above the black body locus (i.e. on a 1931 CIE x, y chromaticity diagram CIE y is greater than the CIE y value of the black body locus) with a yellowish/greenish color shift from the black body locus. A negative value the color point is below the black body locus (i.e. on a 1931 CIE x, y chromaticity diagram CIE y is less than the CIE y value of the black body locus) with a pinkish color shift from the black body locus.

It may be that the first chromaticity region is 6 SDCM centered on a chromaticity (0.530, 0.415) ; the second chromaticity region is 6 SDCM centered on a chromaticity (0.360, 0.450) ; and the third chromaticity region is 6 SDCM centered on a chromaticity (0.216, 0.251) . Again, such a lighting device can generate light with a CCT from 1800K to 6500K with a General Color Rendering Index, CRI Ra, from 80 to 97 and have a chromaticity corresponding to, or close to, the black body locus or Standard Illuminant of the same CCT (typically Δuv is less than 0.003) .

In an embodiment, it may be that the first chromaticity region is defined by chromaticity coordinates (0.502, 0.419) , (0.510, 0.398) , (0.538, 0.424) , and (0.530, 0.445) ; the second chromaticity region is defined by chromaticity coordinates (0.364, 0.439) , (0.365, 0.407) , (0.388, 0.424) , and (0.386, 0.456) ; and the third chromaticity region is defined by chromaticity coordinates (0.200, 0.244) , (0.205, 0.212) , (0.225, 0.232) , and (0.219, 0.265) . Such a lighting device may include a narrowband red fluoride phosphor; for example, K ₂SiF ₆: Mn ⁴⁺, K ₂GeF ₆: Mn ⁴⁺, and/or K ₂TiF ₆: Mn ⁴⁺ and can generate light with a CCT from 1800K to 6500K with a General Color Rendering Index, CRI Ra, of about 80 and have a chromaticity corresponding to, or close to, the black body locus or Standard Illuminant of the same CCT (typically Δuv is less than 0.003) . In terms of CCT, light of the first chromaticity may have a CCT from 1970K to 2270K, and light of the second chromaticity may have a CCT from 4100K to 4750K.

It may be that the first chromaticity region is 6 SDCM centered on a chromaticity (0.520, 0.421) ; the second chromaticity region is 6 SDCM centered on a chromaticity (0.376, 0.432) ; and the third chromaticity region is 6 SDCM centered on a chromaticity (0.212, 0.238) . Again, such a lighting device can generate light with a CCT from 1800K to 6500K with a General Color Rendering Index, CRI Ra, of about 80 and have a chromaticity corresponding to, or close to, the black body locus or Standard Illuminant of the same CCT (typically Δuv is less than 0.003) and may include a narrowband red fluoride phosphor.

In another embodiment, it may be that the first chromaticity region is defined by chromaticity coordinates (0.511, 0.435) , (0.518, 0.415) , (0.545, 0.441) , and (0.537, 0.461) ; the second chromaticity region is defined by chromaticity coordinates (0.353, 0.428) , (0.356, 0.396) , (0.379, 0.415) , and (0.376, 0.448) ; and the third chromaticity region is defined by chromaticity coordinates (0.200, 0.244) , (0.205, 0.212) , (0.225, 0.232) , and (0.219, 0.265) . Such a lighting device can generate light with a CCT from 1800K to 6500K with a General Color Rendering Index, CRI Ra, of about 80 and have a chromaticity corresponding to, or close to, the black body locus or Standard Illuminant of the same CCT (typically Δuv is less than 0.003) . In terms of CCT, light of the first chromaticity may have a CCT from 2200K to 2280K, and light of the second chromaticity may have a CCT from 4250K to 4980K.

It may be that the first chromaticity region is 6 SDCM centered on a chromaticity (0.528, 0.439) ; the second chromaticity region is 6 SDCM centered on a chromaticity (0.366, 0.422) ; and the third chromaticity region is 6 SDCM centered on a chromaticity (0.212, 0.238) . Again, such a lighting device can generate light with a CCT from 1800K to 6500K with a General Color Rendering Index, CRI Ra, of about 80 and have a chromaticity corresponding to, or close to, the black body locus or Standard Illuminant of the same CCT (typically Δuv is less than 0.003) .

In a further embodiment, it may be that the first chromaticity region is defined by chromaticity coordinates (0.525, 0.405) , (0.531, 0.383) , (0.559, 0.407) , and (0.553, 0.429) ; the second chromaticity region is defined by chromaticity coordinates (0.335, 0.445) , (0.339, 0.415) , (0.361, 0.436) , and (0.357, 0.467) ; and the third chromaticity region is defined by chromaticity coordinates (0.200, 0.244) , (0.205, 0.212) , (0.225, 0.232) , and (0.219, 0.265) . Such a lighting device may include a narrowband red fluoride phosphor; for example, K ₂SiF ₆: Mn ⁴⁺, K ₂GeF ₆: Mn ⁴⁺, and/or K ₂TiF ₆: Mn ⁴⁺ and can generate light with a CCT from 1800K to 6500K with a General Color Rendering Index, CRI Ra, of about 90 and have a chromaticity corresponding to, or close to, the black body locus or Standard Illuminant of the same CCT (typically Δuv is less than 0.003) . In terms of CCT, light of the first chromaticity may have a CCT from 1700K to 1970K and light of the second chromaticity may have a CCT from 4800K to 5460K.

It may be that the first chromaticity region is 6 SDCM centered on a chromaticity (0.5412, 0.406) ; the second chromaticity region is 6 SDCM centered on a chromaticity (0.348, 0.441) ; and the third chromaticity region is 6 SDCM centered on a chromaticity (0.212, 0.238) . Again, such a lighting device can generate light with a CCT from 1800K to 6500K with a General Color Rendering Index, CRI Ra, of about 90 and have a chromaticity corresponding to, or close to, the black body locus or Standard Illuminant of the same CCT (typically Δuv is less than 0.003) and may include a narrowband red fluoride phosphor.

In a yet further embodiment, it may be that the first chromaticity region is defined by chromaticity coordinates (0.515, 0.399) , (0.522, 0.378) , (0.549, 0.404) , and (0.542, 0.425) ; the second chromaticity region is defined by chromaticity coordinates (0.356, 0.497) , (0.358, 0.465) , (0.380, 0.483) , and (0.378, 0.514) ; and the third chromaticity region is defined by chromaticity coordinates (0.217, 0.281) , (0.220, 0.267) , (0.228, 0.276) , and (0.226, 0.290) . Such a lighting device can generate light with a CCT from 1800K to 6500K with a General Color Rendering Index, CRI Ra, of about 97 and have a chromaticity corresponding to, or close to, the black body locus or Standard Illuminant of the same CCT (typically Δuv is less than 0.003) . In terms of CCT, light of the first chromaticity may have a CCT from 1750K to 2020K and light of the second chromaticity may have a CCT from 4500K to 5050K.

It may be that the first chromaticity region is 6 SDCM centered on a chromaticity (0.532, 0.4012) ; the second chromaticity region is 6 SDCM centered on a chromaticity (0.368, 0.490) ; and the third chromaticity region is 6 SDCM centered on a chromaticity (0.223, 0.278) . Again, such a lighting device can generate light with a CCT from 1800K to 6500K with a General Color Rendering Index, CRI Ra, of about 97 and have a chromaticity corresponding to, or close to, the black body locus or Standard Illuminant of the same CCT (typically Δuv is less than 0.003) .

The lighting device, according to various embodiments, may comprise at least two first LEDs. It may be beneficial to utilize at least two first LEDs that generate light of the first chromaticity rather than using a single first LED to reduce a need to overdrive the first LED or underdrive the second and third LEDs; that is it can equalize the maximum drive current to the first, second, and third LEDs. This is because light of the first chromaticity corresponds to light with the lowest color temperature and as a result the luminous efficacy of the first LED (s) is lower than that of the second and third LEDs.

Lighting devices, according to various embodiments, may further comprise a fourth LED that generates light with a fourth chromaticity in a fourth chromaticity region.

The fourth chromaticity region may be between the first and second chromaticity regions. For example, the fourth chromaticity region may be defined by chromaticity coordinates (0.420, 0.468) , (0.418, 0.383) , (0.475, 0.430) , and (0.479, 0.514) . In terms of CCT, light of the fourth chromaticity may have a CCT from 2620K to 3750K.

Alternatively, the fourth chromaticity region may be between the second and third chromaticity regions. For example, the fourth chromaticity region may be defined by chromaticity coordinates (0.249, 0.362) , (0.265, 0.283) , (0.309, 0.335) , and (0.295, 0.414) . In terms of CCT, light of the fourth chromaticity may have a CCT from 6650K to 12500K.

Lighting devices according to various embodiments can generate light of a chromaticity that may be within 0.003 Δuv of the black body locus for CCTs from 1800K to 6500K.

The at least one of the first, second, or third LEDs may comprise a broadband LED chip that generates light with a dominant wavelength from 420 nm to 480 nm with a FWHM of at about 30 nm to about 50 nm. A broadband LED can be beneficial for generating light having a spectrum that resembles sunlight.

The light generated by the device may have a selected Color Temperature and an intensity versus wavelength spectrum, which over a wavelength range 460 nm to 650 nm, a maximum deviation between the normalized intensity of light generated by the lighting device compared with the normalized intensity of light of the spectrum of a black body radiator or standard illuminant of the same Color Temperature is at least one of less than 0.3, less than 0.2, and/or less than 0.1, said intensity versus wavelength spectra of the light and black body radiator being normalized to the same luminance. The characteristic of generating light with a spectrum that matches a black body radiator is desirable for circadian lighting in which color tuning is used to mimic the color temperature cycle of sunlight from sunrise to sunset to match the human circadian rhythm.

The at least one of the first, second, or third LEDs may comprise an LED chip that generates light with a dominant wavelength from 400 nm to 480 nm, and a narrowband red phosphor selected from the group consisting of: K ₂SiF ₆: Mn ⁴⁺, K ₂GeF ₆: Mn ⁴⁺, and K ₂TiF ₆: Mn ⁴⁺.

The package may comprise a lead frame; and a housing comprising a first recess having the first LED, a second recess having the second LED, and a third recess having the third LED; and wherein the lead frame may comprise a common cathode electrode to each recess and a respective anode electrode to each recess.

It may be that each recess comprises an anode terminal connected to the anode electrode and a cathode terminal connected to the cathode electrode and wherein the anode and cathode terminals for each recess are located on opposing edges of the housing across from one another. For instance, it could be said that the anode and cathode terminals for each recess are located on opposing edges of the housing and face one another (or positioned facing one another) .

It may be that the cathode terminals are common to a recess.

The lighting device may comprise respective anode and cathode terminals on opposite edges of housing.

In another aspect, the present invention contemplates a lighting device comprising: a package comprising: a first LED that generates light of a first CCT from about 1700K to about 3500K; and a second LED that generates light of a second CCT from about 4000K to about 5600K; wherein the first LED comprises an LED chip that generates light with a dominant wavelength from 400 nm to 480 nm, and a narrowband red phosphor selected from the group consisting of: K ₂SiF ₆: Mn ⁴⁺, K ₂GeF ₆: Mn ⁴⁺, and K ₂TiF ₆: Mn ⁴⁺.

The lighting device may comprise a third LED that generates light with a chromaticity in a chromaticity region defined by chromaticity coordinates (0.196, 0.261) , (0.206, 0.212) , (0.234, 0.243) , and (0.226, 0.290) .

In another aspect, the present invention envisages a lighting device comprising: a package comprising a first, second, and third LED that each generate light with different CIE color points, wherein the device generates white light of different CCTs from 1800K to 8000K by controlling the relative light output of the three LEDs, wherein the chromaticity of white light generated by the device is along the black body locus, and wherein at least one of the LEDs comprises a narrowband red phosphor selected from the group consisting of: K ₂SiF ₆: Mn ⁴⁺, K ₂GeF ₆: Mn ⁴⁺, and K ₂TiF ₆: Mn ⁴⁺.

The chromaticity of light generated by the device may be within 0.003 Δuv of the black body locus or Standard Illuminant for CCTs from 1800K to 6500K.

In another aspect, the present invention comprehends a lighting device comprising: a package comprising: a first LED that generates light of a first chromaticity in a first chromaticity region defined by chromaticity coordinates (0.498, 0.422) , (0.522, 0.370) , (0.562, 0.410) , and (0.537, 0461) ; a second LED that generates light of a second chromaticity in a second chromaticity region defined by chromaticity coordinates (0.390, 0.488) , (0.398, 0.403) , (0.450, 0.450) , and (0.442, 0.534) ; a third LED that generates light of a third chromaticity in a third chromaticity region defined by chromaticity coordinates (0.277, 0.418) , (0.283, 0.333) , (0.334, 0.380) , and (0.327, 0.464) ; and a fourth LED that generates light of a fourth chromaticity in a fourth chromaticity region defined by chromaticity coordinates (0.196, 0.261) , (0.206, 0.212) , (0.234, 0.243) , and (0.226, 0.290) , wherein light generated by the device comprises a combination of light generated by the first, second, third, and fourth LEDs and wherein a chromaticity of light generated by the device is tunable by independently controlling power to the first, second, third, and fourth LEDs. In terms of CCT, light of the first chromaticity may have a CCT from 1700K to 1970K, light of the second chromaticity may have a CCT from 4800K to 5460K, and light of the third chromaticity may have a CCT from 4800K to 5460K.

It may be that the first chromaticity region is 6 SDCM centered on a chromaticity (0.530, 0.415) ; the second chromaticity region is 6 SDCM centered on a chromaticity (0.420, 0.470) ; the third chromaticity region is 6 SDCM centered on a chromaticity (0.305, 0.400) ; and the fourth chromaticity region is 6 SDCM centered on a chromaticity (0.216, 0.251) .

