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XL-257SURC-L 3mm Red LED: Key Specs, Assembly Limits, and Sourcing Guidance

The XL-257SURC-L is a 3mm through-hole red LED for low-voltage indication circuits. Its performance depends on bin control, soldering discipline, and current-limited design.

XL-257SURC-L 3mm Red LED: Key Specs, Assembly Limits, and Sourcing Guidance

📌 Product Overview

The XL-257SURC-L is a standard 3mm through-hole LED designed for reliable indication and illumination in general electronic circuits. It features a red diffused chip encapsulated in a white water-clear colloid, providing a dominant wavelength of 620nm.

💡 This component is engineered for low-voltage DC drive systems, offering a balance between luminous intensity and power consumption. It is suitable for applications requiring long operating life and fast startup times under standard environmental conditions.

🎯 Typical Applications

Based on its 3mm form factor and optical characteristics, the XL-257SURC-L is utilized across various sectors:

  • Consumer Electronics: Status indicators for home appliances and digital devices.
  • Automotive: Interior dashboard lighting and auxiliary indicators (non-critical).
  • Industrial & Communication: Signal feedback for communication equipment and control panels.
  • Education & Toys: Electronic teaching aids and electronic toy indicators.
  • Decorative Lighting: Urban lighting projects and small-scale decorative fixtures.

⚡ Key Technical Specifications

The following table outlines the initial electrical and optical characteristics at $T_a=25^\circ C$:

ParameterSymbolMin.Typ.Max.UnitTest Conditions
Luminous Intensity$I_V$50200300mcd$I_F = 20\text{mA}$
Dominant Wavelength$\lambda_d$615620625nm$I_F = 20\text{mA}$
Forward Voltage$V_F$1.82.22.4V$I_F = 20\text{mA}$
Viewing Angle$2\theta_{1/2}$-110-deg$I_F = 20\text{mA}$
Reverse Current$I_R$--$\le 10$$\mu\text{A}$$V_R = 5\text{V}$

💡 Design Note: Luminous intensity varies by bin code (A1: 50-100mcd, A2: 100-200mcd, A3: 200-300mcd). Voltage grading is also available (N12-7 to N12-9).

🚨 Absolute Maximum Ratings & Process Limits

Exceeding these ratings may cause device failure or degradation. Design margins must account for these limits under varying operating temperatures.

ParameterSymbolRatingUnitNotes
Power Dissipation$P_D$70mW
Max Forward Current$I_F$20mAContinuous DC
Peak Forward Current$I_{Fp}$80mAPulse width/duty cycle limits apply
Operating Temp.$T_{opr}$-20 to +85$^\circ\text{C}$
Storage Temp.$T_{stg}$-40 to +85$^\circ\text{C}$
Soldering (Wave)$T_{sol}$240$^\circ\text{C}$$\le 6\text{s}$, $>2.0\text{mm}$ from body

🔒 Critical Warning: Ensure solder joints are maintained at a distance of at least 2.0mm from the colloid bottom to prevent thermal damage to the epoxy.

📦 Package, Dimensions & Assembly Notes

  • Package Type: 3mm Radial Lead (Long leg).
  • Dimensions: $5.0 \times 2.0 \times 7.0 \times 28\text{mm}$ (L x W x H x Total Length).
  • Tolerance: $\pm 0.50\text{mm}$ unless otherwise specified.
  • Moisture Sensitivity: MSL Level 2.
  • Assembly: Designed for wave soldering or manual welding. Do not exceed manual welding limits of $300^\circ\text{C}$ for 3 seconds.

📈 Sourcing & Supply Considerations

  • Packaging: EIA standard compliant, shipped in moisture-proof and anti-static foil bags.
  • Compliance: Fully RoHS compliant (Environmental protection).
  • Quality Control: Binning codes for Brightness, Voltage, and Wavelength allow for specific selection consistency.
  • Authenticity: Verify packaging integrity and MSL labels upon receipt to ensure storage condition compliance.

❓ FAQ

Q: What is the forward voltage requirement for this LED?
A: The typical forward voltage ($V_F$) is 2.2V, with a maximum of 2.4V at 20mA. Ensure your driving circuit can supply sufficient voltage while limiting current to 20mA.

Q: Can this LED be used in high-humidity environments?
A: Yes, it has passed high-temperature and high-humidity endurance tests ($85^\circ\text{C}$, 85-90% RH). However, for long-term storage or use in harsh conditions, verify the sealing of the final housing.

Q: What are the soldering limits for PCB assembly?
A: For wave soldering, do not exceed $240^\circ\text{C}$ for more than 6 seconds. For manual welding, the limit is $300^\circ\text{C}$ for 3 seconds. Keep the heat source $>2.0\text{mm}$ away from the LED body.

Q: How is brightness consistency controlled?
A: The manufacturer uses brightness grading codes (A1, A2, A3). To ensure visual uniformity in mass production, specify a single bin code (e.g., A2) when placing orders.

Q: What is the expected lifespan?
A: Datasheet reliability testing indicates a working life of at least 1000 hours under standard conditions ($25^\circ\text{C}$, 20mA), though actual operational life typically extends much further under nominal usage.

About Leon Zhang

Founder and Strategic Sourcing Lead, LDeepAI

Leon Zhang is the founder of LDeepAI, focusing on AI-assisted electronic component sourcing and verified China supply-chain support for overseas buyers. He previously worked within the Huaqiang Group ecosystem, including experience related to HQEW, one of China's well-known electronic component trading platforms. This background gives him practical insight into China's electronic component supply-chain structure, supplier screening, channel verification and cross-border sourcing workflows.

Expertise: electronic component sourcing, China supply-chain verification, LED components, memory and storage sourcing, RFQ risk screening.

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