Heliospectra Launches New Dynamic Multi-Channel LED Solution for Precision Crop Growth and Efficacy

Heliospectra AB announces the launch of its Dynamic MITRA X multi-channel LED solutions. Featuring advanced 3-channel and 4-channel configurations, the new lighting systems bring unmatched precision and customization in combination with the new Spectrum Design Tool and Dynamic Zoning, allowing growers to optimize crop growth, quality, and operational efficiency.

For over a decade, Heliospectra has been at the forefront of dynamic lighting innovation, cementing its position as the market leader in the AgTech segment. With the launch of the company’s new MITRA X C3 and C4 multi-channel systems, we are now introducing our proven dynamic lighting technology to greenhouses, empowering growers with greater flexibility while maintaining the efficacy that defines our solutions.

The new multi-channel solutions integrate seamlessly with Heliospectra’s HelioCORE™ software, which enhances light management capabilities for both professional growers and researchers. At the core of this advancement is a focus on ease of use, ensuring that smart lighting strategies are intuitive and accessible for growers at every level. The new multi-channel solutions will complement the company’s fixed and Flex spectrum solutions as commercial growers increase the need for adaptability and flexibility in their grow operations.

Dynamic lighting offers precision spectrum control for every stage of plant development. Heliospectra’s new MITRA X C3 and C4 systems are designed to meet the diverse needs of modern horticulture, combining reliable, high-quality components with innovative, proven smart control.

MITRA X C3 (3 Channels): Offers a base PAR spectrum, with two additional channels for horti-white and far-red. This setup balances efficiency with customization, which is ideal for tailoring light spectrums to specific plant phases or varieties. Growers also benefit from operational features such as work-mode lighting, which provides a whiter, more pleasant light for workers while enhancing visibility during harvesting or maintenance; it could also be used to improve pollination when using bumblebees, for example in vegetable or soft fruit production.

MITRA X C4 (4 Channels): Provides four independently controllable channels—red, blue, white, and far-red—enabling complete spectrum customization. This configuration enables growers to set different light recipes during the day. This allows them to mimic natural light transitions like sunrise and sunset, helping plants to regulate the circadian rhythm. Additionally, the spectrum can be fine-tuned for specific growth stages, such as increasing blue light for compact vegetative growth or adjusting red light for flowering and fruiting or for growing different varieties and different types of crops. This is especially important for propagation, where customers need to be able to adapt quickly to new crops and changing customer demands.

Both systems feature a boost function that redistributes power across active channels to boost and maintain light intensity, ensuring optimal conditions regardless of spectrum adjustments.

Chinese Company Cancels $400M BMW Mini LED Backlight Project

Shenzhen Longli Technology Co., Ltd issued an announcement regarding a significant contract update. The company stated that it recently held further discussions with Germany’s Bosch regarding a previously signed agreement to supply automotive Mini LED backlight display modules for a BMW project from 2025 to 2033. As a result of these discussions, the decision was made to terminate the “Long-Term Contract.”

Longli explained that the contract was an international long-term agreement spanning from 2025 to 2033. Following the signing of the contract, the company actively worked towards advancing the partnership.

However, during the initial product development phase, disputes and disagreements arose between the two parties concerning product requirements outlined in the contract. Recently, Longli engaged in further communication with Bosch regarding these matters, but the disputes and disagreements could not be effectively resolved, leading to the decision to terminate the “Long-Term Contract.”

It is understood that Longli officially signed the long-term contract with the German Bosch Group in October 2022. According to the agreement, Longli was to supply automotive Mini LED backlight display modules for a BMW project from 2025 to 2033. The total value of the contract was 421 million USD, approximately 3.027 billion RMB.

Since the contract was scheduled to commence in 2025 and no revenue had been recognized, the termination will not have an adverse impact on Longli’s operating performance and financial position for the current year.

Regarding the termination of this contract, Longli stated that in recent years, the company has been actively expanding its automotive business. Currently, the company has gained recognition from numerous automotive Tier 1 suppliers and end customers due to its advanced technology, high-quality production capabilities, and rapid response to customer needs.