In another aspect, the present invention encompasses a lighting device comprising: a circuit board and a plurality of lighting devices as defined herein.

The circuit board may comprise a flexible circuit board.

In another aspect, the present invention comprehends a lighting device comprising: a package comprising: at least two first LEDs that generates light of a first chromaticity; a second LED that generates light of a second chromaticity; and a third LED that generates light of a third chromaticity; wherein the first chromaticity has the lowest color temperature and wherein light generated by the device comprises a combination of light generated by the first, second, and third LEDs and wherein a chromaticity of light generated by the device is tunable by independently controlling power to the first, second and third LEDs. It may be beneficial to utilize at least two first LEDs that generate light of the lowest color temperature rather than using a single first LED to reduce a need to overdrive the first LED or underdrive the second and third LEDs; that is it can equalize the maximum drive current to the first, second, and third LEDs. This is because light of the first chromaticity corresponds to light with the lowest color temperature and as a result the luminous efficacy of the first LED (s) is lower than that of the second and third LEDs.

It will be understood that any of the first, second, or third chromaticity described herein may be defined by any of the chromaticity regions defined herein.

In another aspect, the present invention contemplates an LED package comprising: a lead frame; and a housing comprising a first recess for receiving a first LED, a second recess for receiving a second LED, a third recess for receiving a third LED, and a fourth recess for receiving a fourth LED; wherein the lead frame comprises a respective cathode electrode to each recess and a respective anode electrode to each recess.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other aspects and features of the present invention will become apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art upon review of the following description of specific embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying figures, in which:

FIG. 1A and 1B are schematic representations of a known color-tunable multi-LED package in which FIG. 1A shows a top view and FIG. 1B shows a sectional side view through A-A;

FIGS. 2A-2D are schematic representations of a multi-LED (Four-LED) package in accordance with an embodiment of the invention comprising a common cathode arrangement in which FIG. 2A shows a top view, FIG. 2B shows a sectional side view through B-B, FIG. 2C shows a sectional side view through C-C, and FIG. 2D is top view of the lead frame of the multi-LED package;

FIGS. 3A-3D are schematic representations of a multi-LED (Four-LED) package in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention in which FIG. 3A shows a top view, FIG. 3B shows a sectional side view through D-D, FIG. 3C shows a sectional side view through E-E, and FIG. 3D is top view of the lead frame of the multi-LED package;

FIGS. 3E and 3F are schematic representations of a multi-LED (Four-LED) package in accordance with another embodiment of the invention in which FIG. 3E shows a top view, and FIG. 3F is top view of the lead frame of the multi-LED package;

FIGS. 4A-4C show a schematic top view, a sectional side view through F-F, and a sectional side view through G-G of a color-temperature-tunable lighting device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, respectively;

FIG. 4D is a CIE 1931 chromaticity diagram illustrating the gamut of light (solid line) that the color-temperature-tunable lighting device of FIGS. 4A-4C can generate when it comprises LEDs of two different chromaticity/color temperatures C1 and C2 (solid diamond) ;

FIG. 4E is a CIE 1931 chromaticity diagram illustrating the gamut of light (solid line) that the color-temperature-tunable lighting device of FIGS. 4A-4C can generate when it comprises LEDs of three different chromaticity/color temperatures C1, C2 and C3 (solid diamond) ;

FIG. 4F is a CIE 1931 chromaticity diagram illustrating the gamut of light (solid line) that the color-temperature-tunable lighting device of FIGS. 4A-4C can generate when it comprises LEDs of four different chromaticity/color temperatures C1, C2, C3, and C4 (solid diamond) ;

FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of a color-temperature-tunable linear lighting device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 is a CIE 1931 chromaticity diagram illustrating the chromaticity (color) of light generated by a color-temperature-tunable lighting device (Dev. 1) comprising LEDs of two chromaticity/color temperatures: C1 -Warm White (WW) and C2 -Cool White (CW) for CCTs of 2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4000K, and 5000K, light emission locus (solid line) for CCTs from 2700K to 5000K, black body locus (dashed line) , and 3 SDCM and 6 SDCM (Mac Adam ellipses –thin solid line) ;

FIG. 7A-7D are measured characteristics for color-temperature-tunable lighting device (Dev. 2) comprising LEDs of three chromaticity/color temperatures: C1, C2, C3 in which: FIG. 7A is a CIE 1931 chromaticity diagram illustrating the chromaticity (center point –solid square) of light C3, 1 SDCM, 2 SDCM, 3 SDCM and 6 SDCM (Standard Deviation Color Matching -Mac Adam ellipses –dotted and dashed lines) and CIE region (solid line -square) for light C3, FIG. 7B shows spectra, normalized intensity (a.u. ) versus wavelength (nm) , for light C1 (solid line) , light C2 (dotted line) , and light C3 (dashed line) , FIG. 7C is a CIE 1931 chromaticity diagram illustrating the chromaticity (center point –cross) of light C1, C2, C3, the CIE region for light C1 (solid line/diamond) , C2 (solid line/triangle) , C3 (solid line/square) , gamut of light (solid line) that lighting device Dev. 2 can generate, and black body locus (dotted line) , and FIG. 7D is a CIE 1931 chromaticity diagram illustrating the chromaticity (color) of light (sold square) generated by lighting device Dev. 2 for nominal CCTs of 2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4000K, 4500K, 5000K, 5700K, and 6500K, light emission locus (solid line) for CCTs from 2700K to 6500K, black body locus (dashed line) , and 3 SDCM and 6 SDCM (Standard Deviation Color Matching -Mac Adam ellipses –thin solid line) ;

FIG. 8A-8C are measured characteristics for a color-temperature-tunable lighting device (Dev. 3) in which FIG. 8A shows spectra, normalized intensity (a.u. ) versus wavelength (nm) , for light C1 (solid line) , light C2 (dotted line) , and light C3 (dashed line) , FIG. 8B is a CIE 1931 chromaticity diagram illustrating the chromaticity (center point –cross) of light C1, C2, C3, the CIE region for light C1 (solid line/diamond) , C2 (solid line/triangle) , C3 (solid line/square) , gamut of light (solid line) that the lighting device (Dev. 3) can generate, and black body locus (dotted line) , and FIG. 8C is a CIE 1931 chromaticity diagram illustrating the chromaticity (color) of light (sold square) generated by lighting device Dev. 3 for nominal CCTs of 2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4000K, 4500K, 5000K, 5700K, and 6500K, light emission locus (solid line) for CCTs from 2700K to 6500K, black body locus (dashed line) , and 3 SDCM and 6 SDCM (Mac Adam ellipses –thin solid line) ;

FIG. 9A-9C are measured characteristics for a color-temperature-tunable lighting device (Dev. 4) comprising LEDs of three chromaticity/color temperatures C1, C2, C3 in which FIG. 9A shows spectra, normalized intensity (a.u. ) versus wavelength (nm) , for light C1 (solid line) , light C2 (dotted line) , and light C3 (dashed line) , FIG. 9B is a CIE 1931 chromaticity diagram illustrating the chromaticity (center point –cross) of light C1, C2, C3, the CIE region for light C1 (solid line/diamond) , C2 (solid line/triangle) , C3 (solid line/square) , gamut of light (solid line) that lighting device Dev. 4 can generate, and black body locus (dotted line) , and FIG. 9C is a CIE 1931 chromaticity diagram illustrating the chromaticity (color) of light (sold square) generated by lighting device Dev. 4 for nominal CCTs of 2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4000K, 4500K, 5000K, 5700K, and 6500K, light emission locus (solid line) for CCTs from 2700K to 6500K, black body locus (dashed line) , and 3 SDCM and 6 SDCM (Mac Adam ellipses –thin solid line) ;

FIG. 10A-10C are measured characteristics for a color-temperature-tunable lighting device (Dev. 5) comprising LEDs of three chromaticity/color temperatures C1, C2, C3 in which FIG. 10A shows spectra, normalized intensity (a.u. ) versus wavelength (nm) , for light C1 (solid line) , light C2 (dotted line) , and light C3 (dashed line) , FIG. 10B is a CIE 1931 chromaticity diagram illustrating the chromaticity (center point –cross) of light C1, C2, C3, the CIE region for light C1 (solid line/diamond) , C2 (solid line/triangle) , C3 (solid line/square) , gamut of light (solid line) that lighting device Dev. 5 can generate, and black body locus (dotted line) , and FIG. 10C is a CIE 1931 chromaticity diagram illustrating the chromaticity (color) of light (sold square) generated by lighting device Dev. 5 for nominal CCTs of 2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4000K, 4500K, 5000K, 5700K, and 6500K, light emission locus (solid line) for CCTs from 2700K to 6500K, black body locus (dashed line) , and 3 SDCM and 6 SDCM (Mac Adam ellipses –thin solid line) ;

FIGS. 10D-10I are measured emission spectra (solid line) , normalized intensity versus wavelength (nm) , for lighting device Dev. 5 in which: FIG. 10D is the emission spectrum for operation for a nominal CCT of 2700K, FIG. 10E is the emission spectrum for operation for a nominal CCT of 3000K, FIG. 10F is the emission spectrum for operation for a nominal CCT of 3500K, FIG. 10G is the emission spectrum for operation for a nominal CCT of 4000K, FIG. 10H is the emission spectrum for operation for a nominal CCT of 5700K, and FIG. 10I is the emission spectrum for operation for a nominal CCT of 6500K;

FIGS. 11A-11D are CIE 1931 chromaticity diagrams illustrating various CIE regions and center points for light of chromaticity C1, C2, and C3;

FIG. 12 is a CIE 1931 chromaticity diagram illustrating CIE regions and center points for a lighting device comprising LEDs that generate light of four chromaticity C1, C2, C3, and C4; and

FIG. 13 is a CIE 1931 chromaticity diagram illustrating CIE regions and center points for a lighting device comprising LEDs that generate light of four chromaticity C1, C2, C3, and C4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the invention relate to color-tunable lighting devices that can generate light of a color temperatures that is tunable from 1800K to 6500K.

Throughout this specification like reference numerals are used to denote like parts preceded by the figure number #. For example, an LED chip #20 is denoted 220 in FIG. 2 and is denoted 320 in FIG. 3 and so forth.

Multi-LED package

FIGS. 2A-2D are schematic representation of a multi-LED, four-LED, package in accordance with an embodiment of the invention comprising a common cathode terminal arrangement in which FIG. 2A shows a top view, FIG. 2B shows a sectional side view through B-B, FIG. 2C shows a sectional side view through C-C, and FIG. 2D is a top view of the lead frame of the multi-LED package.

As shown in FIGS. 2A-2D, the multi-LED package 210 comprises a lead frame 212a-212d, 214a-d and a housing 216 molded onto the lead frame. The housing 216 comprises a first cavity (cup) 218a for receiving a respective first LED chip 220a, a second cavity (cup) 218b for receiving a respective second LED chip 220b, a third cavity (cup) 218c for receiving a respective third LED chip 220c, and a fourth cavity 218d for receiving a respective fourth LED chip 220d. The LED chips 220a–220d are indicated in FIG. 2A to 2C by a dashed rectangle and bond wires connecting the LED chips to the lead frame are indicated by dashed lines.

Referring to FIG. 2D, the various regions of the lead frame 212a-212d, 214a-d are indicated by cross-hatching and the relative position of the housing 216 and the cavities 218a-218d are respectively indicated by dashed and dotted lines. The lead frame comprises a central cross-shaped cathode region 214a-d and four rectangular anode regions 212a-212d located at the empty corners of the cross-shaped region 214a-d. As can be seen from FIG. 2D, each cavity 218a-218d comprises on its floor, a respective L-shaped region of the cross-shaped cathode region 214a-d which constitutes a common cathode connection to each cavity. The L-shaped cathode region on the floor of each cavity, in addition to providing a common (shared) cathode connection, provides a thermally conductive mounting pad for the LED chip, thereby improving thermal dissipation from the LED chips. As can be seen from FIG. 2D, each cavity 218a-218d comprises on its floor, a respective rectangular anode region 212a-212d which constitutes an anode connection to the cavity. As illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2D, each respective anode region of the lead frame 212a-212d extends beyond an outer edge of the housing 216 and provides a respective anode electrical terminal 222a-222d for each cavity 218a-218d. Similarly, the cathode region of the lead frame 214a-d extends beyond opposing edges of the housing and provides a common cathode electrical terminal 224a-d on opposite edges of the housing.

As described herein, in embodiments, the multi-LED (e.g. four-LED) package may comprise a single cathode electrical terminal 224a-d that is common to each LED chip and a respective anode electrical terminal 222a-222d for each LED chip. In other embodiments of the invention, the multi-LED package may comprise a respective pair of anode and cathode electrical terminals for each LED. Such an arrangement can be beneficial when using multiple multi-LED packages as it allows the LED chips to be connected in series.

FIGS. 3A-3D are schematic representations of a multi-LED, four-LED, package in accordance with an embodiment of the invention comprising a respective pair of anode and cathode electrical terminals for each LED in which FIG. 3A shows a top view, FIG. 3B shows a sectional side view through D-D, FIG. 3C shows a sectional side view through E-E, and FIG. 3D is a plan view of the lead frame of the multi-LED package.

As shown in FIGS. 3A-3D, the multi-LED package 310 comprises a lead frame 312a-312d, 314a-314d and a housing 316 molded onto the lead frame. The housing 316 comprises a first cavity 318a for receiving a respective first LED chip 320a, a second cavity 318b for receiving a respective second LED chip 320b, a third cavity 318c for receiving a respective third LED chip 320c, and a fourth cavity 318d for receiving a respective fourth LED chip 320d. The LED chips 320a–320d are indicated in FIG. 3A to 3C by a dashed rectangle and bond wires connecting the LED chips to the lead frame are indicated by dashed lines.

