12 Volt LEDs Architecture
Two common design methods frequently utilized to employ scalable architecture, in designs with 12 volt LEDs, include component and module expansions. Component expansion considers the possibility of adding 12 volt LEDs to a circuit board as a future product revision. Any wasted board space transformed into extra light emitting diode mounting locations provides future flexibility. In addition, extra pads for LED driver components ensure that appended 12 volt LEDs contain the necessary circuitry to power them. Another expansion method may incorporate the use of mating circuit board connectors. The circuit board design can accommodate the addition of these specialized connectors at any time. When an expansion revision becomes necessary, a connector added to the edge of the circuit board can easily mate with an opposing connector on a parallel circuit board. This conveniently allows expansion in almost any direction, limited only by availability of space.
Custom LED Lighting Design Tactics
The ability to custom tailor a product to meet specific customer requirements is an invaluable asset in such a competitive industry. Scalable architecture relies on design methods that yield highly customizable products without the requirement for expensive and time-consuming design revisions. This means that the product is designed in such a way that it can easily interface with identical 12 volt LEDs or related products. In some cases, portions of the product may require reductions rather than additions. High volumes of lighting products stocked in warehouse locations await order submittal from an end-user. At this time, product customization during final assembly offers a tailoring service capable of meeting specific criteria initially provided by the end-user during the ordering process. This system has undergone extensive testing over the past 6 years and is currently in use with all sample products offered by Lunar Accents Design Corporation. The sampled product referred to as LED array employs both types of scalable architecture described within the context below. For specific information about LED array sample products, please click on the LED array link located in the upper right hand content box of this page.
Addition of Components
One benefit of scalable architecture includes the ability to interface mating components on demand. The initial design may account for only a handful of LEDs contained within an array. However, interconnecting numerous modules to create an extended LED array permits the seamless operation as a single unit. Such a system of adjoined sections can provide the flexibility to customize a product during final assembly in order to meet the physical or optical requirements specified by the end-user. One customer may request an LED array for a lighting application requiring a specific luminous output, such as 140 lumens. Another customer might only require 60 lumens for his or her LED lighting application. Rather than engineering two separate designs and producing two separate prototypes, the pre-fabricated building blocks designed with scalable architecture in mind, can compliment needs of both customers. One method of adjoining multiple modules may depend upon a system of mating connectors. This allows the individual responsible for final assembly to snap each module conveniently into place. The alternative design method offers a more permanent solution. Rather than mating connectors, some concepts may benefit more from a system of permanent solder connections. Rigid wire jumpers often provide the most efficient means of interconnecting multiple 12 volt LEDs and modules. However, a jumper-less concept is also available which relies on solder connections directly between two circuit board pads.
Reduction of Components
The addition of break points adds an extremely beneficial feature to any custom LED lighting design designed around the concept of scalable architecture. This concept relies on predetermined locations strategically incorporated for amputation. When the end-user requires only a portion size of the standard module, final assembly may simply cut away the excess portions and re-stock the trimmings for possible integration with future assemblies. Each portion of the 12 volt LED array will continue to function properly because the amputation performed at one of the specified break points will not affect the functionality of either component. When extremely precise physical dimensions are required, trimming at break points often allows for the exact alterations required to meet a specific size. Combining this system of component reduction with the previously described concept of component addition, results in an incredibly diverse and extremely reliable method of customization. Many 12 volt LEDs do not require such an extreme level of customization on a daily basis. They might only require one or two alternative configurations. In such a case, the initial light emitting diode product designed will focus on complimenting only these specific configurations. In contrast, some LED products might require extensive customization abilities. Therefore, engineers may focus heavily on applying the concepts of scalable architecture in full.