Longli has established strong cooperative relationships with well-known Tier 1 clients such as Continental, Faurecia, Visteon, Desay SV, and AUO, as well as end automotive customers such as BYD, NIO, Li Auto, Xpeng, SAIC, Geely, Zeekr, and Hyundai. The company’s automotive business is steadily developing.

Therefore, the termination of this contract will not have a significant adverse impact on the company’s future operating performance and financial position. In the future, the company will continue to focus on the development of its core business, improve its industrial layout according to its development plan, and promote the company’s healthy and sustainable development.

SemiLEDs Reports First Quarter Fiscal Year 2025 Financial Results

SemiLEDs Corporation announced its financial results for the first quarter of fiscal year 2025, ended November 30, 2024.

Revenue for the first quarter of fiscal 2025 was $1.3 million, compared to $1.3 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024. GAAP net loss attributable to SemiLEDs stockholders for the first quarter of fiscal 2025 decreased to $547 thousand, or $(0.08) per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $560 thousand, or $(0.08) per diluted share, in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024.

GAAP gross margin for the first quarter of fiscal 2025 increased to 21%, compared to 12% for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024. Operating margin for the first quarter of fiscal 2025 was negative 52%, compared with negative 62% for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024. The Company’s cash and cash equivalents were $1.2 million at November 30, 2024, compared to $1.7 million at the end of the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024.

SemiLEDs develops and manufactures LED chips and LED components for general lighting applications, including street lights and commercial, industrial, system and residential lighting, along with specialty industrial applications such as ultraviolet (UV) curing, medical/cosmetic, counterfeit detection, horticulture, architectural lighting and entertainment lighting. SemiLEDs sells blue, white, green and UV LED chips.

Nanoleaf Debuts First-Ever LED Face Mask

CES 2025, a leading consumer electronics event, kicked off on January 7 in Las Vegas, USA. Among the many exhibitors, Nanoleaf surprised attendees by unveiling its first-ever LED-powered face mask, signaling the company’s expansion from LED lighting into skincare.

This innovative skincare device is FDA Class II certified, which underscores its safety and efficacy in addressing various skin issues, including fine lines, acne, uneven skin tone, and promoting collagen production.

The mask employs advanced red and near infrared (NIR) therapy. Notably, it offers seven distinct therapy modes, significantly more than the typical offerings of two to four modes found in competing LED masks. This variety lets users tailor their skincare to specific concerns.

Crafted from premium medical-grade materials, the mask is designed to fit comfortably on the face, ensuring both effectiveness and user comfort. It boasts an exceptional irradiance level, contributing to shorter treatment times (5 to 10 minutes ) without compromising results.

Indeed, Nanoleaf isn’t the first to enter the skincare market—Shark, known for its home appliances, launched the CyroGlow LED mask in late 2024. However, such a significant leap from LED lighting to skincare remains rare.

Priced at $149.99, the Nanoleaf LED Light Therapy Face Mask is positioned as an affordable alternative in a market where prices can exceed $500. Pre-orders are currently and exclusively available on the Nanoleaf website.

Cree LED and Daktronics Enter Licensing Agreement for LED Display Technology

Cree LED, a Penguin Solutions brand, and Daktronics, announced a multi-year, global patent license agreement effective December 2024. With limited exceptions, this agreement provides a license to Daktronics for Cree LED’s patented technology for the duration of the agreement.

With over 35 years of expertise in LED die and packaging technology, along with a robust portfolio of intellectual property covering their use in LED displays, Cree LED has consistently invested in innovation, securing numerous patents to protect its advancements. As a trusted industry leader, Cree LED remains committed to delivering best-in-class, durable solutions that exceed the rigorous demands of next-generation LED-based displays.

Daktronics, as a leader in the large-scale LED display market, is committed to ensuring that their customers have access to state-of-the art LED display systems. This agreement enables Daktronics to confidently provide industry leading LED display systems to the market, knowing that its products will not be subject to claims based on the licensed Cree LED patents.

Specific licensing terms remain confidential. This license agreement ensures there are no patent disputes between the parties based on the licensed Cree LED patents for the term of the agreement.