Referring to FIG. 3D, the various regions of the lead frame 312a-312d, 314a-314d are indicated by cross-hatching and the relative position of the housing 316 and the cavities 318a-318d are respectively indicated by dashed and dotted lines. The lead frame comprises four L-shaped cathode region 314a-314d arranged as a cross and four rectangular anode regions 312a-312d with a respective anode region located at the empty corners of a respective L-shaped region. As can be seen from FIG. 3D, each cavity 318a-318d comprises on its floor, a respective L-shaped cathode region 314a-314d and a respective rectangular shaped anode region 312a-312d. The L-shaped cathode region on the floor of each cavity, in addition to providing a cathode connection, provides a thermally conductive mounting pad for the LED chip, thereby improving thermal dissipation from the LED chips. As can be seen from FIG. 3D, each cavity 318a-318d comprises on its floor, a respective rectangular anode region 312a-312d which constitutes an anode connection to the cavity. As illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3D, each anode region of the lead frame 312a-312d extends beyond an outer edge of the housing 316 and provides a respective anode electrical terminal 322a-322d for each cavity 318a-318d. Similarly, each cathode region of the lead frame 314a-314d extends beyond the outer edge of the housing and provides a respective cathode electrical terminal 324a-324d on the same edge of the housing as the anode electrical terminal.

FIGS. 3E and 3F are schematic representations of a multi-LED (Four-LED) package in accordance with another embodiment of the invention in which FIG. 3E shows a top view, and FIG. 3F is top view of the lead frame of the multi-LED package 310. This embodiment is similar to the multi-LED package of FIGS. 3A-3D, except that the lead frame regions 312a-312d and 314a-314d are configured such that each anode terminal 322a-322d is aligned with and located on an opposing edge of the housing to its respective cathode terminal 324a-324d. Such a packaging arrangement can be advantageous in linear lighting arrangements utilizing a plurality of multi-LED packages in which it is preferred to serially connect LEDs of each cavity.

As shown in FIGS. 3E and 3F the multi-LED package 310 comprises a lead frame 312a-312d, 314a-314d and a housing 316 molded onto the lead frame. The housing 316 comprises a first cavity 318a for receiving a respective first LED chip 320a, a second cavity 318b for receiving a respective second LED chip 320b, a third cavity 318c for receiving a respective third LED chip 320c, and a fourth cavity 318d for receiving a respective fourth LED chip 320d. Bond wires connecting the LED chips 320a-320d to the lead frame are indicated by dashed lines.

Referring to FIG. 3F, the various regions of the lead frame 312a-312d, 314a-314d are shown and the relative position of the housing 316 and the cavities 318a-318d are respectively indicated by dashed and dotted lines. The lead frame comprises four cathode regions 314a-314d and four anode regions 312a-312d. For the first and

second cavities

318a and 318b, the

cathode regions

314a and 314b are zigzag shaped and the

anode regions

312a and 312b are elongate in form. The first and

second cavities

318a and 318b comprise on their floor, a respective zigzag shaped

cathode region

314a and 314b and a respective square shaped portion (indicated by cross hatching) of the

elongate anode region

312a and 312b. In this embodiment, the elongate anode region 312a extends from the first cavity 318a though the fourth cavity 318d to the edge of the package. Similarly, the elongate anode region 312b extends from the second cavity 318b through the third cavity 318c to the edge of the package. In this way, an anode region (for instance, elongate) extends from one cavity to an adjacent cavity. It may be that an anode region is able to extend between at least two, three or more cavities. For the third and

fourth cavities

318c and 318d, the

cathode regions

314c and 314d are elongate in form and the

anode regions

312c and 312d are zigzag shaped. The third and

fourth cavities

318c and 318d comprise on their floor, a respective square shaped cathode portion (indicated by cross hatching) of the

elongate cathode region

314c and 314d. In this embodiment, the elongate cathode region 314c extends from the third cavity 318c through the second cavity 318b to the edge of the package. Similarly, in this embodiment, the elongate cathode region 314d extends from the fourth cavity 318d through the first cavity 318a to the edge of the package. In this way, a cathode region (for instance, elongate) is able to extend from one cavity to an adjacent cavity. The zigzag shaped region on the floor of each cavity, in addition to providing an electrical connection, provides a thermally conductive mounting pad for the LED chip, thereby improving thermal dissipation from the LED chips. As illustrated in FIGS. 3E and 3F, each anode region of the lead frame extends beyond an outer edge of the housing 316 and provides a respective anode electrical terminal 322a-322d for each cavity 318a-318d. Similarly, each cathode region of the lead frame extends beyond the outer edge of the housing and provides a respective cathode electrical terminal 324a-324d on the opposite edge of the housing to that of the anode electrical terminal. In at least this embodiment, for example, the anode and cathode terminals are aligned (or in the same linear path, for instance) .

Color-temperature-tunable lighting devices

FIGS. 4A-4C show a schematic top view, a sectional side view through F-F, and a sectional side view through G-G of a color-temperature-tunable lighting device 426 that utilizes the multi-LED package 210 of FIGS. 2A-2D and comprises four LEDs 428a-428d.

The lighting device 426 comprises a package 410 comprising a lead frame and a housing 416 molded onto the lead frame. The housing 416 comprises a first cavity 418a, a second cavity 418b, a third cavity 418c, and a fourth cavity 418d that respectively contain a first LED 428a, a second LED 428b, a third LED 428c, and a fourth LED 428d. As illustrated, the first, second, third and fourth LEDs 428a-428d may comprise packaged devices in which each of the first, second, third, and fourth cavities 418a-418d contain a respective violet to blue LED chip 420a-420d and is filled with a phosphor photoluminescence layer 430a-430d that covers the violet to blue LED chip 420a-420d. The chromaticity (color) /CCT (Correlated Color Temperature) of light generated by each LED 428a-428d is dependent on the phosphors within the photoluminescence layer 430a-430d. For example, when an LED is to generate Cool White (CW) light with a CCT from, for example, about 4100K to 8000K the phosphor photoluminescence layer may comprise green to yellow phosphor. When an LED is to generate Warm White (WW) light with a CCT from, for example, about 1800K to 4000K the phosphor photoluminescence layer may comprise green to red phosphors and a narrowband red phosphor such as K ₂SiF ₆: Mn ⁴⁺, K ₂GeF ₆: Mn ⁴⁺, and K ₂TiF ₆: Mn ⁴⁺. As illustrated, the package 410 comprises common cathode terminals 424a-d and respective anode terminals 422a-422d for each cavity 418a-418d allowing electrical power to be independently applied to each of the LED chip 418a-418d.

The LEDs 430a-430d may be configured generate light of two, three or four different chromaticity (colors) /color temperatures.

In a first embodiment, the LEDs 430a-430d can be configured to generate light of two chromaticity/color temperatures C1, and C2. The first chromaticity/color temperature of light C1 can, for example, comprise Warm White (WW) –at least 1800K to 4000K and the second chromaticity/color temperature of light C2 can, for example, comprise Cool White (CW) –at least 4100K and up to 25000K; more typically up to about 8000K. In such an arrangement, the light emitting device 426 can generate light of different color temperatures from C1 to C2. FIG. 4D is a CIE 1931 chromaticity diagram illustrating the gamut of light that the light emitting device 426 can generate when it comprises white LEDs of two different color temperatures C1 (2670K) and C2 (7250K) . The CIE chromaticity diagram shows the chromaticity (color point: chromaticity coordinates CIE 0.4700, 0.4250 –Δuv 0.0044) 432C1 of light of a first color C1 generated by the C1 LED (s) and chromaticity (color point: chromaticity coordinates CIE 0.3000, 0.3300) 432C2 of light of a second color C2 generated by the C2 LED (s) . It is to be noted that the color points 432C1 and 432C2 lie off of (away from or not directly on) the black body locus (i.e. the points do not lie on the black body locus) and, as illustrated, they both lie above the black body locus. A straight line 434C1C2 connecting the points 432C1 and 432C2 represents the gamut of color temperatures (chromaticity) of light that light emitting device 426 can generate –i.e. the device can generate color temperatures of light lying on the straight line 434C1C2 from 432C1 (2670K) to 432C2 7205K. It is to be noted the since the black body locus (dotted line) is a curved line the device cannot generate CCTs of light lying on the black body locus for all CCTs from 432C1 to 432C2.

In a second embodiment, the LEDs 428a-428d can be configured to generate light of three different chromaticity/CCTs: C1, C2, and C3. FIG. 4E is a CIE 1931 chromaticity diagram illustrating the gamut of light that the light emitting device 426 can generate when it comprises white LEDs of three different color temperatures C1 (2665K) , C2 (4205K) and C3 (7355K) . The CIE chromaticity diagram shows the chromaticity (color point: chromaticity coordinates CIE 0.4650, 0.4150 –Δuv 0.0012) 432C1 for light of the first CCT (C1) , the chromaticity (color point: chromaticity coordinates CIE 0.3750, 0.3850 -Δuv 0.0055) 432C2 for light of the second CCT (C2) , and the chromaticity (color point: chromaticity coordinates CIE 0.3000, 0.3200 -Δuv 0.0052) 432C3 for light of the third CCT (C3) . It is to be noted that the color points 432C1, 432C2, and 430C3 lie off of the black body locus (i.e. the points do not lie on the black body locus) and, as illustrated, all three points lie above the black body locus. Straight lines 434C1C2, 434C2C3, and 434C1C3 connecting the points 432C1, 432C2, and 432C3 define a triangle that represents the gamut of color temperatures (chromaticity) of light that light emitting device 426 can generate –i.e. the device can generate any chromaticity/color temperature of light lying within the triangle or lying on the boundary of the triangle. As will be noted from the chromaticity diagram, the device 426 can generate color temperatures of light from 2700K to 6500K lying on the black body locus (dotted line) or corresponding to the ANSI CCT center points (indicated by dots) .

In a third embodiment, the four LEDs 428a-428d can be configured to generate light of four different chromaticity/CCTs: C1, C2, C3, C4. FIG. 4F is a CIE 1931 chromaticity diagram illustrating the gamut of light that the light device 426 can generate when it comprises white LEDs of four different color temperatures C1 (2665K) , C2 (3540K) , C3 (5070K) , and C4 (7165K) . The CIE chromaticity diagram shows the chromaticity (color point: chromaticity coordinates CIE 0.4650, 0.4150 -Δuv 0.0012) 432C1 for light of the first CCT (C1) , the chromaticity (color point: chromaticity coordinates CIE 0.4050, 0.3950 -Δuv 0.0019) 432C2 for light of the second CCT (C2) , the chromaticity (color point: chromaticity coordinates CIE 0.3440, 0.3600 -Δuv 0.0019) 432C3 for light of the third CCT (C3) , and the chromaticity (color point: chromaticity coordinates 0.3030, 0.3200 -Δuv 0.0036) 432C4 for light of the fourth CCT (C4) . It is to be noted that the color points 432C1, 432C2, 432C3, and 432C4 lie off of the black body locus (i.e. the points do not lie on the black body locus) and, as illustrated, all four points lie above the black body locus (dashed line) . Straight lines 434C1C2, 434C2C3, 434C3C4, and 434C1C4 connecting the points 432C1, 432C2, 432C3, and 432C4 define a quadrilateral that represents the gamut of color temperatures (chromaticity) of light that light emitting device 426 can generate –i.e. the device can generate any color temperature of light lying within the quadrilateral or lying on the boundary of the quadrilateral. As will be noted from the chromaticity diagram, the device 426 can generate color temperatures of light from 2700K to 6500K lying on the black body locus (dashed line) or corresponding to the ANSI CCT center points.

FIG. 5 is a schematic top view of a color-temperature-tunable linear light emitting device 536 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The linear light emitting device 536 comprises a linear (elongate) substrate 538, such as for example a strip of Metal Core Printed Circuit Board (MCPCB) or a strip of flexible circuit board, and a plurality of color- temperature-tunable lighting devices 526 mounted on and electrically connected to the substrate. For the purposes of illustration only, the lighting devices 526 are shown as comprising the multi-LED package 310 of FIGS. 3E and 3F and comprise LEDs that generate light of two, three, or four different chromaticity/color temperatures. As illustrated, the lighting devices 526 can be arranged as a linear array in a direction of elongation of the substrate. The linear light emitting device 536 may, at opposite ends of the substrate 538, comprise an electrical connector 540 comprising respective electrical connections to the anode and cathode of the first, second, third, and fourth LEDs 528a-528d of the lighting devices 526. In such an arrangement the first, second, third and fourth LEDs 528a-528d of each device 526 are electrically connected in series. In other embodiments utilizing light emitting devices having a common cathode arrangement for the four LEDs, such as for example the multi-LED package 210 of FIGS. 2A-2D, the first, second, third and fourth LEDs of each device are electrically connected in parallel.

Experimental test data

In this specification, Dev. #is used to denote a color-temperature-tunable multi-LED packaged lighting device in accordance with the invention. The test method involves measuring light emission of the color-temperature-tunable lighting devices in an integrating sphere.

