GAN FET LED Lighting: The Next Generation of Energy-Efficient Illumination

In today’s world, energy consumption and sustainability are significant concerns, and rising energy costs are a given. 

Unsurprisingly, academics and industrialists are constantly searching for ways to produce more energy-efficient technology. One such technology that has the potential to revolutionize the lighting industry is GaN FET LED. 

As LED tech enthusiasts, let’s dive into the fundamentals of GaN FET LED technology, including its efficiency, advantages and disadvantages, and the commercial implications of this innovative technology.

GaN FET Concept Image

WHAT IS A GAN FET LED?

A GaN FET LED is a type of LED light based on a compound material called gallium nitride. This technology’s FET (field-effect transistor) acts as an amplifier, allowing for voltage and current flow control. 

With this control, the lighting system can operate more efficiently, extending the life of the components. 

How Does a GaN LED work?

GaN LEDs are based on a thin layer of electrically conductive materials grown on other materials such as sapphire or silicon. Electric current flows into the active region of the LED, from which it emits light. The active region consists of very thin alternating layers of GaN and another semiconductor, usually indium gallium nitride (InGaN), which produces different colors when doped with different impurities.  (Cambridge Centre for Gallium Nitride) 

What is the Difference Between a GaN LED and a Regular LED?

The primary difference between GaN and traditional LEDs lies in the materials used. Regular LEDs are built from materials such as aluminum gallium arsenide, which is less efficient than GaN. GaN LEDs are more efficient because they are based on a more energy-efficient material, gallium nitride.

GAN LED ADVANTAGES

GaN LED technology offers many benefits — some of the primary ones include:

  • Energy Efficiency – GaN LEDs are highly energy-efficient, which is one of their most significant advantages. They can convert a large portion of the electrical energy they receive into visible light. This efficiency results in lower electricity consumption, making them an excellent choice for lighting applications where energy conservation is a priority. Compared to traditional incandescent bulbs, GaN LEDs can save substantial electricity, contributing to reduced energy bills and a lower carbon footprint.
  • Longer Lifespan – GaN LEDs have a significantly longer operational lifespan when compared to traditional lighting technologies. They are known for their durability and resistance to wear and tear. This longevity means that GaN LEDs require less frequent replacement, reducing maintenance costs and waste from discarded bulbs. In practical terms, GaN LEDs can last tens of thousands of hours, making them a cost-effective lighting solution over time.
  • High Power Density – GaN LED technology allows for generating high-intensity light in a compact form factor. This feature is especially valuable in applications where a concentrated and bright light source is needed, such as high-power flashlight beams, projectors, or high-resolution displays. GaN LEDs can produce significant light from a small chip, making them ideal for various compact and portable lighting solutions.
  • High Color Rendering Index (CRI) – GaN LEDs produce light with a high Color Rendering Index (CRI), which measures how accurately the light source renders colors compared to natural daylight. GaN LEDs typically have a CRI close to or exceeding 90, making them suitable for applications where color accuracy and vibrancy are important, such as photography studios, art galleries, or retail spaces. This attribute enhances the visual appeal of illuminated objects and spaces.

GAN LED DISADVANTAGES

As is the case with any type of lighting technology, GaN LEDs aren’t without their drawbacks.

Here are a few of those:

  • Higher Production Cost – One drawback of GaN LED technology is its relatively high production cost. The manufacturing process for GaN LEDs can be intricate and requires specialized equipment and materials. As a result, the upfront costs associated with producing GaN LEDs can be prohibitive, making it challenging for smaller companies or startups to enter the market. These higher production costs can also translate to a premium price for GaN LED products.
  • Sensitivity to Heat – GaN LEDs are susceptible to heat. Exposure to elevated temperatures can cause the GaN semiconductor material to degrade, leading to reduced performance and a shorter operational lifespan. This heat sensitivity is a critical factor in designing LED lighting systems, as inadequate heat management can result in premature LED failure. Efficient heat sinking and thermal management strategies are essential to maintain the performance and longevity of GaN LEDs, adding complexity and cost to LED system designs.

THE FUTURE OF GAN FET LED TECHNOLOGY

The future of Gallium Nitride Field-Effect Transistor (GaN FET) LED technology is highly promising, with ongoing advancements poised to revolutionize the lighting industry and usher in a new era of energy-efficient illumination. Several vital developments and leading research entities are shaping the path forward for this technology.