LG Display Sets New Global Standard with ‘Color Perception Difference Measurement Method’

LG Display announced that its “color perception difference measurement method” has been adopted as the international standard technical Specification by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). The company was the first in the industry to develop the measurement method.

The IEC is one of three major international standards organizations recognized by the World Trade Organization, and major global manufacturers measure product performance according to its standards.

In this context, differences in color perception refer to a phenomenon in which different viewers perceive the same color differently when it is shown on a display, resulting in color distortion. It is mainly caused by viewers’ visual characteristics, but the difference can be greater depending on the type of display. For example, the same white color can be perceived by different viewers to have either a blue or yellow tone.

The smaller the difference, the more accurately the average viewer can see colors as they were intended to be viewed by the content creator. This makes them more reliable for tasks in industries that prioritize high color accuracy, such as image reading in the medical industry or the video production industry’s need for multiple people to collaborate on the same scene.

Until now, the general opinion has been that the better a display’s color reproduction, the higher its color accuracy. But this does not reflect differences in viewers’ color perception. The significance of the new standard is that it provides consumers with a way to select displays that express consistent and accurate colors.

LG Display's measurement method quantifies and calculates the difference between the machine-measured color of seven standard colors and that seen by the human eye under conditions similar to natural light.

According to the new standard, LG Display’s large-sized OLED panels have high color accuracy, with a color perception difference of only about 10%, the lowest in the industry.

While some high-definition displays potentially cause differences in color perception by overemphasizing red, green, and blue (RGB) pixels, depending on the eye sensitivity of viewers, LG Display’s OLED panels alleviate this phenomenon by using with white organic light emitting elements to create a light spectrum that is close to natural light.

Meanwhile, Research Fellow Jang-jin Yoo from LG Display received the IEC 1906 Award on Oct.15 for his leadership in establishing the new color perception difference measurement method. The IEC grants the award annually to experts based on their outstanding achievements.

36-Channel Automotive-Compliant Linear LED Driver from Diodes Incorporated for Display and Lighting Applications with Fault Reporting and Diagnostics

Diodes Incorporated (Diodes) introduces a new 36-channel automotive-compliant linear LED current driver. The AL5887Q, with its ability to drive RGB configurations as well as individual LEDs, addresses the need for OEMs to differentiate their brands by enabling designers to create different animated lighting patterns and color depths for interior and exterior lamps. This dual-role control capability simplifies the design of these once-complex LED-based modules and, coupled with its high efficiency, saves valuable power. Applications include interior ambient lighting, rear lighting, exterior EV charging status indicators, infotainment systems, and more.

The AL5887Q supports up to 12 RGB LED modules with three programmable banks (A, B, C) for software control of each color. An external resistor sets the output current of all 36 channels. Using the hardware-selectable digital interface (INT_SEL pin), lighting designers have the option to select either I²C or SPI for full system programming flexibility. Each channel current is configurable up to 70mA, enabling full optimization of the visual clarity of the LEDs, which avoids the need for paralleling. Designers also benefit from the device’s automatic power-saving mode of 15µA and ultra-low quiescent shutdown of 1µA when all LEDs are off for more than 30ms, helping minimize unnecessary energy draw from the car’s battery.

The device has multiple protection features, including an open drain FAULT pin for fault reporting and overtemperature protection (OTP) with pre-OTP warning. The individually addressable fault mask registers and open/short registers allow designers to enable and disable fault reporting for each of the 36 channels within the lighting system. Any unused RGB channels can be disabled by the LED configurable registers.

The AL5887Q features a built-in 16MHz oscillator for PWM dimming, eliminating the need for an external clock, which reduces the PCB footprint of the lighting modules, eases design and layout, and lowers bill-of-material (BOM) costs. To optimize color mixing and minimize audible noise, it uses a 12-bit PWM addressable register along with a 30kHz internal PWM generator. The device supports deep PWM dimming by modulating the duty cycle of the constant current from 100% to 3%. Once the duty cycle is below 3%, the internal circuitry transitions the PWM signal to analog dimming to maintain the overall linearity. The AL5887Q has 3% device-to-device and channel-to-channel current accuracy, which enables designers to create precise color mixing and uniform color distribution across their lighting modules and displays.