Color-temperature-tunable lighting device –Dev. 1

A color-temperature-tunable lighting device, denoted Dev. 1, comprises LEDs that generate light of two different chromaticity/CCTs: C1 and C2. Device, Dev. 1 comprises the lighting device of FIGS. 3A-3D and comprises a 3838 four cavity package containing two cool white (CW) LEDs and two warm white (WW) LEDs. The CW LEDs, in the first and second cavities, comprise a PC white LED comprising a mixture of green to yellow photoluminescence materials (e.g. yttrium or lutetium aluminum garnet phosphors: GaYAG (Y ₃ (Al, Ga) ₅O ₁₂: Ce) , GaLuAG (Lu ₃ (Al, Ga) ₅O ₁₂: Ce) , (Y, Lu) ₃ (Al, Ga) ₅O ₁₂, YAG (Y ₃Al ₅O ₁₂: Ce) , and/or LuAG (Lu ₃Al ₅O ₁₂: Ce) ) . The green to yellow phosphors are incorporated in a light transmissive encapsulant (e.g. phenyl silicone) and the mixture dispensed into the first and second cavities of the package to cover the violet to blue InGaN LED chip. The WW LEDs, in the third and fourth cavities, comprise a single-layer PC white LED comprising a mixture of green to red photoluminescence materials (e.g. GaYAG, GaLuAG, (Y, Lu) ₃ (Al, Ga) ₅O ₁₂ and red nitride phosphor CaAlSiN ₃: Eu (CASN) ) . The green to red phosphors are incorporated in a light transmissive encapsulant and the mixture dispensed into the third and fourth cavities of the package to cover the violet to blue InGaN LED chip. Color-temperature-tunable lighting device Dev. 1 is configured to generate light with a CCT from 2700K to 5000K and a general Color Rendering Index CRI Ra of 80.

TABLE 1 tabulates the optical characteristics of the PC Warm White (WW) LED (2700K) and Cool White (CW) LED of lighting device Dev. 1. As can be seen from TABLE 1, the WW LEDs have a luminous efficacy of 127.5 lm/W and generates light with a CCT of 2700K with CRI Ra of 82.4 (about 80) and a CRI R9 of 6.0, while the CW LEDs have a luminous efficacy of 139.0 lm/W and generates light with a CCT of 5000K with CRI Ra of 80.7 (about 80) and a CRI R9 of 2.5.

FIG. 6 is a CIE 1931 chromaticity diagram illustrating the chromaticity (color) of light generated by lighting device (Dev. 1) comprising LEDs of two different Color Temperatures: Warm White (WW) and Cool White (CW) for CCTs of 2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4000K, and 5000K, light emission locus (solid line) for CCTs from 2700K to 5000K, black body locus (dotted line) , and 3 SDCM and 6 SDCM (Standard Deviation Color Matching -Mac Adam ellipses) . Referring to FIG. 6, it is to be noted that light emission locus (solid line 542) -the chromaticity locus of light that lighting device Dev. 1 is capable of generating -is a straight line 642 connecting the color points for the WW LED (2700K) and CW LED (5000K) and that color of light over the temperature range is within 3 SDCM.

Color-temperature-tunable lighting device –Dev. 2

A color-temperature-tunable lighting device, denoted Dev. 2, comprises LEDs that generate light of three different colors/CCTs: C1, C2, and C3. Lighting device Dev. 2 comprises the device of FIGS. 3A-3C and comprises a 3838 four cavity package containing two LEDs, LED-C1, that generate light with a first chromaticity/color temperature C1, an LED, LED-C2, that generates of a second chromaticity/color temperature C2, and an LED, LED-C3, that generates light of a third chromaticity/color temperature C3. The two LED-C1 LEDs, in the first and second cavities, comprise a PC LED comprising a mixture of green to red photoluminescence materials (e.g. GaYAG, GaLuAG, and/or (Y, Lu) ₃ (Al, Ga) ₅O ₁₂ and CASN) and a narrowband red phosphor (e.g. K ₂SiF ₆: Eu (KSF) ) . The green to red and narrowband red phosphor are incorporated in a light transmissive encapsulant (e.g. phenyl silicone) and the mixture dispensed into the first and second cavities to cover the violet to blue InGaN LED chip. LED-C2, in the third cavity, comprises a PC LED comprising a mixture of green to red photoluminescence materials (e.g. GaYAG, GaLuAG, and/or (Y, Lu) ₃ (Al, Ga) ₅O ₁₂ and CASN) . The green to red phosphors are incorporated in a light transmissive encapsulant (e.g. phenyl silicone) and the mixture dispensed into the third cavity of the package to cover the violet to blue InGaN LED chip. LED-C3, in the fourth cavity, comprises a PC LED comprising a yellow photoluminescence material (e.g. Yttrium Aluminum Garnet (YAG) phosphor ) . The yellow phosphor is incorporated in a light transmissive encapsulant (e.g. phenyl silicone) and the mixture dispensed into the fourth cavity of the package to cover the violet to blue InGaN LED chip. Color-temperature-tunable Lighting device Dev. 2 is configured to generate light with a CCT from 2700K to 6500K and a general Color Rendering Index CRI Ra of 80.

TABLE 2A tabulates measured optical/electrical characteristics of LED-C1, LED-C2, and LED-C3 of lighting device Dev. 2 and TABLE 2B tabulates CIE region, CIE center point for light C1, C2, and C3 and CCT and Δuv for light C1 and C2. FIG. 7A-7D are measured characteristics for lighting device Dev. 2 in which: FIG. 7A is a CIE 1931 chromaticity diagram illustrating the chromaticity (center point –solid square) of light C3, 1 SDCM, 2 SDCM, 3 SDCM and 6 SDCM (Standard Deviation Color Matching -Mac Adam ellipses –dotted and dashed lines) and CIE region (solid line -square) for light C3, FIG. 7B shows spectra, normalized intensity (a.u. ) versus wavelength (nm) , for light C1 (solid line) , light C2 (dotted line) , and light C3 (dashed line) , FIG. 7C is a CIE 1931 chromaticity diagram illustrating the chromaticity (center point –cross) of light C1, C2, C3, the CIE region for light C1 (solid line/diamond) , C2 (solid line/triangle) , C3 (solid line/square) , gamut of light (solid line) that Dev. 2 can generate, and black body locus (dotted line) , and FIG. 7D is a CIE 1931 chromaticity diagram illustrating the chromaticity (color) of light (solid square) generated by Dev. 2 for nominal CCTs of 2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4000K, 4500K, 5000K, 5700K, and 6500K, light emission locus (solid line) for CCTs from 2700K to 6500K, black body locus (dotted line) , and 3 SDCM and 6 SDCM (Standard Deviation Color Matching -Mac Adam ellipses –thin solid line) .

As can be seen from TABLE 2A: LED-C1 has a luminous efficacy (LE) of 119 lm/W and generates light of chromaticity (color point: CIE 0.5200, 0.4213, Δuv = 0.0021) corresponding to a CCT of 2107K (about 2100K) with a CRI Ra of 78.1 (about 80) ; LED-C2 has a luminous efficacy of 170 lm/W and generates light of chromaticity (color point: CIE 0.3756, 0.4316, Δuv = 0.0251) corresponding to a CCT of 4436K (about 4400K) with a CRI Ra of 61.7 (about 62) ; and LED-C3 has a luminous efficacy of 120 lm/W and generates light with a chromaticity (color point: CIE 0.2121, 0.2383) which is greenish blue to blue in color.

As is known, the black body locus represents the chromaticity locus of light generated by a black body (Planckian) radiator for temperatures from 1000K to infinity and goes from deep red at low temperatures through orange, yellowish white, white to bluish white. Since the chromaticity (color point) of light in the greenish blue to blue region of the chromaticity diagram cannot be generated by a Planckian black body radiator, the chromaticity (color point) of light C3 cannot be ascribed a CCT. Since light C3 cannot be described in terms of color temperature, it will be described by a chromaticity center point and CIE region (C3 CIE region) defined by four CIE color points CIE-1, CIE-2, CIE-3, and CIE-4: CIE-1 (0.200, 0.244) , CIE-2 (0.205, 0.212) , CIE-3 (0.225, 0.232) , and CIE-4 (0.219, 0.265) –TABLE 2B. The CIE region corresponds to 6 SDCM about the CIE center point and calculation of the CIE region is illustrated in FIG. 7A which is a CIE 1931 chromaticity diagram illustrating the chromaticity 732C1 (center point –solid square) and C3 CIE region 744C3 (solid line/square) for light C3. As can be seen from the figure the CIE region 744C3 is a quadrilateral approximating to 6 SDCM (Mac Adam ellipses) .

Similarly, CIE regions defined by four CIE color points CIE-1, CIE-2, CIE-3, and CIE-4 for light C1 and C2 were calculated and are given in TABLE 2B together with CCT and Δuv for each color point. C1 comprises a CIE region (C1 CIE region) defined by CIE color coordinates CIE-1 (0.502, 0.419) , CIE-2 (0.510, 0.398) , CIE-3 (0.538, 0.424) , and CIE-4 (0.530, 0.445) which in terms of CCT is from 1974K (about 1970K) to 2261K (about 2270K) . C2 comprises a CIE region (C2 CIE Region) defined by CIE color coordinates CIE-1 (0.364, 0.439) , CIE-2 (0.365, 0.407) , CIE-3 (0.388, 0.424) , and CIE-4 (0.386, 0.446) which in terms of CCT is from 4116K (about 4100K) to 4734K (about 4750K) . The CIE chromaticity diagram of FIG. 7C shows each of the CIE regions: C1 CIE region 744C1 (diamond/solid line) , C2 CIE region 744C2 (triangle/solid line) , and C3 CIE Region 744C3 (square/solid line) .

Referring to FIG. 7B the emission spectrum for LED-C1 (dotted line) primarily comprises a broadband peak (at about 610 nm) in the red region of the visible spectrum with multiple higher intensity narrowband peaks (FWHM ≈ 5 nm) from about 610 –650 nm (maximum intensity peak at ≈632 nm) in the orange to red region of the visible spectrum. The emission spectrum for the LED-C2 (solid line) comprises a narrowband peak (FWHM ≈ 20 nm) with a peak emission wavelength at about 450 nm in the blue region if the visible spectrum and a broadband peak (FWHM ≈125 nm) with a peak emission wavelength of about 530 nm in the green region of the visible spectrum. The emission spectrum for the LED-C3 (dashed line) comprises a narrowband peak (FWHM ≈20 nm) with a peak emission wavelength of about 450 nm in the blue region of the visible spectrum and a lower intensity (about 25%) tail at wavelengths in the green to yellow region of the spectrum (460 –580 nm) .

The CIE chromaticity diagram of FIG. 7C shows the chromaticity (center color point) 732C1 of light of color C1 generated by the LED-C1, the chromaticity (center color point) 732C2 of light of color C2 generated by LED-C2, and the chromaticity (center color point) 732C3 of light of color C3 generated by the LED-C3. Straight lines 734C1C2, 734C2C3, and 732C1C3 connecting the points 732C1, 732C2, and 732C3 define a triangle that represents the gamut of chromaticity (colors) /color temperatures of light that Dev. 2 can generate –i.e. the device can generate any chromaticity (color) /color temperature of light lying on the boundary or within the triangle. It is to be noted that lowest CCT of light that Dev. 2 can generate that lies on the black body locus (dotted line) is 2157K (about 2150K) which corresponds to the point of intersection 746 (CIE 0.510 0.415) of line 734C1C3 connecting color points 732C1 to 732C3 and the black body locus. It is to be noted that highest CCT of light that Dev. 2 can generate that lies on the black body locus (dotted line) is 14012K (14000K) which corresponds to the point of intersection 748 (CIE 0.266, 0.270) of line 734C1C3 connecting color point 732C1 to color point 732C3 and the black body locus. It will be appreciated that Dev. 2 is therefore capable of generating any CCT of light from about 2150K to about 14000K lying on the black body locus.

TABLE 3 tabulates forward drive current (I _F) for first and second LED-C1, LED-C2, and LED-C3 of Dev. 2 for generating light with a nominal general color rendering index CRI Ra of 80 for nominal color temperatures (CCT) from 2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4000K, 5000K, 5700K, and 6500K. TABLE 4 tabulates the measured optical and electrical characteristics for Dev. 2 when operated to generate light with a nominal CRI Ra of 80 for nominal color temperatures (CCT) from 2700K to 6500K.

As can be seen from TABLE 4, the CCT of light generated by Dev. 2 is increased by increasing the proportion of light of color C3 while reducing the proportion of light of color C1. TABLE 4 demonstrates that by selection of the drive currents to the first and second LED-C1, LED-C2, and LED-C3, lighting device Dev. 2 can generate white light with a CCT from 2700 K to 6500K with a general color rendering index CRI Ra of about 80 (80.2 to 82.0) and CRI R9 of at least 19 (19.3 to 36.0) with a luminous efficacy from about 134 lm/W (133.6 lm/W) to about 143 lm/W (143 lm/W) . TABLE 4 also includes the measured CCT of light generated by Dev. 2.

Referring to FIG. 7D it is to be noted that Dev. 2 can generate light 742 (solid line) of CCTs from 2700K to 6500K with a chromaticity that closely matches the black body locus (dotted line) . As can be seen from TABLE 4, the chromaticity of light generated by Dev. 2 are within 0.0029 Δuv (about 0.003) or less (about 0.003) of the black body locus for CCTs from 1800K to 6500K.

Color-temperature-tunable lighting device –Dev. 3

A color-temperature-tunable lighting device, denoted Dev. 3, comprises LEDs that generate light of three different colors/CCTs: C1, C2, and C3. Lighting device Dev. 3 comprises the device of FIGS. 3A-3C and comprises a 3838 four cavity package containing two LEDs, LED-C1, that generate light with a first chromaticity/color temperature C1, an LED, LED-C2, that generates of a second chromaticity/color temperature C2, and an LED, LED-C3, that generates light of a third chromaticity/color temperature C3. The two LEDs LED-C1, in the first and second cavities, comprise a PC LED comprising a mixture of green to red photoluminescence materials (e.g. GaYAG, GaLuAG, and/or (Y, Lu) ₃ (Al, Ga) ₅O ₁₂ and CASN) . The green to red phosphors are incorporated in a light transmissive encapsulant (e.g. phenyl silicone) and the mixture dispensed into the first and second cavities to cover the violet to blue InGaN LED chip. LED-2, in the third cavity, comprises a PC LED comprising a mixture of green to yellow photoluminescence materials (e.g. GaYAG, GaLuAG, (Y, Lu) ₃ (Al, Ga) ₅O ₁₂) , YAG, and/or LuAG) . The green to yellow phosphors are incorporated in a light transmissive encapsulant (e.g. phenyl silicone) and the mixture dispensed into the third cavity of the package to cover the violet to blue InGaN LED chip. LED-C3, in the fourth cavity, comprises a PC LED comprising green to yellow photoluminescence material (e.g. GaYAG, GaLuAG, (Y, Lu) ₃ (Al, Ga) ₅O ₁₂) , YAG, and/or LuAG) . The green to yellow phosphors are incorporated in a light transmissive encapsulant (e.g. phenyl silicone) and the mixture dispensed into the fourth cavity of the package to cover the violet to blue InGaN LED chip. Color-temperature-tunable lighting device Dev. 3 is configured to generate light with a CCT from 2700K to 6500K and a general Color Rendering Index CRI Ra of 80.