Advancements in Efficiency and Durability

Researchers and engineers are diligently working to enhance the efficiency and durability of GaN FET LED bulbs. This drive is essential for achieving even more significant energy savings and reducing the environmental footprint of lighting solutions. Improved efficiency means that GaN FET LEDs can produce more light with less power, reducing electricity consumption. The durability aspect focuses on increasing the operational lifespan of these bulbs, reducing the need for replacements, and minimizing waste. As a result, future GaN FET LEDs are expected to provide consumers with longer-lasting and more cost-effective lighting options.

Cost Reduction

Another key aspect of the future of GaN FET LED technology is cost reduction.

As with any emerging technology, initial production costs tend to be relatively high. However, researchers and manufacturers are actively working to streamline production processes, optimize materials, and scale up production. 

As these efforts succeed, anticipated costs of GaN FET LEDs will decrease, making them more accessible to a broader range of consumers and businesses. This cost reduction will further drive the adoption of GaN FET LEDs in various applications.

Expanded Range of Applications

GaN FET LED technology is versatile and adaptable, and its future involves an expanded range of applications. Beyond general lighting, GaN FET LEDs have the potential to revolutionize areas such as displays, automotive lighting, horticultural lighting, and beyond. Their high efficiency, small form factor, and ability to emit high-quality light make them suitable for a wide array of applications. Researchers and industry players are exploring how to tailor GaN FET LEDs for specific use cases, unlocking new possibilities in various industries.

Leading Research and Development Entities

Several institutions and companies are at the forefront of GaN FET LED research and development.  Scientists from Cambridge, Manchester, Bath, and Strathclyde are pooling their expertise to understand what limits the efficiency and find solutions that will benefit future generations. 

The Southern Taiwan University of Science and Technology and National Cheng Kung University have been pivotal in advancing related technologies since 2017. Their research has contributed to developing specialized GaN FET LEDs with unique structures, incorporating materials like GaN and InGaN grown on sapphire substrates. Using Silicon Implantation techniques with Silicon Dioxide layers to scatter ions has resulted in innovative LED designs. 

Additionally, companies like Maxima and Nichia Corporation specialize in GaN FET LED research and development, continuously pushing the boundaries of what this technology can achieve. These organizations are pivotal in driving the evolution of GaN FET LED technology and ensuring it remains at the forefront of energy-efficient lighting solutions.

COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS FOR GAN FET LED TECHNOLOGY

GaN FET LED technology offers various commercial applications that can significantly impact multiple sectors. The implications of GaN FET LED technology extend beyond energy efficiency and cost reduction, directly contributing to sustainable development. Some noteworthy commercial applications include:

  • Commercial Lighting – Commercial establishments, including offices, retail stores, and restaurants, can benefit from GaN FET LED technology. These energy-efficient lights provide excellent color rendering and a comfortable environment for employees and customers. Additionally, the extended lifespan of GaN FET LEDs reduces maintenance costs and minimizes disruptions due to frequent bulb replacements.
  • Industrial Lighting – In industrial settings, where lighting often operates continuously, GaN FET LED technology’s energy efficiency is invaluable. It leads to substantial cost savings for large manufacturing facilities and warehouses, making GaN FET LEDs a compelling choice for high-intensity lighting requirements.
  • Mobile Device Displays – The screens of mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets, rely on advanced display technologies. GaN FET LEDs can enhance the quality of these displays by providing high-quality and energy-efficient backlighting. The result is brighter, more vivid screens that consume less power, leading to longer battery life for mobile devices.
  • Automotive Lighting – GaN FET LED technology is increasingly utilized in automotive lighting systems, including headlights, taillights, and interior lighting. These LEDs offer superior brightness and visibility, enhancing safety on the road. The reduced power consumption of GaN FET LEDs contributes to fuel efficiency in electric and hybrid vehicles, making them a vital component in the automotive industry’s pursuit of sustainability.

GaN FET LED technology is innovative and significantly impacts the lighting industry. It offers superior energy efficiency and a longer lifespan, making it an ideal alternative to traditional incandescent and fluorescent bulbs. Though the manufacturing process can be complex and costly, researchers are continually working on improving the efficiency and durability of GAN FET LED bulbs. As technology becomes more widely available, the future becomes more attractive, revolutionizing the lighting industry and ushering in a new era of energy-efficient illumination.