The AL5887Q is specified for an operating temperature range of -40°C to +125°C and is available in the small-footprint wettable W-QFN6060-52/SWP (Type A1) package, occupying only 6mm x 6mm.

The AL5887Q is available at $1.13 in 1,000-piece quantities. A standard compliance version, AL5887, is available and is suitable for industrial and commercial applications.

Valeo and ams OSRAM unveil cooperation fortransforming vehicle interiors into dynamic environments

 

Valeo and ams OSRAM announced a cooperation with the innovative Open System Protocol (OSP) technology, designed to transform the lighting inside the passenger compartment. Together with the groundbreaking OSIRE E3731i intelligent LED from ams OSRAM and the dynamic ambient lighting systems from Valeo, the companies are setting new standards for vehicle interior design and functionality.

When considering the interior lighting and its growing importance, one should keep in mind the leading trend on cabin conception: end-users want vehicles that are easy-to-use, personalized and provide clear information adapted to their lifestyle. Dynamic ambient lighting offers therefore many opportunities.

The use of smart LEDs enables a highly controlled system able to create an animation throughout the cabin or in a very specific area. Speed, luminance, color can be managed for each LED in order to get a warning or a visual feedback. Addressed use cases are numerous: incoming call, personal assistant visualization but also inputs on navigation or ADAS systems.

OSP, short for Open System Protocol, is an advanced communication framework that allows microcontrollers to manage a series of intelligent RGB LEDs (OSP-RGBi). These devices are not just ordinary LEDs; each OSP-RGBi includes a smart IC integrating drivers, a temperature sensor, a memory unit, and a serial bus interface with OSP compatibility. This integration enables dynamic, animated lighting applications, enhancing both the aesthetics and safety of vehicle interiors.

Valeo develops complete ambient lighting systems comprising optics, electronics and software. The system enables RGB ambient lighting with high optical homogeneity and color accuracy, while ensuring smooth light animation throughout the cabin. Valeo’s know-how in electronics and software is key to achieve high quality performance.

ams OSRAM invites automotive manufacturers and equipment suppliers to explore the potential of OSP in creating more engaging, functional, and distinctive automotive environments.

Industrial Lighting Market to grow by USD 3.25 Billion from 2024-2028

The global industrial lighting market  size is estimated to grow by USD 3.25 billion from 2024-2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of  6.43%  during the forecast period. Rise in adoption of energy-efficient lighting technologies is driving market growth, with a trend towards ongoing advancements in lighting technologies in industrial sector. However, high initial cost for industrial lighting solutions  poses a challenge.

The Industrial Lighting Market is experiencing significant trends with the increasing adoption of energy-efficient LED light sources. Companies like Dialight Group and Signify are leading this shift, offering LED modules and connected lighting solutions. Traditional lighting sources like Linear Fluorescent Lamps (LFL), Metal Halide Lamps (MHL), Incandescent Bulbs, and High-intensity Discharge (HIDs) are being replaced due to their high energy consumption and shorter lifespan. Public organizations are modernizing infrastructure with energy-efficient lighting innovations, such as LED technology.

The penetration of LEDs in the market is on the rise, with SSL (Solid-state Lighting) becoming the preferred choice for its low energy consumption. The DOE's Energy Star program is promoting the use of energy-efficient lighting solutions, while e-commerce marketplaces simplify logistics for buyers. Natural Gas (LNG) and electricity prices influence the market, making energy efficiency a priority. LEDinside reports in LED adoption, with data triangulation revealing a decline in sales of fluorescent light bulbs and halogen light bulbs. Installation types like spot lighting are also gaining popularity. The infrastructure development and urbanization drive the market's growth, making it an exciting space for innovation.