TABLE 5A tabulates measured optical/electrical characteristics of LED-C1, LED-C2, and LED-C3 of Dev. 3 and TABLE 5B tabulates CIE region, CIE center point for light C1, C2, and C3 and CCT and Δuv for light C1 and C2. FIG. 8A-8C are measured characteristics lighting device Dev. 3 in which FIG. 8A shows spectra, normalized intensity (a.u. ) versus wavelength (nm) , for light C1 (solid line) , light C2 (dotted line) , and light C3 (dashed line) , FIG. 8B is a CIE 1931 chromaticity diagram illustrating the chromaticity (center point –cross) of light C1, C2, C3, the CIE region for light C1 (solid line/diamond) , C2 (solid line/triangle) , C3 (solid line/square) , gamut of light (solid line) that Dev. 3 can generate, and black body locus (dotted line) , and FIG. 8C is a CIE 1931 chromaticity diagram illustrating the chromaticity (color) of light (sold square) generated by Dev. 3 for nominal CCTs of 2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4000K, 4500K, 5000K, 5700K, and 6500K, light emission locus (solid line) for CCTs from 2700K to 6500K, black body locus (dotted line) , and 3 SDCM and 6 SDCM (Mac Adam ellipses –thin solid line) ;

As can be seen from TABLE 5A: LED-C1 has a luminous efficacy (LE) of 119 lm/W and generates light of chromaticity (color point: CIE 0.5280, 0.4385, Δuv = 0.0073) corresponding to a CCT of 2144K (about 2100K) with a CRI Ra of 74.4 (about 75) ; LED-C2 has a luminous efficacy of 164 lm/W and generates light of chromaticity (color point: CIE 0.3661, 0.4219, Δuv = 0.0242) corresponding to a CCT of 4623K (about 4600K) with a CRI Ra of 69.5 (about 70) ; and LED-C3 has a luminous efficacy of 120 lm/W and generates light with a chromaticity (color point: CIE 0.2121, 0.2383) . C1 comprises a CIE region (C1 CIE region) defined by CIE color coordinates CIE-1 (0.511, 0.435) , CIE-2 (0.518, 0.415) , CIE-3 (0.545, 0.441) , and CIE-4 (0.537, 0.461) which in terms of CCT is from 2203K (about 2200K) to 2279K (about 2300K) . C2 comprises a CIE region (C2 CIE Region) defined by CIE color coordinates CIE-1 (0.353, 0.428) , CIE-2 (0.356, 0.396) , CIE-3 (0.379, 0.415) , and CIE-4 (0.376, 0.448) which in terms of CCT is from about 4276K (about 4250K) to 4973K (about 4980K) . C3 comprises a CIE region (C3 CIE Region) defined by CIE color coordinates CIE-1 (0.200, 0.244) , CIE-2 (0.205, 0.212) , CIE-3 (0.225, 0.232) , and CIE-4 (0.219, 0.265) –TABLE 5B. The CIE chromaticity diagram of FIG. 8B shows each of the CIE regions: C1 CIE region 844C1 (diamond/solid line) , C2 CIE region 844C2 (triangle/solid line) , and C3 CIE Region 844C3 (square/solid line) .

As can be seen from FIG. 8A, the emission spectrum for the LED-C1 (solid line) is composed primarily of a broad emission peak in the orange to red region of the spectrum and the emission spectrum for LED-C3 (dashed line) is composed primarily of blue light with a low intensity tail at wavelengths in the green to yellow region of the spectrum.

Referring to FIG. 8A the emission spectrum for LED-C1 (dotted line) primarily comprises a broadband peak (FWHM ≈90 nm) with a peak emission wavelength of about 530 nm at about 610 nm in the red region of the visible spectrum. The emission spectrum for the LED-C2 (solid line) comprises a narrowband peak (FWHM ≈ 20 nm) with a peak emission wavelength at about 450 nm in the blue region if the visible spectrum and a broadband peak (FWHM ≈130 nm) with a peak emission wavelength of about 570 nm in the yellow region of the visible spectrum. The emission spectrum for the LED-C3 (dashed line) comprises a narrowband peak (FWHM ≈20 nm) with a peak emission wavelength of about 450 nm in the blue region of the visible spectrum and a lower intensity (about 25%) tail at wavelengths in the green to yellow region of the spectrum (460 –580 nm) .

The CIE chromaticity diagram of FIG. 8B shows the chromaticity (center color point) 832C1 of light of color C1 generated by the LED-C1, the chromaticity (center color point) 832C2 of light of color C2 generated by LED-C2, and the chromaticity (center color point) 832C3 of light of color C3 generated by the LED-C3. Straight lines 834C1C2, 834C2C3, and 832C1C3 connecting the points 832C1, 832C2, and 832C3 define a triangle that represents the gamut of chromaticity (colors) /color temperatures of light that Dev. 3 can generate –i.e. the device can generate any chromaticity (color) /color temperature of light lying on the boundary or within the triangle. It is to be noted that lowest CCT of light that Dev. 3 can generate that lies on the black body locus (dashed line) is 2349K (2350K) which corresponds to the point of intersection 846 (CIE 0.491, 0.415) of line 834C1C3 connecting color points 832C1 to 832C3 and the black body locus. It is to be noted that highest CCT of light that Dev. 3 can generate that lies on the black body locus (dashed line) is about 12404K (about 12000K) which corresponds to the point of intersection 848 (CIE 0.271, 0.275) of line 834C1C3 connecting color point 832C1 to color point 832C3 and the black body locus. It will be appreciated that Dev. 3 is therefore capable of generating any CCT of light from 2350K to about 12000K lying on the black body locus.

TABLE 6 tabulates forward drive current (I _F) for first and second LED-C1, LED-C2, and LED-C3 of Dev. 3 for generating light with a nominal general color rendering index CRI Ra of 80 for nominal color temperatures (CCT) from 2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4000K, 5000K, 5700K, and 6500K. TABLE 7 tabulates the measured optical and electrical characteristics for Dev. 3 when operated to generate light with a nominal CRI Ra of 80 for nominal color temperatures (CCT) from 2700K to 6500K.

As can be seen from TABLE 6, the CCT of light generated by Dev. 3 is increased by increasing the proportion of light of color C3 while reducing the proportion of light of color C1. TABLE 7 demonstrates that by selection of the drive currents to the first and second LED-C1, LED-C2, and LED-C3, Dev. 3 can generate white light with a CCT from 2700 K to 6500K with a general color rendering index CRI Ra of about 80 (81.1 to 84.3) and CRI R9 of up to about 9 (-2.5 to 9.3) with a luminous efficacy from about 127 lm/W (126.6 lm/W) to about 136 lm/W (136.2 lm/W) . The reduction of the value of CRI R9 compared with that of Dev. 2 is due to the absence of the narrowband red phosphor. TABLE 7 also includes the measured CCT of light generated by Dev. 3.

Referring to FIG. 8C it is to be noted that Dev. 3 can generate light 842 (solid line) of CCTs from 2700K to 6500K with a chromaticity that closely matches the black body locus (dotted line) . As can be seen from TABLE 7, the chromaticity of light generated by Dev. 3 are within 0.0034 Δuv (about 0.003) or less of the black body locus for CCTs from 1800K to 6500K.

Color-temperature-tunable lighting device –Dev. 4

A color-temperature-tunable lighting device, denoted Dev. 4, comprises LEDs that generate light of three different colors/CCTs: C1, C2, and C3. Lighting device Dev. 4 comprises the device of FIGS. 3A-3C and comprises a 3838 four cavity package containing two LEDs, LED-C1, that generate light with a first chromaticity/color temperature C1, an LED, LED-C2, that generates of a second chromaticity/color temperature C2, and an LED, LED-C3, that generates light of a third chromaticity/color temperature C3. The two C1 LEDs, in the first and second cavities, comprise a PC LED comprising a mixture of green to red photoluminescence materials (e.g. GaYAG, GaLuAG, and/or (Y, Lu) ₃ (Al, Ga) ₅O ₁₂ and CASN) and a narrowband red phosphor (e.g. KSF) . The green to red and narrowband red phosphor are incorporated in a light transmissive encapsulant (e.g. phenyl silicone) and the mixture dispensed into the first and second cavities to cover the violet to blue InGaN LED chip. LED-C2, in the third cavity, comprises a PC LED comprising a mixture of green to red photoluminescence materials (e.g. GaYAG, GaLuAG, and/or (Y, Lu) ₃ (Al, Ga) ₅O ₁₂ and CASN) and a narrowband red phosphor (e.g. KSF) . The green to red phosphors and narrowband red phosphor are incorporated in a light transmissive encapsulant (e.g. phenyl silicone) and the mixture dispensed into the third cavity of the package to cover the violet to blue InGaN LED chip. LED-C3, in the fourth cavity, comprises a PC LED comprising green to yellow photoluminescence materials (e.g. YAG, LuAG, GaYAG, GaLuAG, and/or (Y, Lu) ₃ (Al, Ga) ₅O ₁₂) . The green to yellow phosphor is incorporated in a light transmissive encapsulant (e.g. phenyl silicone) and the mixture dispensed into the fourth cavity of the package to cover the violet to blue InGaN LED chip. Lighting device Dev. 4 is configured to generate light with a general color rendering index CRI Ra of 90.

TABLE 8A tabulates measured optical/electrical characteristics of LED-C1, LED-C2, and LED-C3 of lighting device Dev. 4 and TABLE 8B tabulates CIE region, CIE center point for light C1, C2, and C3 and CCT and Δuv for light C1 and C2. FIG. 9A-9C are measured characteristics for Dev. 4 in which FIG. 9A shows spectra, normalized intensity (a.u. ) versus wavelength (nm) , for light C1 (solid line) , light C2 (dotted line) , and light C3 (dashed line) , FIG. 9B is a CIE 1931 chromaticity diagram illustrating the chromaticity (center point –cross) of light C1, C2, C3, the CIE region for light C1 (solid line/diamond) , C2 (solid line/triangle) , C3 (solid line/square) , gamut of light (solid line) that Dev. 4 can generate, and black body locus (dotted line) , and FIG. 9C is a CIE 1931 chromaticity diagram illustrating the chromaticity (color) of light (solid square) generated by Dev. 4 for nominal CCTs of 2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4000K, 4500K, 5000K, 5700K, and 6500K, light emission locus (solid line) for CCTs from 2700K to 6500K, black body locus (dotted line) , and 3 SDCM and 6 SDCM (Mac Adam ellipses –thin solid line) ;

As can be seen from TABLE 8A: LED-C1 has a luminous efficacy (LE) of 107 lm/W and generates light of chromaticity (color point: CIE 0.5418, 0.4060, Δuv = -0.0012) corresponding to a CCT of 1840K (about 1800K) with a CRI Ra of 77.7 (about 78) ; LED-C2 has a luminous efficacy of 156 lm/W and generates light of chromaticity (color point: CIE 0.3481, 0.4405, Δuv = 0.0375) corresponding to a CCT of 5122K (about 5100K) with a CRI Ra of 73.4 (about 70) ; and LED-C3 has a luminous efficacy of 120 lm/W and generates light with a chromaticity (color point: CIE 0.2121, 0.2383) . C1 comprises a CIE region (C1 CIE region) defined by CIE color coordinates CIE-1 (0.525, 0.405) , CIE-2 (0.531, 0.383) , CIE-3 (0.559, 0.407) , and CIE-4 (0.533, 0.429) which in terms of CCT is from 1728K (about 1700K) to 1962K (about 1970K) . C2 comprises a CIE region (C2 CIE Region) defined by CIE color coordinates CIE-1 (0.335, 0.445) , CIE-2 (0.339, 0.415) , CIE-3 (0.361, 0.436) , and CIE-4 (0.357, 0.467) which in terms of CCT is from about 4796K (about 4800K) to 5455K (about 5460K) . C3 comprises a CIE region (C3 CIE Region) defined by CIE color coordinates CIE-1 (0.200, 0.244) , CIE-2 (0.205, 0.212) , CIE-3 (0.225, 0.232) , and CIE-4 (0.219, 0.265) –TABLE 8B. The CIE chromaticity diagram of FIG. 9B shows each of the CIE regions: C1 CIE region 944C1 (diamond/solid line) , C2 CIE region 944C2 (triangle/solid line) , and C3 CIE Region 944C3 (square/solid line) .

As can be seen from FIG. 9A, the emission spectrum for the LED-C3 (dashed line) is composed primarily of blue light with a low intensity tail at wavelengths in the green to yellow region of the spectrum.

