Development of LEDs for various applications, such a vehicle lighting, signage, and commercial and residential solid state lighting is progressing at a rapid pace. Various methods exist for measuring the performance of LEDs, but variations in test configurations, thermal management, T&M equipment, and operator experience lead to significant variation in measured performance. The project will design a commercially viable instrument for precisely controlling LED junction temperatures for consistent and repeatable performance during LED test processes. The method, as defined by the Zong/Ohno, eliminates the variations and repeatability errors in thermal interfaces and ensures the junction temperature, a key metric in LED testing, is both known and controllable. Both DC and AC testing modes will be supported. Commercial Applications: This process will create a common, comparable standard for device characterization. However, the market does not presently offer an integrated solution, instead forcing customers to piece together a system with individual pieces, and then develop the process to control them. This presents a huge cost to the user and creates a significant barrier for entry, which will hinder the acceptance of the process as a standard. The commercial potential of the application is significant, as it could ultimately reach into every LED R&D, test, and manufacturing facility. Because it eliminates variations in LED temperature, which is a critical metric in LED performance, this method has the potential to significantly change the way LED specifications are developed. A peer-reviewed, integrated system will significantly speed the adoption of this test method