The industrial lighting market is undergoing significant transformation due to advancements in lighting technologies. Innovative solutions like smart lighting systems and connected lighting controls are leading this change. These systems offer enhanced capabilities through integrated sensors, wireless connectivity, and data-driven algorithms. They optimize energy efficiency and operational performance by dynamically adjusting lighting levels based on real-time occupancy data. For instance, a smart lighting system in a warehouse can save energy by adjusting illumination levels according to occupancy patterns. These advancements are revolutionizing industrial lighting, catering to modern industry's dynamic needs.

EarthTronics Introduces LED T5 Color Selectable Fixture For Architectural Linear Applications

EarthTronics, dedicated to developing innovative energy-saving lighting products that provide a positive economic and environmental impact, introduces its new 45.8-inch, 12.5-watt EarthBulb Type B Direct Wire Linear LED T5 with five color selectable options to provide the appropriate light for a specific architectural application. Its flexible design eliminates the need for an electronic ballast or driver for operation on 120-277V to deliver 1800 lumens with maximum energy savings.

Offering five color choices of 3000K, 3500K, 4000K, 5000K or 6500K that can be adjusted in the field by simply sliding the switch to a desired color during installation, the direct wire LED T5 linear lamp is ideal for architectural, commercial decorative, hospitals, hotels, retail stores and school retrofit applications. The linear LED provides high-color rendering of 82 for improved visual acuity. It is perfect for replacing 28-watt T5 fluorescent tubes.

The EarthBulb Type B Direct Wire Linear LED T5 has a translucent glass construction with an internal coating to ensure even illumination and is engineered for high lumen maintenance over its 50,000-hour-rated performance life.

The Direct Wire LED T5 Linear is designed for fast and easy installation. No lamp holder modifications are necessary for double-end installation. Simply run the black (load) wire to one end and white (neutral) wire to the other. The lamp is also compatible with single-end direct wire applications.

Suitable for damp and dry locations, the T5 is listed by UL1993, UL8750, NSF, FCC, and RoHS. It will perform in extreme temperatures ranging from -4°F (-20°C) to 113°F (45°C) and comes with a five-year limited warranty.

Rain Technology to Demo New Display Technology Innovations at CES 2025 for Visual Privacy and Optical Performance

Scientists at Rain Technology have made significant strides in improving visual privacy and optical performance of display systems, with over 700 patents filed in the display field. These innovations have significant implications for consumer, enterprise, retail, automotive, financial services, medical, and consumer electronics segments. At CES 2025, Rain Technology will be demoing these solutions:

    Switchable Privacy, an embedded directional display that protects customers and organizations against visual hacking, fraud and identity theft. A switchable privacy medical kiosk solution will be demoed for the first time. Improved wide angle capabilities will also be shown, especially relevant for laptop, monitor, POS and ATM applications. See a video of Laptop Switchable Privacy in action here.
    No-Driver-Distraction, an embedded display solution for automotive that uses Switchable Privacy to prevent driver distraction from the passenger’s use of in-cabin displays for entertainment. This solution meets evolving legislative safety standards. The CES demo also features privacy zones, allowing flexibility for the areas of the display which will be kept private.
    Display Screen Branding, an embedded switchable display layer which allows branding or messaging to be directed to off-axis viewers of the screen.

Samsung Display Announces Strategic Partnership with Dolby Laboratories

Samsung Display announced a strategic partnership with Dolby Laboratories. The partners will offer Samsung Display’s OLED displays pre-tuned to deliver Dolby Vision to automotive manufacturers, providing best-in-class imaging experiences through a new streamlined evaluation and implementation process.

Samsung Display’s OLED (organic light-emitting diode) technology is known for exceptional picture quality, including its industry-leading high contrast ratio and wide color gamut.

Dolby Vision is an HDR (high dynamic range) imaging technology that brings entertainment to life with more colors, true blacks, brighter brights and incredible detail. Together, vehicles featuring a Samsung Display’s OLED technology and Dolby Vision will enable a superior and richer in-car experience that’s comparable to enjoying your favorite entertainment from the comfort of your home.

At CES 2025 in January, Samsung Display plans to set up an exhibition space where attendees can experience this new vehicle experience first-hand.