CHECK OUT OUR TECH SECTION FOR MORE INFORMATION

We’re coming out with new articles on the regular covering all topics in the LED space, from GaN FETs to color temperature and much more.

Read more about LED lighting topics here. 

Unlock Amazing Design Possibilities with LED Temperature Control

When first getting into LED lighting, achieving the perfect lighting atmosphere for any given space can be challenging. 

However, with the right tools and knowledge, you’ll have no problem using color temperature to create the ideal space for your needs. 

Below, we’ll explain how to use LED lighting to control color temperature. But first, let’s talk about what color temperature is. 

What is Color Temperature?

Color temperature describes the appearance of light emitted by a light source, such as an LED bulb. It is typically measured in units called Kelvin (K).

In simple terms, color temperature refers to whether the light appears warm or cool. 

Scale - Color Temperature Measured in Kelvin

  • Warm Light – Light sources with lower color temperatures (typically around 2700K to 3000K) emit a warm, yellowish, or reddish light. This kind of light is often associated with a cozy and inviting atmosphere, similar to the warm glow of a candle or an incandescent bulb.
  • Cool Light – Light sources with higher color temperatures (typically 4000K and above) emit a cool, bluish, or white light. This type of light is  bright and energizing, similar to daylight or fluorescent lighting.

When you see a color temperature rating for an LED bulb, it gives you an idea of the quality and tone of light it will provide. Warmer temperatures are suitable for relaxing and creating a comfortable ambiance, while cooler temperatures are better for tasks that require concentration or visibility.

How Do Our Brains Process Color?

Prisms displaying light diffusion

Our brains process color by interpreting the different wavelengths of light that objects reflect or emit. There are five different factors to consider here:

  • Light and color – Light travels in waves, and each color corresponds to a different wavelength. When light shines on an object, that object either absorbs certain wavelengths and reflects others. The colors we see are the ones that the object reflects.
  • The eye’s role – When light with different colors enters our eyes, it goes through the lens and lands on the retina at the back of our eyes. The retina contains cells called photoreceptors, which are of two main types: rods and cones.
  • Rods and cones – Rods help us see in low light conditions and do not perceive color. Cones, on the other hand, are responsible for color vision and function better in well-lit environments. There are three types of cones, each sensitive to a specific range of wavelengths – red, green, and blue.
  • Color mixing – Our brain receives signals from these three types of cones, combining the information to create the perception of color. When all three types of cones are equally stimulated, we perceive white light. When certain cones are more stimulated than others, we perceive different colors.
  • Color perception – The brain processes the signals from the cones and interprets them to create the rich and diverse palette of colors we see. It’s like a painter mixing different colors on a canvas to create various hues.

Our brains process color by using the information from our eyes’ cones, which respond to different wavelengths of light, and then combining these signals to create the colors we perceive.

When Should You Use Both Types of LED Lighting?

When working with LED lighting, you can create different atmospheres by choosing either warm light or cool light.

So, which one should you use?

It depends on the space you’re trying to create and what you’ll do in that space. Let’s look at some examples.

Various types of LED light

Warm Light

In general, warm light is associated with a cozy and inviting atmosphere. The light appears softer, imitating the glow of a candlelight or a classic incandescent lightbulb. 

We recommend warm lighting for relaxing spaces — bedrooms, living rooms, or any other area in your home where you want to destress. 

It also creates an inviting atmosphere in certain public spaces, such as restaurants or cafés. 

When you think of warm light, picture a relaxing and cozy setting. 

Cool Light

Cool lighting is all about maintaining clarity and focus. The lighting is a little more intense, so it’s not as suitable for relaxing. 

At home, cool light is best used in spaces such as home offices or kitchens — both are areas where alertness and focus are important. It can also work well in a bathroom where someone performs a beauty routine. 

Outside the home, you’ll often find cool light used in commercial spaces, retail stores, art studios, and other public spaces where work is being done. The clarity and focus provided by cool light lends itself to these kinds of spaces. 

What is Color Tuning? 

The ability to tailor the lighting ambiance to specific needs can be essential in certain spaces. This entails having the option of using cool lighting on some occasions and warm lighting on others.

