Using sub-50µs pulses, LED droop may be characterized. 

LED products are typically characterized using methods that increase device heating. These outdated methods, using DC current, long pulses or staircase sweeps result in temperature droop.

Plot data normalized for 100% output at 1A, the nominal max current for this device


Temperature droop masks the true characteristics of the LED, making it difficult to determine true operating parameters and for designers to match laboratory data with design simulations.  

These outdated methods were accepted because affordable precision instruments providing sub 50µs pulses were not available. Some designers settled for “if everyone sees bad data then there is no problem.” 

The real question is why anyone would continue to settle for bad data when they could have more.

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