Referring to FIG. 9A the emission spectrum for LED-C1 (dotted line) primarily comprises a broadband peak (at about 610 nm) in the red region of the visible spectrum with multiple higher intensity narrowband peaks (FWHM ≈ 5 nm) from about 610 –650 nm (maximum intensity peak at ≈632 nm) . The emission spectrum for the LED-C2 (solid line) comprises a narrowband peak (FWHM ≈ 20 nm) with a peak emission wavelength at about 450 nm in the blue region if the visible spectrum and a higher intensity broadband peak (FWHM ≈110 nm) with a peak emission wavelength of about 530 nm in the green region of the visible spectrum with multiple higher intensity narrowband peaks (FWHM ≈ 5 nm) from about 610 –650 nm (maximum intensity peak at 632 nm) in the orange to red region of the visible spectrum. The emission spectrum for the LED-C3 (dashed line) comprises a narrowband peak (FWHM ≈20 nm) with a peak emission wavelength of about 450 nm in the blue region of the visible spectrum and a lower intensity (about 25%) tail at wavelengths in the green to yellow region of the spectrum (460 –580 nm) .

Referring to FIG. 7C it is to be noted that Dev. 3 can generate light 842 (solid line) of CCTs from 2700K to 6500K with a chromaticity that closely matches the black body locus (dotted line) . As can be seen from TABLE 7, the chromaticity of light generated by Dev. 3 are within 0.0034 Δuv (about 0.003) or less of the black body locus for CCTs from 1800K to 6500K.

The CIE chromaticity diagram of FIG. 9B shows the chromaticity (center color point) 932C1 of light of color C1 generated by the LED-C1, the chromaticity (center color point) 932C2 of light of color C2 generated by LED-C2, and the chromaticity (center color point) 932C3 of light of color C3 generated by the LED-C3. Straight lines 934C1C2, 934C2C3, and 932C1C3 connecting the points 932C1, 932C2, and 932C3 define a triangle that represents the gamut of chromaticity (colors) /color temperatures of light that Dev. 4 can generate –i.e. the device can generate any chromaticity (color) /color temperature of light lying on the boundary or within the triangle. It is to be noted that lowest CCT of light that Dev. 4 can generate that lies on the black body locus (dashed line) is about 2300K (2338K) which corresponds to the point of intersection 946 (CIE 0.492, 0.415) of line 934C1C3 connecting color points 932C1 to 932C3 and the black body locus. It is to be noted that highest CCT of light that Dev. 4 can generate that lies on the black body locus (dotted line) is about 16137K (about 16000K) which corresponds to the point of intersection 948 (CIE 0.262, 0.264) of line 934C1C3 connecting color point 932C1 to color point 932C3 and the black body locus. It will be appreciated that Dev. 4 is therefore capable of generating any CCT of light from 2300K to about 16000K lying on the black body locus.

TABLE 9 tabulates forward drive current (I _F) for first and second LED-C1, LED-C2, and LED-C3 of Dev. 4 for generating light with a nominal general color rendering index CRI Ra of 90 for nominal color temperatures (CCT) from 2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4000K, 5000K, 5700K, and 6500K. TABLE 10 tabulates the measured optical and electrical characteristics for Dev. 4 when operated to generate light with a nominal CRI Ra of 90 for nominal color temperatures (CCT) from 2700K to 6500K.

As can be seen from TABLE 9, the CCT of light generated by Dev. 4 is increased by increasing the proportion of light of color C3 while reducing the proportion of light of color C1. TABLE 10 demonstrates that by selection of the drive currents to the first and second LED-C1, LED-C2, and LED-C3, Dev. 4 can generate white light with a CCT from 2700 K to 6500K with a general color rendering index CRI Ra of about 90 (91.3 to 92.6) and CRI R9 of at least 45 (46.3 to 64.8) with a luminous efficacy from about 126 lm/W (126.3 lm/W) to about 133 lm/W (133.1 lm/W) . TABLE 10 also includes the measured CCT of light generated by Dev. 4.

Referring to FIG. 9C it is to be noted that Dev. 4 can generate light 942 (solid line) of CCTs from 2700K to 6500K with a chromaticity that closely matches the black body locus (dotted line) . As can be seen from TABLE 10, the chromaticity of light generated by Dev. 4 are within 0.0023 Δuv (about 0.002) or less of the black body locus for CCTs from 1800K to 6500K.

Color-temperature-tunable lighting device -Dev. 5

A color-temperature-tunable lighting device, denoted Dev. 5, comprises LEDs that generate light of three different colors/CCTs: C1, C2, and C3. Lighting device Dev. 5 comprises the device of FIGS. 3A-3C and comprises a 3838 four cavity package containing two LEDs, LED-C1, that generate light with a first chromaticity/color temperature C1, an LED, LED C2, that generates of a second chromaticity/color temperature C2, and an LED, LED-C3, that generates light of a third chromaticity/color temperature C3. In this embodiment, each of the LEDs, LED-C1, LED-C2, and LED-C3 comprise a broadband violet to blue InGaN LED chip with a FWHM from 25 nm to 50 nm. The broadband LED chips may comprise a multi-Quantum Well device.

The two LEDs LED-C1, in the first and second cavities, comprise a PC LED comprising a mixture of green to red photoluminescence materials (e.g. GaYAG, GaLuAG, and/or (Y, Lu) ₃ (Al, Ga) ₅O ₁₂) and CASN) . The green to red phosphor is incorporated in a light transmissive encapsulant (e.g. phenyl silicone) and the mixture dispensed into the first and second cavities to cover the broadband violet to blue InGaN LED chip. LED-C2, in the third cavity, comprises a PC LED comprising a mixture of green to orange photoluminescence materials. The green to orange phosphors are incorporated in a light transmissive encapsulant (e.g. phenyl silicone) and the mixture dispensed into the third cavity of the package to cover the broadband violet to blue InGaN LED chip. LED-C3, in the fourth cavity, comprises a PC LED comprising green to yellow photoluminescence materials (e.g. GaYAG, GaLuAG, (Y, Lu) ₃ (Al, Ga) ₅O ₁₂, YAG and/or LuAG) . The green to yellow phosphors are incorporated in a light transmissive encapsulant (e.g. phenyl silicone) and the mixture dispensed into the fourth cavity of the package to cover the broadband violet to blue InGaN LED chip. Color-temperature-tunable Lighting device Dev. 5 is configured to generate light with a CCT from 2700K to 6500K and a general Color Rendering Index CRI Ra of 97.

TABLE 11A tabulates measured optical/electrical characteristics of LED-C1, LED-C2, and LED-C3 of Dev. 5 and TABLE 11B tabulates CIE region, CIE center point for light C1, C2, and C3 and CCT and Δuv for light C1 and C2. FIG. 10A-10C are measured characteristics for Dev. 5 in which FIG. 10A shows spectra, normalized intensity (a.u. ) versus wavelength (nm) , for light C1 (solid line) , light C2 (dotted line) , and light C3 (dashed line) , FIG. 11B is a CIE 1931 chromaticity diagram illustrating the chromaticity (center point –cross) of light C1, C2, C3, the CIE region for light C1 (diamond/solid line) , C2 (triangle/solid line) , C3 (square/solid line) , gamut of light (solid line) that Dev. 5 can generate, and black body locus (dotted line) , and FIG. 10C is a CIE 1931 chromaticity diagram illustrating the chromaticity (color) of light (sold square) generated by Dev. 5 for nominal CCTs of 2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4000K, 4500K, 5000K, 5700K, and 6500K, light emission locus (solid line) for CCTs from 2700K to 6500K, black body locus (dashed line) , and 3 SDCM and 6 SDCM (Mac Adam ellipses –thin solid line) . FIGS. 10D-10I are measured emission spectra, normalized intensity (a.u. ) versus wavelength (nm) , for Dev. 5 in which: FIG. 10D is the emission spectrum for operation for a nominal CCT of 2700K, FIG. 10E is the emission spectrum for operation for a nominal CCT of 3000K, FIG. 10F is the emission spectrum for operation for a nominal CCT of 3500K, FIG. 10G is the emission spectrum for operation for a nominal CCT of 4000K, FIG. 10H is the emission spectrum for operation for a nominal CCT of 5700K, and FIG. 10I is the emission spectrum for operation for a nominal CCT of 6500K.

As can be seen from TABLE 11A: LED-C1 has a luminous efficacy (LE) of 74 lm/W and generates light of chromaticity (color point: CIE 0.5323, 0.4015, Δuv = -0.0031) corresponding to a CCT of 1883K (about 1900K) with a CRI Ra of 94.0; LED-C2 has a luminous efficacy of 160 lm/W and generates light of chromaticity (color point: CIE 0.3680, 0.4895, Δuv = 0.0484) corresponding to a CCT of 4789K (about 4800K) with a CRI Ra of 60.6 (about 61) ; and LED-C3 has a luminous efficacy of 148 lm/W and generates light with a chromaticity (color point: CIE8, 0.2782) .

As can be seen from TABLE 11B C1 comprises a CIE region (C1 CIE region) defined by CIE color coordinates CIE-1 (0.515, 0.399) , CIE-2 (0.522, 0.378) , CIE-3 (0.549, 0.404) , and CIE-4 (0.542, 0.425) which in terms of CCT is a CIE region from 1778K (about 1750K) to 2008K (about 2020K) . C2 comprises a CIE region (C2 CIE Region) defined by CIE color coordinates CIE-1 (0.356, 0.497) , CIE-2 (0.358, 0.462) , CIE-3 (0.380, 0.483) , and CIE-4 (0.378, 0.514) which in terms of CCT is from 4, 536K (about 4500K) to 5, 046K (about 5050K) . C3 comprises a CIE region (C3 CIE Region) defined by CIE color coordinates CIE-1 (0.217, 0.281) , CIE-2 (0.220, 0.267) , CIE-3 (0.228, 0.276) , and CIE-4 (0.226, 0.290) .

The CIE chromaticity diagram of FIG. 10B shows each of the CIE regions: C1 CIE region 1044C1 (diamond/solid line) , C2 CIE region 1044C2 (triangle/solid line) , and C3 CIE region 1044C3 (square/solid line) . FIG. 10B shows the chromaticity (center color point) 1032C1 of light of color C1 generated by the LED-C1, the chromaticity (center color point) 1032C2 of light of color C2 generated by LED-C2, and the chromaticity (center color point) 1032C3 of light of color C3 generated by the LED-C3. Straight lines 1034C1C2, 1034C2C3, and 1032C1C3 connecting the points 1032C1, 1032C2, and 1032C3 define a triangle that represents the gamut of chromaticity (colors) /color temperatures of light that Dev. 5 can generate –i.e. the device can generate any chromaticity (color) /color temperature of light lying on the boundary or within the triangle. It is to be noted that lowest CCT of light that Dev. 5 can generate that lies on the black body locus (dotted line) is 2185K (about 2150K) which corresponds to the point of intersection 1046 (CIE 0.507, 0.415) of line 1034C1C3 connecting color points 1032C1 to 1032C3 and the black body locus. It is to be noted that highest CCT of light that Dev. 5 can generate that lies on the black body locus (dotted line) is 7620K (about 7650K) which corresponds to the point of intersection 1048 (CIE 0.299, 0.309) of line 1034C1C3 connecting color point 1032C1 to color point 1032C3 and the black body locus. It will be appreciated that Dev. 5 is therefore capable of generating any CCT of light from 2150K to about 7650K lying on the black body locus.

As can be seen from FIG. 10A, the emission spectrum for the LED-C1 (dotted line) is composed primarily of a broadband peak (FWHM ≈100 nm) with a peak emission wavelength of about 640 nm in the red region of the visible spectrum, the emission spectrum for the LED-C2 (solid line) is composed primarily of a broadband peak (FWHM ≈140 nm) with a peak emission wavelength of about 550 nm in the green region of the visible spectrum, and the emission spectrum for the LED-C3 (dashed line) is composed of a broadband peak (FWHM ≈36 nm) with a peak emission wavelength of about 440 nm in the blue region of the visible spectrum and a broadband region at wavelengths in the green to yellow region of the spectrum (460 –580 nm) .

TABLE 12 tabulates forward drive current (I _F) for the first and second LEDs LED-C1, LED-C2, and LED-C3 of Dev. 5 for generating light with a nominal general color rendering index CRI Ra of 90 for nominal color temperatures (CCT) from 2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4000K, 5000K, 5700K, and 6500K. TABLE 13 tabulates the measured optical and electrical characteristics for Dev. 5 when operated to generate light with a nominal CRI Ra of 97 for nominal color temperatures (CCT) from 2700K to 6500K.

As can be seen from TABLE 12, the CCT of light generated by Dev. 5 is increased by increasing the proportion of light of color C3 while reducing the proportion of light of color C1. TABLE 13 demonstrates that by selection of the drive currents to the first and second LED-C1, LED-C2, and LED-C3, the color-tunable multi-LED packaged light emitting device (Dev. 4) can generate white light with a CCT from 2700 K to 6500K with a general color rendering index CRI Ra of about 97 (94.0 to 98.0) and CRI R9 of at least 92 (92.5 to 98.7) with a luminous efficacy from 100 lm/W (99.9 lm/W) to about 116 lm/W (116.0 lm/W) . TABLE 13 also includes the measured CCT of light generated by Dev. 5.

Referring to FIG. 10C it is to be noted that Dev. 5 can generate light 1042 (solid line) of CCTs from 2700K to 6500K with a chromaticity that closely matches the black body locus (dotted line) . As can be seen from TABLE13, the chromaticity of light generated by Dev. 5 are within 0.0017 Δuv (about 0.002) or less of the black body locus for CCTs from 1800K to 6500K.