Color tuning, also known as tunable lighting or dynamic lighting, offers precise control over the color temperature and brightness of your lighting fixtures. 

Unlike traditional lighting systems with fixed settings, color tuning systems empower you to adjust your lighting’s color, ranging from warm and cozy tones to cool and invigorating hues. This provides an exceptionally adaptable and dynamic lighting solution.

There are three primary types of color tuning:

  • Dim-to-Warm Tuning – This replicates the gradual, soothing transition of incandescent bulbs as they dim.This mimics the natural progression of sunlight throughout the day, enhancing the ambiance and creating a cozy atmosphere in the evening. 
  • White Color Tuning – White color tuning offers a spectrum of white light shades, allowing you to fine-tune your lighting to create the ideal environment for various activities and tasks. The ability to switch between various shades of white light makes white color tuning incredibly versatile and suitable for numerous applications in both residential and commercial settings.
  • Full-Color Tuning – Full-color tuning elevates lighting customization by enabling you to venture beyond white light. You can select from a vast palette of colors, giving you the power to transform your space with vibrant, dynamic lighting. This feature is often utilized in entertainment venues, hospitality settings, and architectural lighting designs to shape the ambiance and overall experience.

By using the right LED lighting and drivers, you can tailor your lighting to suit your space at any given time. This is important for smart homes, too — by using Bluetooth LEDs, homeowners have full control over their lighting, including dimming and color-changing properties. 

Looking for More Information on LED Lighting?

Using LED lighting with the correct LED driver gives you full control over color temperature and creates the ambiance you’re looking for. 

For more information on LED lighting, click here.

Unlock Amazing Design Possibilities with LED Temperature Control

When first getting into LED lighting, achieving the perfect lighting atmosphere for any given space can be challenging. 

However, with the right tools and knowledge, you’ll have no problem using color temperature to create the ideal space for your needs. 

Below, we’ll explain how to use LED lighting to control color temperature. But first, let’s talk about what color temperature is. 

What is Color Temperature?

Color temperature describes the appearance of light emitted by a light source, such as an LED bulb. It is typically measured in units called Kelvin (K).

In simple terms, color temperature refers to whether the light appears warm or cool. 

Scale - Color Temperature Measured in Kelvin

  • Warm Light – Light sources with lower color temperatures (typically around 2700K to 3000K) emit a warm, yellowish, or reddish light. This kind of light is often associated with a cozy and inviting atmosphere, similar to the warm glow of a candle or an incandescent bulb.
  • Cool Light – Light sources with higher color temperatures (typically 4000K and above) emit a cool, bluish, or white light. This type of light is  bright and energizing, similar to daylight or fluorescent lighting.

When you see a color temperature rating for an LED bulb, it gives you an idea of the quality and tone of light it will provide. Warmer temperatures are suitable for relaxing and creating a comfortable ambiance, while cooler temperatures are better for tasks that require concentration or visibility.

How Do Our Brains Process Color?

Prisms displaying light diffusion

Our brains process color by interpreting the different wavelengths of light that objects reflect or emit. There are five different factors to consider here:

  • Light and color – Light travels in waves, and each color corresponds to a different wavelength. When light shines on an object, that object either absorbs certain wavelengths and reflects others. The colors we see are the ones that the object reflects.
  • The eye’s role – When light with different colors enters our eyes, it goes through the lens and lands on the retina at the back of our eyes. The retina contains cells called photoreceptors, which are of two main types: rods and cones.
  • Rods and cones – Rods help us see in low light conditions and do not perceive color. Cones, on the other hand, are responsible for color vision and function better in well-lit environments. There are three types of cones, each sensitive to a specific range of wavelengths – red, green, and blue.
  • Color mixing – Our brain receives signals from these three types of cones, combining the information to create the perception of color. When all three types of cones are equally stimulated, we perceive white light. When certain cones are more stimulated than others, we perceive different colors.
  • Color perception – The brain processes the signals from the cones and interprets them to create the rich and diverse palette of colors we see. It’s like a painter mixing different colors on a canvas to create various hues.

Our brains process color by using the information from our eyes’ cones, which respond to different wavelengths of light, and then combining these signals to create the colors we perceive.

When Should You Use Both Types of LED Lighting?

