LED Taillights
Lunar Accents Design Corporation offers a new approach to custom LED taillights design. Our engineering team has developed documented array of taillight functions available for integration upon request. Multi-functional LED taillights feature brake light, running light, and LED turn signals within a single cluster. Additional functions may include reverse / backup white LED lights. By utilizing the latest surface mount LED technology, we have been able to produce low profile LED taillights as thin as one-eighth on one inch. Many older LED turn signals and taillight designs incorporated through-hole technology, making the cluster much thicker than necessary. Many of our clients have also taken advantage of a function we refer to as "LED Logic". By utilizing this function, LED taillights can achieve a certain level of intelligence allowing more complex interaction with the operator or other systems on the vehicle.
LED Turn Signals Installation
Linear LED turn signals and taillights are compatible with an optional plastic housing. The housing is composed of a soft transparent rubber material, which partially surrounds the printed circuit board and electronics. We recommend using a double-sided adhesive for physically mounting the housing to any smooth surface. A protective housing is not available for the circular LED turn signals and tail lights. Exposure to the elements may degrade longevity or promote potential failure. A moisture-resistant protective housing is not required, but recommended for prolonged outdoor operation.
LED Taillights Compatibility
Both circular and linear LED taillights are universal, rather than specific to any certain vehicle. Since taillight design does not complement any specific vehicle design, this provides freedom for the end-user to adapt with a variety of vehicles. Some popular applications include but are not limited to trailers, motorcycles, classic cars, and larger trucks. Both circular and linear LED taillights share a similar construct. The electronics are contained upon the top circuit layer of the printed circuit board to promote flush mounting LED turn signals and taillight configuration. This becomes possible by special soldering methods that secure all electronic components to pads located on the top circuit board surface. Many traditional LED taillights utilize through-hole components, which must contain solder connections on the rear of the circuit board, causing problems during flush mounting. The circular taillight cluster features an array of mounting holes (0.120 inch), four located in proximity to the edge and the fifth in the central location. Pitch between outermost holes is equal to 2.25 inches. An alternative mounting method may include the use of a high strength double side adhesive. Linear taillight models exclude all mounting holes. However, an optional plastic housing can complement mounting.
Wiring Process
The vehicle wiring connects directly to the LED PC board to individual wire terminals, which provide power for the operation of each separate taillight and LED turn signals. All LED taillights contain a separate power terminal for marker and brake light functions. Circular models contain an additional terminal corresponding with the LED turn signals. Functions on all models share a common ground terminal. Installation requires a direct solder connection between vehicle wiring and the LED taillights wire terminals or optional wire leads. Wiring may pass through and connect with wire terminals from the front or rear side of the LED taillights cluster. All power wire terminals feature a 0.067 inch diameter. Non-insulated portions of wire should never make contact with component solder joints located on the top circuit board layer. If they do, permanent damage may occur. We recommend that an experienced technician should perform all wire connections.
LED Taillights Electrical Ratings
The LED taillights contain very simplified circuitry to further reduce overall costs. The simple drive circuitry does not limit or monitor LED drive current as many of our other products do. As a result, a varying input voltage will cause drive current to vary. When the engine in the vehicle is running, the voltage is normally higher. Therefore, the LED drive current increases and the LED lights appear slightly brighter. As voltage and current increase, total power dissipation also increases.
Automotive Taillight Voltage
The measured voltage from most vehicles will deviate in accordance with loading and alternator activity. Voltage ratings tend to be higher while the vehicle's engine is operating because the alternator supplies a continuous current to the battery. The LED taillight clusters do not feature an on-board voltage or current regulator. However, the taillight cluster can operate within a range of voltages up to 13.8 volts DC. Luminous output may increase when operating at higher voltages.
Overall Taillight Current
At 13.8 volts, the LED taillights will draw approximately 0.09 amperes, while operating in marker mode. Current will increase to approximately 0.27 amperes while operating in brake light mode. The turn signal function optional on circular models intermittently draws approximately 0.18 amperes, in addition to marker or brake light currents.
Total Power Dissipation
Typical power dissipation is 1.24 watts, as derived from marker mode operation. Typical power dissipation while in brake light mode is 3.73 watts. Absolute maximum power dissipation is approximately 6.21 watts, as derived from circular LED taillights equipped with LED turn signals. Actual power dissipation will vary in accordance with source voltage. Power ratings refer to total power including heat dissipation. Power ratings do not provide an indication of luminous output.