FIGS. 10D-10I are measured emission spectra, normalized intensity (normalized to a CIE 1931 XYZ luminance Y=100) versus wavelength (nm) , for lighting device Dev. 5 in which: FIG. 10D is the emission spectrum for operation for a nominal CCT of 2700K and black body spectrum of 2700K, FIG. 10E is the emission spectrum for operation for a nominal CCT of 3000K and a black body spectrum of 3000K, FIG. 10F is the emission spectrum for operation for a nominal CCT of 3500K and a black body spectrum of 3500K, FIG. 10G is the emission spectrum for operation for a nominal CCT of 4000K and a black body spectrum of 4000K, FIG. 10H is the emission spectrum for operation for a nominal CCT of 5700K and a CIE Standard Illuminant D57 (5700K) , and FIG. 10I is the emission spectrum for operation for a nominal CCT of 6500K and a CIE Standard Illuminant D65 (6500K) . As can be seen from the figures, light generated by Dev. 5 has a spectrum that closely resembles the black body spectrum/Standard illuminant for wavelengths from about 450 nm to 650 nm.

A metric for quantifying how closely the spectrum resembles the black body spectrum/Standard illuminant is a maximum (largest) intensity deviation (I _maxΔ) from the intensity of light of a black body radiator of the same Correlated Color Temperature. That is, over a selected wavelength range, I _maxΔ is the maximum (largest) intensity difference between the intensity of the spectrum and the intensity of the spectrum of a black body radiator. The maximum deviation can be positive (such as a peak where the spectrum intensity is greater than the black body spectrum intensity) or negative (such as a trough where the spectrum intensity is less than the black body spectrum intensity) . To compare the spectra, each spectrum is normalized to have the same CIE 1931 XYZ luminance Y=100, that is, each spectrum has the same lumen brightness. Each spectrum is normalized using the photopic luminosity function y (λ) -sometimes referred to as the photopic or visual luminous efficiency function v (λ) -of a standard observer which takes account of the photopic (visual) response of an observer and are for the same correlated color temperature. I _maxdev is thus the maximum (greatest) intensity difference between the normalized intensity of the spectrum and the normalized intensity of the black body spectrum over a selected wavelength range. I _maxdev is defined as:

For example, when Dev. 5 is operable to generate light with a color temperature of 2700K, over a wavelength range from 450 nm to 650 nm, the maximum deviation of the spectrum of Dev. 5 from the spectrum of a black body of the same color temperature (i.e. 2700K) is about 10% (0.1) corresponding to peak 1050 at a wavelength λ _maxΔ of 635 nm (FIG. 10D) . In the figure, the spectrum intensity at λ _maxΔ is denoted 1052 and the black body spectrum intensity at λ _maxΔ is denoted 1054. Therefore, over the wavelength range from about 450 nm to about 650 nm, light generated by Dev. 5 when operated to generate light of color temperature 2700K has a maximum percentage intensity deviation I _maxΔ of 10%, that is at the maximum intensity deviation the normalized spectrum intensity at wavelength λ _maxΔ is 110%of the normalized black body spectrum intensity at the same wavelength.

When Dev. 5 is operable to generate light with a color temperature of 6500K, over a wavelength range from 450 nm to 650 nm, the maximum deviation of the spectrum of Dev. 5 from the spectrum of the Standard Illuminant D65 of the same color temperature (i.e. 6500K) is about -23% (-0.2) corresponding to trough 1056 at a wavelength λ _maxΔ of 462 nm (FIG. 10I) . In the figure, the spectrum intensity at λ _maxΔ is denoted 1052 and the black body spectrum intensity at λ _maxΔ is denoted 1054. Therefore, over the wavelength range from about 450 nm to about 650 nm, light generated by Dev. 5 when operated to generate light of color temperature 6500K has a maximum percentage intensity deviation I _maxΔ of -23%, that is at the maximum intensity deviation the normalized spectrum intensity at wavelength λ _maxΔ is 77%of the normalized black body spectrum intensity at the same wavelength.

Analysis of the spectrum for devices in accordance with the invention for operation for color temperatures from 2700K to 6500K shows that light generated by the lighting device has an intensity versus wavelength spectrum, which over a wavelength range 460 nm to 650 nm, has a maximum deviation between the normalized intensity of light generated by the lighting device compared with the normalized intensity of light of the spectrum of a black body radiator or standard illuminant which is less than 0.3. Test data indicates that the deviation can be less than 0.2, and/or less than 0.1.

CIE region and center points for C1, C2, C3

TABLE 14 tabulates CIE regions, CIE center points for light C1, C2, and C3 and CCT and Δuv for light C1 and C2. The CIE regions for each color C1, C2, and C3 encompass each of the CIE regions for Devs. 2-5, that is for lighting devices with a CRI Ra from 80 to 97. As can be seen from TABLE 14, C1 comprises a CIE region (C1 CIE region) defined by CIE color coordinates CIE-1 (0.498, 0.422) , CIE-2 (0.522, 0.370) , CIE-3 (0.562, 0.410) , and CIE-4 (0.537, 0.461) which in terms of CCT is a CIE region from 1725K (about 1720K) to 2323K (about 2350K) . C2 comprises a CIE region (C2 CIE Region) defined by CIE color coordinates CIE-1 (0.330, 0.480) , CIE-2 (0.342, 0.385) , CIE-3 (0.392, 0.420) , and CIE-4 (0.378, 0.514) which in terms of CCT is from 4004K (about 4000K) to 5580K. C3 comprises a CIE region (C3 CIE Region) defined by CIE color coordinates CIE-1 (0.196, 0.261) , CIE-2 (0.206, 0.212) , CIE-3 (0.234, 0.243) , and CIE-4 (0.226, 0.290) .

FIGS. 11A-11D are CIE 1931 chromaticity diagrams illustrating various CIE regions and center points for light C1, C2, and C3.

FIG. 11A shows C1 CIE regions 1144 and C1 center points 1132 for lighting devices Dev. 2 (1144Dev. 2 -solid square/solid line and 1132Dev. 2 -solid square) , Dev. 3 (1144Dev. 3 -dot/dotted line and 1132Dev. 3 –dot) , Dev. 4 (1144Dev. 4 -star/dashed line and 1132Dev. 4 -star) , and Dev. 5 (1144Dev. 5 -solid triangle/dashed line and 1132Dev. 5 -solid triangle) and C1 CIE region (1144C1 -diamond/dashed dot line) and C1 center point (1132C1 -diamond) that encompass lighting devices Devs. 2-5. As can be seen from FIG. 11A the C1 CIE region 1144C1 encompasses (fully encloses) the C1 CIE regions 1144Dev. 2, 1144Dev. 3, 1144Dev. 4, 1144Dev. 5.

FIG. 11B shows C2 CIE regions 1144 and C2 center points 1132 for lighting devices Dev. 2 (1144Dev. 2 -solid square/solid line and 1132Dev. 2 –solid square) , Dev. 3 (1144Dev. 3 -dot/dotted line and 1132Dev. 3 –dot) , Dev. 4 (1144Dev. 4 -star/dashed line and 1132Dev. 4 -star) , and Dev. 5 (1144Dev. 5 -solid triangle/dashed line and 1132Dev. 5 –solid triangle) and C2 CIE region (1144C1 -diamond/dashed dot line) and C2 center point (1132C1 -diamond) that encompass lighting devices Devs. 2-5. As can be seen from FIG. 11B the C2 CIE region 1144C2 encompasses (fully encloses) the C2 CIE regions 1144Dev. 2, 1144Dev. 3, 1144Dev. 4, 1144Dev. 5.

FIG. 11C shows C3 CIE regions 1144 and C3 center points 1132 for lighting devices Devs. 2-4 (1144Devs. 2-4 -solid square/solid line and 1132Devs. 2-4 –solid square) and Dev. 5 (1144Dev. 5 -solid triangle/dotted line and 1132Dev. 5 –solid triangle) and C3 CIE region (1144C3 -diamond/dashed dot line) and C3 center point (1132C3 -diamond) that encompass lighting devices Dev. 2-5. As can be seen from FIG. 11C the C3 CIE region 1144C3 encompasses (fully encloses) the C3 CIE regions 1144Dev. 2, 1144Dev. 3, 1144Dev. 4, 1144Dev. 5.

FIG. 11D shows CIE regions 1144 and center points 1132 for C1 (1144C1 –solid diamond/solid line and 1132C1 –solid diamond) , C2 (1144C2 –solid triangle/solid line and 1132C2 –solid triangle) , and C3 (1144C3 –solid square/solid line and 1132C3 –solid square) that encompass lighting devices Dev. 2-5.

Lighting devices comprising light of four different colors/CCTs: C1, C2, C3 and C4

As described herein, lighting devices in accordance with embodiments of the invention may comprises LEDs that generate light of four different colors/CCTs: C1, C2, C3 and C4.

In embodiments, a four color/CCT lighting device may comprise for example the lighting devices Dev. 2-5 that further comprises a fourth LED that generates light of a fourth chromaticity in a fourth chromaticity region. In embodiments, the fourth center point and chromaticity region can be (i) between the first and second chromaticity regions or (ii) between the second and third chromaticity regions. TABLES 15A and 15B tabulate CIE regions, CIE center points for light C1, C2, C3, C4a, and C4b, CCT and Δuv for light C1, C2, C4a, C4b. The CIE regions for each color C1, C2, C3, C4a and C4b encompass lighting devices that can generate light with a CRI Ra from 80 to 97. Center point C4a and CIE region C4a are between the first and second chromaticity regions and center point C4b and CIE region C4b are between the second and third chromaticity regions. The center points and CIE regions for C2, C2, and C3 are those tabulated in TABLE 14. As can be seen from TABLE 15B, C4a comprises a CIE region (C4a CIE region) defined by CIE color coordinates CIE-1 (0.420, 0.468) , CIE-2 (0.418, 0.383) , CIE-3 (0.475, 0.430) , and CIE-4 (0.479, 0.514) which in terms of CCT is a CIE region from 2644K (about 2620K) to 3736K (about 3750K) . C4b comprises a CIE region (C4b CIE Region) defined by CIE color coordinates CIE-1 (0.249, 0.362) , CIE-2 (0.265, 0.283) , CIE-3 (0.309, 0.335) , and CIE-4 (0.295, 0.414) which in terms of CCT is from 6654K (about 6650K) to 12482K (about 12500K) .

FIG. 12 shows CIE regions 1244 and center points 1232 for C1 (1244C1 –solid diamond/solid line and 1232C1 –solid diamond) , C2 (1244C2 –solid triangle/solid line and 1232C2 –solid triangle) , C3 (1244C3 –solid square/solid line and 1232C3 –solid square) , C4a (1244C4a –star/dashed line and 1232C4a –star) , and C4b (1244C4b –cross/dashed line and 1232C4b –cross) .

In embodiments, a four color/CCT lighting device may comprise for example a first LED that generates light of a first chromaticity C1, a second LED that generates light of a second chromaticity C2, a third LED that generates light of a third chromaticity C3, and a fourth LED that generates light of a fourth chromaticity C4. TABLES 16A and 16B tabulate CIE regions, CIE center points for light C1, C2, C3 and C4, CCT and Δuv for light C1, C2, and C3. The CIE regions for each color C1, C2, C3, and C4 encompass lighting devices that can generate light with a CRI Ra from 80 to 97. As can be seen from TABLES 16A and 16B, C1 comprises a CIE region (C1 CIE region) defined by CIE color coordinates CIE-1 (0.498, 0.422) , CIE-2 (0.522, 0.370) , CIE-3 (0.562, 0.410) , and CIE-4 (0.537, 0.461) which in terms of CCT is a CIE region from 1725K (about 1720K) to 2323K (about 2350K) . C2 comprises a CIE region (C2 CIE Region) defined by CIE color coordinates CIE-1 (0.390, 0.488) , CIE-2 (0.398, 0.403) , CIE-3 (0.450, 0.450) , and CIE-4 (0.442, 0.534) which in terms of CCT is from 3135K (about 3120K) to 4366K (about 4370K) . C3 comprises a CIE region (C3 CIE Region) defined by CIE color coordinates CIE-1 (0.277, 0.418) , CIE-2 (0.283, 0.333) , CIE-3 (0.334, 0.380) , and CIE-4 (0.327, 0.464) which in terms of CCT is from 5456K (about 5450K) to 8192K (about 8200K) . C4 comprises a CIE region (C4 CIE Region) defined by CIE color coordinates CIE-1 (0.196, 0.261) , CIE-2 (0.206, 0.212) , CIE-3 (0.234, 0.243) , and CIE-4 (0.226, 0.290) .

FIG. 13 shows CIE regions 1344 and center points 1332 for C1 (1344C1 –solid diamond/solid line and 1332C1 –solid diamond) , C2 (1344C2 –solid triangle/solid line and 1332C2 –solid triangle) , C3 (1344C3 –star/solid line and 1332C3 –star) , and C4 (1344C4 –solid square/solid line and 1332C4 –solid square) .