When working with LED lighting, you can create different atmospheres by choosing either warm light or cool light.

So, which one should you use?

It depends on the space you’re trying to create and what you’ll do in that space. Let’s look at some examples.

Various types of LED light

Warm Light

In general, warm light is associated with a cozy and inviting atmosphere. The light appears softer, imitating the glow of a candlelight or a classic incandescent lightbulb. 

We recommend warm lighting for relaxing spaces — bedrooms, living rooms, or any other area in your home where you want to destress. 

It also creates an inviting atmosphere in certain public spaces, such as restaurants or cafés. 

When you think of warm light, picture a relaxing and cozy setting. 

Cool Light

Cool lighting is all about maintaining clarity and focus. The lighting is a little more intense, so it’s not as suitable for relaxing. 

At home, cool light is best used in spaces such as home offices or kitchens — both are areas where alertness and focus are important. It can also work well in a bathroom where someone performs a beauty routine. 

Outside the home, you’ll often find cool light used in commercial spaces, retail stores, art studios, and other public spaces where work is being done. The clarity and focus provided by cool light lends itself to these kinds of spaces. 

What is Color Tuning? 

The ability to tailor the lighting ambiance to specific needs can be essential in certain spaces. This entails having the option of using cool lighting on some occasions and warm lighting on others.

Color tuning, also known as tunable lighting or dynamic lighting, offers precise control over the color temperature and brightness of your lighting fixtures. 

Unlike traditional lighting systems with fixed settings, color tuning systems empower you to adjust your lighting’s color, ranging from warm and cozy tones to cool and invigorating hues. This provides an exceptionally adaptable and dynamic lighting solution.

There are three primary types of color tuning:

  • Dim-to-Warm Tuning – This replicates the gradual, soothing transition of incandescent bulbs as they dim.This mimics the natural progression of sunlight throughout the day, enhancing the ambiance and creating a cozy atmosphere in the evening. 
  • White Color Tuning – White color tuning offers a spectrum of white light shades, allowing you to fine-tune your lighting to create the ideal environment for various activities and tasks. The ability to switch between various shades of white light makes white color tuning incredibly versatile and suitable for numerous applications in both residential and commercial settings.
  • Full-Color Tuning – Full-color tuning elevates lighting customization by enabling you to venture beyond white light. You can select from a vast palette of colors, giving you the power to transform your space with vibrant, dynamic lighting. This feature is often utilized in entertainment venues, hospitality settings, and architectural lighting designs to shape the ambiance and overall experience.

By using the right LED lighting and drivers, you can tailor your lighting to suit your space at any given time. This is important for smart homes, too — by using Bluetooth LEDs, homeowners have full control over their lighting, including dimming and color-changing properties. 

Looking for More Information on LED Lighting?

Using LED lighting with the correct LED driver gives you full control over color temperature and creates the ambiance you’re looking for. 

For more information on LED lighting, click here.

How Energy Efficient are LEDs: A Comprehensive Guide 

LED lighting is a revolutionary technology that has transformed the way we light our homes and businesses over the past few decades.

Among the perceived benefits of LED lighting is energy efficiency—however, are LED lights truly more efficient than other forms of lighting?

Below, we’ll dive into how energy efficient LED lighting is and how it manages to conserve energy. But first, let’s define LED lighting.

What is LED Lighting and Why Should You Use It?

LED stands for Light Emitting Diode—they provide highly efficient, long-lasting sources of illumination. LED lighting provides bright white light that can be used in any room setting to create an inviting atmosphere for friends and family. With their low energy consumption and long lifespan, LED lights are becoming increasingly popular as an eco-friendly alternative to other forms of lighting.

Does LED Lighting Save Energy? How?

Yes, LED lighting does save energy compared to traditional lighting. This is because LED bulbs use fewer watts to produce the same amount of light as an equivalent incandescent bulb. This means that LED lighting consumes up to 90% less energy than traditional bulbs and can help significantly reduce power bills. 

Additionally, LED lights give off far less heat than their incandescent counterparts, which can help cool homes and businesses more efficiently. LED lighting can also last up to 25 times longer than traditional bulbs, meaning they will need to be replaced far less often. All of these factors combine to make LED lighting an excellent energy-saving alternative for any home or business. 

