Red LED-1206

Red LED 1206 Package (Surface Mount Device) is an industry-standard light-emitting diode that provides bright, energy-efficient visual indication across numerous electronic designs. This compact 1206 surface-mount component is exceptionally popular due to its small footprint and reliable performance, making it ideal for integration into dense PCBs. Consequently, manufacturers frequently select this package for high-volume production where automated pick-and-place assembly is crucial. Furthermore, its low power consumption ensures maximum battery life and minimal heat generation in portable and low-power devices. Therefore, you should choose this Red 1206 LED when your design demands a cost-effective, high-reliability indicator light.

Key Features:

• Standard 1206 Footprint: Provides a perfect balance between visibility and size, fitting easily onto most contemporary PCB designs.
• High Brightness: Offers an excellent light output for clear status indication, even in moderately lit environments.
• Low Power Consumption: Operates efficiently at low forward currents, extending battery life in portable electronics.
• Wide Viewing Angle: The dome-less surface-mount design typically yields a broad viewing angle, ensuring visibility from various perspectives.
• Compatibility: Designed for standard vapor phase, infrared (IR) reflow, and wave soldering processes.

Technical Specifications:

• Color & Wavelength: Red, ≈ 620 nm to 630 nm (Typical)
• Forward Voltage (V_F): Typically 1.8 V to 2.2 V at I_F = 20 mA
• Maximum Continuous Forward Current (I_F): 20 mA to 30 mA
• Luminous Intensity (I_V): 50 mcd to 200 mcd (Varies by specific model, typically sufficient for indicators)
• Maximum Reverse Voltage (V_R): 5 V (Standard breakdown voltage)
• Operating Temperature Range: −40°C to +85°C

Mechanical Specifications:

• Package Type: Surface Mount Device (SMD)
• Case Size: 1206 (Imperial Code)
• Lens/Emitting Surface: Diffused or Water Clear (Depending on batch)
• Polarity Marking: Typically indicated by a green cathode bar or notch on the bottom of the package.

Dimensions:

• Body Length (L): 3.2 mm (±0.1 mm)
• Body Width (W): 1.6 mm (±0.1 mm)
• Body Height (H): 0.8 mm to 1.1 mm (Typical, varies by manufacturer)
• Footprint: Designed to match 1206 solder pads on a PCB.
• Weight: < 0.01 g (Extremely light for miniaturized designs)

Pinout and Wiring:

• Anode (+): Connect the positive side to the current-limiting resistor, which connects to the power source (V_CC).
• Cathode (−): Connect the negative side to circuit ground (GND) or a sinking GPIO pin on a microcontroller.
• Wiring Note: Always use an external current-limiting resistor in series with the LED to prevent thermal runaway and permanent damage. The resistor value depends on the supply voltage (V_S) and is calculated by R = (V_S − V_F) / I_F.

Datasheet Reference:

• Download 1206 Red LED Datasheet (KP-1608 Series)

Commonly Used in:

• Status Indicators: Providing power, fault, or mode status on motherboards, network cards, and industrial control panels.
• Backlighting: Used for backlighting small displays, buttons, or membrane switches where space is limited.
• Consumer Electronics: Found in remote controls, audio equipment, portable chargers, and other battery-powered devices.

Applications:

• Data Communications: Signaling activity or link status in routers, modems, and peripheral interfaces.
• Instrumentation: Offering visual alerts and indicators on test and measurement equipment.
• Automotive Electronics: Employed in internal cabin lighting, dashboard indicators, and warning lights.
• DIY & Hobbyist Projects: Serving as the preferred surface-mount indicator for Arduino, Raspberry Pi, and custom PCB designs.

Equivalent Models:

• Osram LCY-C196: A functionally similar 1206 red LED offering comparable intensity and forward voltage specifications.
• Vishay TLHR5400: Another common 1206 package red LED used as a direct or close replacement.
• Kingbright KPT-3216SECK: However, this is a similar size (3216 metric, close to 1206 imperial) red LED from a reputable vendor, ensuring high-quality performance.

Package Includes:

• 1 x Red LED 1206 Surface Mount Device (Quantity will vary by order unit)