List of reference numerals

FIG. 1:

1 Multi-LED package

2 Lead frame

3 Direct-Emitting LED chip

3R Direct-Emitting Red LED chip

3G Direct-Emitting Green LED chip

3B Direct-Emitting Blue LED chip

4 Housing

5 Cavity (recess)

6 Light-transmissive encapsulant

7 Anode electrical terminal

7R Anode electrical terminal Red LED

7G Anode electrical terminal Green LED

7B Anode electrical terminal Blue LED

8 Cathode electrical terminal

8R Cathode electrical terminal Red LED

8G Cathode electrical terminal Green LED

8B Cathode electrical terminal Blue LED

FIGS. 2 to 9 (#= Figure Number) :

#10 Multi-LED package (package)

#12 Anode lead frame

#12a Anode lead frame -first cavity

#12b Anode lead frame -second cavity

#12c Anode lead frame -third cavity

#12d Anode lead frame -fourth cavity

#12e Common cathode lead frame -cavities 1 -4

#14 Cathode lead frame

#14a-d Cathode lead frame –common to cavities 1 -4

#14a Cathode lead frame -first cavity

#14b Cathode lead frame -second cavity

#14c Cathode lead frame -third cavity

#14d Cathode lead frame -fourth cavity

#16 Housing

#18 Cavity (recess or cup)

#18a First cavity

#18b Second cavity

#18c Third cavity

#18d Fourth cavity

#20 LED chip

#20a LED chip –first cavity

#20b LED chip –second cavity

#20c LED chip –third cavity

#20d LED chip –fourth cavity

#22 Anode electrical terminal

#22a Anode electrical terminal first cavity (recess)

#22b Anode electrical terminal second cavity (recess)

#22c Anode electrical terminal third cavity (recess)

#22d Anode electrical terminal fourth cavity (recess)

#24 Cathode electrical terminal

#24a-d Cathode electrical terminal –common to cavities 1 –4

#24a Cathode electrical terminal first cavity (recess)

#24b Cathode electrical terminal second cavity (recess)

#24c Cathode electrical terminal third cavity (recess)

#24d Cathode electrical terminal fourth cavity (recess)

#26 Color-temperature-tunable lighting device (lighting device)

#28 LED (Light Emitting Diode)

#28a First LED

#28b Second LED

#28c Third LED

#28d Fourth LED

#30 Photoluminescence layer

#30a Photoluminescence layer –first cavity

#30b Photoluminescence layer –second cavity

#30c Photoluminescence layer –third cavity

#30d Photoluminescence layer –fourth cavity

#32 Chromaticity (color point)

#32C1 Chromaticity (color point) of light C1

#32C2 Chromaticity (color point) of light C2

#32C3 Chromaticity (color point) of light C3

#32C4 Chromaticity (color point) of light C4

#34 Straight line connecting chromaticity (color points)

#34C1C2 Straight line connecting color points C1 and C2

#34C1C3 Straight line connecting color points C1 and C3

#34C1C4 Straight line connecting color points C1 and C4

#34C2C3 Straight line connecting color points C2 and C3

#34C3C4 Straight line connecting color points C3 and C4

#36 Color-tunable linear light emitting device (linear lighting device)

#38 Substrate

#40 Electrical connector

#42 Light emission locus

#44 LED CIE region

#44C1 C1 CIE Region

#44C2 C2 CIE Region

#44C3 C3 CIE Region

#46 Lowest CCT

#48 Highest CCT

#50 Peak

#52 Spectrum intensity at λ _maxΔ

#54 Black body spectrum intensity at λ _maxΔ

#56 Trough

Claims

A lighting device comprising:

a package comprising:

a first LED that generates light of a first chromaticity in a first chromaticity region defined by chromaticity coordinates (0.498, 0.422) , (0.522, 0.370) , (0.562, 0.410) , and (0.537, 0.461) ;

a second LED that generates light of a second chromaticity in a second chromaticity region defined by chromaticity coordinates (0.330, 0.480) , (0.342, 0.385) , (0.392, 0.420) , and (0.378, 0.514) ; and

a third LED that generates light of a third chromaticity in a third chromaticity region defined by chromaticity coordinates (0.196, 0.261) , (0.206, 0.212) , (0.234, 0.243) , and (0.226, 0.290) ,

wherein light generated by the device comprises a combination of light generated by the first, second, and third LEDs and wherein a chromaticity of light generated by the device is tunable by independently controlling power to the first, second and third LEDs.
The lighting device of Claim 1, wherein

the first chromaticity region is 6 SDCM centered on a chromaticity (0.530, 0.415) ;

the second chromaticity region is 6 SDCM centered on a chromaticity (0.360, 0.450) ; and

the third chromaticity region is 6 SDCM centered on a chromaticity (0.216, 0.251) .
The lighting device of Claim 1, wherein

the first chromaticity region is defined by chromaticity coordinates (0.502, 0.419) , (0.510, 0.398) , (0.538, 0.424) , and (0.530, 0.445) ;

the second chromaticity region is defined by chromaticity coordinates (0.364, 0.439) , (0.365, 0.407) , (0.388, 0.424) , and (0.386, 0.456) ; and

the third chromaticity region is defined by chromaticity coordinates (0.200, 0.244) , (0.205, 0.212) , (0.225, 0.232) , and (0.219, 0.265) .
The lighting device of Claim 3, wherein

the first chromaticity region is 6 SDCM centered on a chromaticity (0.520, 0.421) ;

the second chromaticity region is 6 SDCM centered on a chromaticity (0.376, 0.432) ; and

the third chromaticity region is 6 SDCM centered on a chromaticity (0.212, 0.238) .
The lighting device of Claim 1, wherein

the first chromaticity region is defined by chromaticity coordinates (0.511, 0.435) , (0.518, 0.415) , (0.545, 0.441) , and (0.537, 0.461) ;

the second chromaticity region is defined by chromaticity coordinates (0.353, 0.428) , (0.356, 0.396) , (0.379, 0.415) , and (0.376, 0.448) ; and

the third chromaticity region is defined by chromaticity coordinates (0.200, 0.244) , (0.205, 0.212) , (0.225, 0.232) , and (0.219, 0.265) .
The lighting device of Claim 5, wherein

the first chromaticity region is 6 SDCM centered on a chromaticity (0.528, 0.439) ;

the second chromaticity region is 6 SDCM centered on a chromaticity (0.366, 0.422) ; and

the third chromaticity region is 6 SDCM centered on a chromaticity (0.212, 0.238) .
The lighting device of Claim 1, wherein

the first chromaticity region is defined by chromaticity coordinates (0.525, 0.405) , (0.531, 0.383) , (0.559, 0.407) , and (0.553, 0.429) ;

the second chromaticity region is defined by chromaticity coordinates (0.335, 0.445) , (0.339, 0.415) , (0.361, 0.436) , and (0.357, 0.467) ; and

the third chromaticity region is defined by chromaticity coordinates (0.200, 0.244) , (0.205, 0.212) , (0.225, 0.232) , and (0.219, 0.265) .
The lighting device of Claim 7, wherein

the first chromaticity region is 6 SDCM centered on a chromaticity (0.5412, 0.406) ;

the second chromaticity region is 6 SDCM centered on a chromaticity (0.348, 0.441) ; and

the third chromaticity region is 6 SDCM centered on a chromaticity (0.212, 0.238) .
The lighting device of Claim 1, wherein

the first chromaticity region is defined by chromaticity coordinates (0.515, 0.399) , (0.522, 0.378) , (0.549, 0.404) , and (0.542, 0.425) ;

the second chromaticity region is defined by chromaticity coordinates (0.356, 0.497) , (0.358, 0.465) , (0.380, 0.483) , and (0.378, 0.514) ; and

the third chromaticity region is defined by chromaticity coordinates (0.217, 0.281) , (0.220, 0.267) , (0.228, 0.276) , and (0.226, 0.290) .
The lighting device of Claim 9, wherein

the first chromaticity region is 6 SDCM centered on a chromaticity (0.532, 0.4012) ;

the second chromaticity region is 6 SDCM centered on a chromaticity (0.368, 0.490) ; and

the third chromaticity region is 6 SDCM centered on a chromaticity (0.223, 0.278) .
The lighting device of any preceding claim, comprising at least two first LEDs.
The lighting device of any of Claims 1 to 10, further comprising a fourth LED that generates light with a fourth chromaticity in a fourth chromaticity region.
The lighting device of Claim 12, wherein the fourth chromaticity region is between the first and second chromaticity regions.
The lighting device of Claim 13, wherein the fourth chromaticity region is defined by chromaticity coordinates (0.420, 0.468) , (0.418, 0.383) , (0.475, 0.430) , and (0.479, 0.514) .
The lighting device of Claim 12, wherein the fourth chromaticity region is between the second and third chromaticity regions.
The lighting device of Claim 15, wherein the fourth chromaticity region is defined by chromaticity coordinates (0.249, 0.362) , (0.265, 0.283) , (0.309, 0.335) , and (0.295, 0.414) .
The lighting device of any of preceding claim, wherein the chromaticity of light generated by the device is within 0.003 Δuv of the black body locus for CCTs from 1800K to 6500K.
The lighting device of any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the first, second, or third LEDs comprises a broadband LED chip that generates light with a dominant wavelength from 420 nm to 480 nm with a FWHM of at about 30 nm to about 50 nm.
The lighting device of any preceding claim, wherein lighting generated light by the device has a selected Color Temperature and an intensity versus wavelength spectrum, which over a wavelength range 460 nm to 650 nm, a maximum deviation between the normalized intensity of light generated by the lighting device compared with the normalized intensity of light of the spectrum of a black body radiator or standard illuminant of the same Color Temperature is at least one of less than 0.3, less than 0.2, and/or less than 0.1, said intensity versus wavelength spectra of the light and black body radiator being normalized to the same relative luminance.
The lighting device of any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the first, second, or third LEDs comprises an LED chip that generates light with a dominant wavelength from 400 nm to 480 nm, and a narrowband red phosphor selected from the group consisting of: K ₂SiF ₆: Mn ⁴⁺, K ₂GeF ₆: Mn ⁴⁺, and K ₂TiF ₆: Mn ⁴⁺.
The lighting device of any preceding claim, wherein the package comprises a lead frame; and a housing comprising a first recess having the first LED, a second recess having the second LED, and a third recess having the third LED; and wherein the lead frame comprises a common cathode electrode to each recess and a respective anode electrode to each recess.
The lighting device of any preceding claim, wherein the package comprises a lead frame; and a housing comprising a first recess having the first LED, a second recess having the second LED, and a third recess having the third LED; and wherein the lead frame comprises a respective cathode electrode to each recess and a respective anode electrode to each recess.
The lighting device of Claim 22, wherein each recess comprises an anode terminal connected to the anode electrode and a cathode terminal connected to the cathode electrode and wherein the anode and cathode terminals for each recess are located on opposing edges of the housing across from one another.
A lighting device comprising:

a package comprising:

a first LED that generates light of a first CCT from about 1700K to about 3500K; and

a second LED that generates light of a second CCT from about 4000K to about 5600K;

wherein the first LED comprises an LED chip that generates light with a dominant wavelength from 400 nm to 480 nm, and a narrowband red phosphor selected from the group consisting of: K ₂SiF ₆: Mn ⁴⁺, K ₂GeF ₆: Mn ⁴⁺, and K ₂TiF ₆: Mn ⁴⁺.
The lighting device of Claim 24, comprising a third LED that generates light with a chromaticity in a chromaticity region defined by chromaticity coordinates (0.196, 0.261) , (0.206, 0.212) , (0.234, 0.243) , and (0.226, 0.290) .
A lighting device comprising:

a package comprising a first, second, and third LED that each generate light with different CIE color points,

wherein the device generates white light of different CCTs from 1800K to 8000K by controlling the relative light output of the three LEDs,

wherein the chromaticity of white light generated by the device is along the black body locus, and

wherein at least one of the LEDs comprises a narrowband red phosphor selected from the group consisting of: K ₂SiF ₆: Mn ⁴⁺, K ₂GeF ₆: Mn ⁴⁺, and K ₂TiF ₆: Mn ⁴⁺.
The lighting device of Claim 26, wherein the chromaticity of light generated by the device is within 0.003 Δuv of the black body locus or Standard Illuminant for CCTs from 1800K to 6500K.
The lighting device of Claim 26 or Claim 27, comprising at least two first LEDs.
A lighting device comprising:

a package comprising:

a first LED that generates light of a first chromaticity in a first chromaticity region defined by chromaticity coordinates (0.498, 0.422) , (0.522, 0.370) , (0.562, 0.410) , and (0.537, 0461) ;

a second LED that generates light of a second chromaticity in a second chromaticity region defined by chromaticity coordinates (0.390, 0.488) , (0.398, 0.403) , (0.450, 0.450) , and (0.442, 0.534) ;

a third LED that generates light of a third chromaticity in a third chromaticity region defined by chromaticity coordinates (0.277, 0.418) , (0.283, 0.333) , (0.334, 0.380) , and (0.327, 0.464) ; and

a fourth LED that generates light of a fourth chromaticity in a fourth chromaticity region defined by chromaticity coordinates (0.196, 0.261) , (0.206, 0.212) , (0.234, 0.243) , and (0.226, 0.290) ,

wherein light generated by the device comprises a combination of light generated by the first, second, third, and fourth LEDs and wherein a chromaticity of light generated by the device is tunable by independently controlling power to the first, second, third, and fourth LEDs.
The lighting device of Claim 29, wherein

the first chromaticity region is 6 SDCM centered on a chromaticity (0.530, 0.415) ;

the second chromaticity region is 6 SDCM centered on a chromaticity (0.420, 0.470) ;

the third chromaticity region is 6 SDCM centered on a chromaticity (0.305, 0.400) ; and

the fourth chromaticity region is 6 SDCM centered on a chromaticity (0.216, 0.251) .
A lighting device comprising: a circuit board and a plurality of lighting devices according to any preceding claim.
The lighting device of Claim 31, wherein the circuit board comprises a flexible circuit board.
A lighting device comprising:

a package comprising:

at least two first LEDs that generate light of a first chromaticity;

a second LED that generates light of a second chromaticity; and

a third LED that generates light of a third chromaticity;

wherein the first chromaticity has the lowest color temperature and wherein light generated by the device comprises a combination of light generated by the first, second, and third LEDs and wherein a chromaticity of light generated by the device is tunable by independently controlling power to the first, second and third LEDs.
An LED package comprising:

a lead frame; and

a housing comprising a first recess for receiving a first LED, a second recess for receiving a second LED, a third recess for receiving a third LED, and a fourth recess for receiving a fourth LED;

wherein the lead frame comprises a respective cathode electrode to each recess and a respective anode electrode to each recess.
The LED package of Claim 34, wherein each recess comprises an anode terminal connected to the anode electrode and a cathode terminal connected to the cathode electrode and wherein the anode and cathode terminals for each recess are located on opposing edges of the housing across from one another.