LED lighting efficiency can be expressed using the following formula: Efficiency = (Light Output/Power Input) x 100. 

This formula is used to calculate how efficiently a light source uses electricity to generate light, with higher efficiency ratings indicating more efficient use of power. In this case, the number of lumens (which measures light output) divided by the number of watts (which measures the amount of energy consumed.) This gives us a measure of how many lumens are produced per watts of energy. LED lights typically have higher efficiency ratings than traditional incandescent bulbs, meaning they are more effective at producing light using less energy. 

LED lighting is an energy-efficient and cost-effective form of lighting that can significantly reduce power bills compared to traditional forms of lighting. LED lights require fewer watts to produce the same amount of light, produce less heat and last longer than incandescent bulbs. The LED efficiency formula is a helpful tool for understanding the energy efficiency of LED lights compared to other forms of lighting, and LEDs can be a great way to save energy and money in the long run. 

The efficiency of a halogen bulb can be determined by the LED efficiency formula as well. In the case of a halogen bulb, this means that the amount of light produced is divided by the amount of energy consumed and multiplied by 100 to give a measure of the efficiency rating. Halogen bulbs tend to be less efficient than LED lights, with halogen bulbs typically having an efficiency rating of around 20%.

LED lighting is an energy-efficient and cost-effective form of illumination that can help reduce power bills compared to traditional forms of lighting. It requires fewer watts to produce the same amount of light, produces less heat, and lasts longer than incandescent bulbs. The LED efficiency formula provides a helpful tool for understanding the energy efficiency of LED lights in comparison with other types of lighting such as halogen bulbs. 

By leveraging this information, businesses and homeowners alike can save money on their electricity costs while also helping protect our environment through improved energy efficiency.

Looking For More Information?

If you want more information on LED lighting, we’ve got you covered. Check out our section on LED lighting information ranging from myths to use cases here.

Bluetooth Vs Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) Why You Must Know the Difference

Bluetooth is the preeminent wireless technology standard used the world over for exchanging data between electronic devices. Bluetooth operates over a band of frequencies ranging from about 2.4 GHz to just below 2.5 GHz. These frequencies are set aside, via international convention, for industrial, scientific and medical (ISM) uses. This band is regulated, but no license is required for use.

This a very crowded, noisy area of the electronic spectrum, especially when one considers that microwave ovens and 4G smartphones also occupy this area. Appropriately, Bluetooth communicates via a technique called spread-spectrum. What that means is that the protocol searches for a clear channel somewhere within the ISM. When one is found, a packet of information – words, text, music or anything else – is transmitted from one Bluetooth device to another, effecting communication.

The Core Differences Between Bluetooth and Bluetooth Low Energy

As the name suggests, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) is about effecting Bluetooth communications while using up very little energy. Intuitively, we’d expect BLE’s range of transmission and reception to be shorter than regular Bluetooth, but that isn’t what the main difference between these two protocols is about.

It’s the amount of data that need to be transmitted that determines which protocol is best. The more data that needs to be transmitted; the more battery power needs to be expended to do so.

For example, think of the Bluetooth link between your smartphone and your ear buds. Because smartphones and headset are digital devices, they store words, text and music as a gigantic series of 1’s and 0’s. Transmitting this bit stream takes a fair bit of energy, and it’s the reason why your ear buds must be recharged frequently.

Now think of the Internet-of-things (IoT), which is populated by devices, such as sensors, that only must be read occasionally. Most of the time, these sensors can remain in in “sleep-mode” And, when they wake up, the data stream to be transmitted is short and simple: Is someone walking by the space? Should I turn on the lights?   Just a couple of bits, and then back to sleep.

But, here’s the rub – that IoT devices may located in an area that is either hard for a human to reach or perhaps even dangerous. Unlike you ear buds, recharging that sensor is a serious problem. But remember, that IoT sensor is asleep most of the time, and when it wakes, it does so only momentarily.

That’s why BLE is generally the right choice for IoT devices such as hard to reach LED lighting sensors. It’s also the reason why your smartphone to earbud connection gets by with regular Bluetooth.

Main Benefits of Bluetooth Compliance

Bluetooth, as well as Bluetooth Low Energy, are standards recognized worldwide. Maintained by the Bluetooth Special Interest Group, Bluetooth has been adapted by innumerable manufacturers. It is the go-to method used for exchanging data over distances of up to approximately 1,000 feet.

Benefit 1: A Great Way to Connect Wireless Dimming Modules

Bluetooth is a great method for connecting remote devices, such as the SLD-DIM-XG4 from GRE Alpha. A wireless dimming module, this four-channel unit is targeted at applications such as theme parks, and stage lighting. No need to run bulky, troublesome and expensive Ethernet cables, because this device can be effectively controlled from afar thanks to its incorporation of the Bluetooth protocol.

Benefit 2: Convenience

To get the most benefit out of smart lighting, it must be convenient, and that means it has to be controllable from a smartphone or even from a wearable.

That tips the advantage to BLE over Zigbee because most smartphones have the capability to directly access Bluetooth.  Zigbee access is more limited. That means a smart phone would have to communicate to ZigBee modus, which in turn will communicate commands to the lighting module. That means more complexity, more expense and another possible failure point.

The nature of Wi-Fi is to connect to a router. From the router, a pathway needs to be established to the lighting. Again, complexity, expense and another possible point of failure.

The great advantage to Bluetooth Low Energy is that it is ALREADY INSTALLED on all of today’s smartphones. And, GRE Alpha’s SLD-DIM-XG4 was designed with Bluetooth Low Energy in mind. No external intermediary is needed to establish direct, flawless connection and control between the SLD-DIM-XG4

Benefit 3: Meshing

Devices such as the SLD-DIM-XG4 may be employed to affect LED Modules spread over a fairly wide area. Sometimes, the distances involved are too far for BLE. The way around the problem? – meshing! The controller may not be able to reach the furthest BLE Dimming module, but all it must do is reach one of them. Then that wireless dimming module will communicate to those adjacent to it, and those Bluetooth lighting devices will continue the process, in a manner like internet repeaters, until the targeted dimmer is reach and receives the command from the controller.

Meshing offers another great advantage to any wireless system, such as Bluetooth Low Energy, that exploits it. Classic radio network communication is like a lecture hall with a professor and students. The professor transmits knowledge, with each student receives it – hopefully. The student has the opportunity to communicate – but only to the professor. The students cannot communicate with each other.

With meshing, every unit can communicate to every other unit that it is in range of. And most importantly, every unit that receives a message will rebroadcast it. Our students (and our lighting units!) can now communicate with each other. It’s no longer like a bidirectional lecture hall, because with BLE meshing, it’s more like a multidimensional seminar.

BLE establishes what might be called a “self-healing network.” In this manner, if a glitch causes a message to one “student” to be lost or delayed, other students will certainly have received it and retransmitted it. And, those that receive the message retransmit it again, until the intended party receives it.

Benefit 4: Low Energy

Devices running under the Bluetooth protocol require very little energy for communication, and devices such as GRE Alpha’s SLD-DIM-XG4, which run under the BLE protocol, uses less energy still. This high-quality LED driver can stay on standby indefinitely, requiring almost no expenditure of energy, ready to turn on in an instant when the show is ready to start!

Benefit 5: A More Appropriate, Less Expensive Technology

The communications needs of Bluetooth Lighting devices, like the SLD-DIM-XG are relatively modest, and the bit rates, even for complex lighting scenarios, are actually quite light. Not only is BLE less energy intensive than is standard Bluetooth, but the BLE “radios” are less expensive.

Benefit 6: Bluetooth Low Energy can be used to Communicate with Legacy Systems

It can’t be emphasized too strongly that your smartphone is already BLE enabled. As mentioned earlier, there are units available that can “translate” between BLE and systems such as DALI or 0-10V. So rather than carrying a controller on your person that is only useful to communicate to your legacy system, take advantage of this interoperability to avoid this inconvenience and continue to do it all from the convenience of your smartphone.

The Next Step

The Bluetooth and BLE standards are used the world over. They’ve been around for a long while and are constantly being modified to take advantage of any way to squeeze down both costs and power requirements.  Best of all, improvements are all backwards compatible. What that means is that you can be sure that the high-quality LED drivers that you purchase from GRE Alpha today will stay relevant and operational for years to come. Become acquainted with the benefits of Bluetooth and Bluetooth BLE, and be sure to contact GRE Alpha for more information on our easy-to-install BLE-compliant dimming modules.