VueReal Showcases Industry-First MicroLED Design Reference Kits at CES 2025

VueReal is set to transform the microLED industry at CES 2025 in Las Vegas, January 7–10. The company will debut its groundbreaking Design Reference Kits, providing the industry with its first comprehensive tools to accelerate the adoption of microLED technology.

The Design Reference Kits are designed to streamline product development across diverse sectors—including automotive, augmented reality (AR), consumer electronics, and lighting—enabling companies to bring microLED-powered products to market faster and more cost-effectively.

VueReal’s Design Reference Kits represent a critical step in simplifying and democratizing microLED integration. They enable companies to design and build innovative products with greater efficiency, reduced costs, and faster time to market.

With microLED technology offering unprecedented performance in brightness, energy efficiency, resolution, and transparency, VueReal’s Design Reference Kits empower businesses to explore applications previously deemed impractical or cost-prohibitive. From ultra-bright displays for AR and automotive applications to precision lighting for architectural and medical uses, the kits provide a robust foundation for creating cutting-edge products that redefine consumer and commercial experiences.

Himax Solidifies Leadership in Automotive OLED and LCD Technologies at CES 2025

Himax Technologies will showcase the industry’s most comprehensive automotive display solutions, featuring image processing and touch IC functionalities for LCD and OLED technologies at CES 2025.

During the event, Himax will highlight key advancements, including the debut of its latest, third-generation automotive TDDI solution, the HX83195 series, enabling innovative applications, and showcase the HX8530 series OLED on-cell touch IC, underscoring its comprehensive presence in the automotive display sector.

With over a decade of expertise in automotive display technologies and a proven record of innovation and mass shipments, Himax has established itself as a leader in the industry. Its dominant market share in the LCD panel sector further strengthens its position as a trusted partner. In addition to LCD display sector, Himax has pioneered the automotive OLED panel market with years of expertise and has also formed strategic alliances with leading OLED panel manufacturers in Korea, China, and Japan to advance product development and expand its automotive portfolio.

The automotive display market is undergoing a megatrend, characterized by increasing quantities, sizes, and sophistication of displays in both electric and conventional vehicles. This growth is fueled by the rising demand for smart cabins and the diverse requirements for display functionality, resolution, and size. Himax has introduced innovative technologies, including industry-leading DDIC, TDDI, local dimming Tcon of LCD displays, as well as DDIC, Tcon, and on-cell touch for OLED, supporting high-resolution, large-size panels and panoramic pillar-to-pillar displays. These solutions cater to the varied needs of smart cabins, delivering exceptional visual experiences and enhancing in-car interaction.

The HX8530 series automotive OLED on-cell touch IC features a proprietary design supporting rigid, flexible, and hybrid OLED panels. With adaptable touch channels and IC cascading capability, it meets the demands of free-form, curved, and even custom-sized panels, providing innovative solutions for diverse cabin design needs of Tier 1 suppliers and OEMs, offering innovative and unique advancements. The HX8530 delivers an industry-leading SNR (>45dB), suppressing display noise and preventing touch-display interference. It ensures stable performance when operating with gloves thicker than 2mm or wet fingers. HX8530 also offers a 240Hz touch reporting rate with real-time 10-finger response for smoother touch operation and versatile gesture control. Validated by leading OLED panel makers and meeting EMC standards, the HX8530 has been adopted in multiple new vehicle projects and is set for mass production in 2024.

Himax will showcase its latest LCD TDDI HX83195 series, supporting the LVDS interface and introducing an industry-first four-chip cascade, surpassing the three-chip limit of its predecessor. The HX83195, adopted for 16-inch 3.2K x 2K high-resolution touch panels in a customer’s new vehicle, has commenced mass production starting Q4 2024. The HX83195 TDDI supports groundbreaking touch sensor multiplexing technologies, reducing the number of chips required and lowering manufacturing costs for mainstream panels, such as 15-inch FHD resolution. Himax's proprietary IC design architecture significantly reduces touch response time, supports dynamic display refresh rate adjustment, improves panel display performance, and reduces power consumption. Additionally, the HX83195 prioritizes safety, meets global automotive standards, and features capacitive buttons and touch screen knobs for flexible, user-friendly interfaces. It has been adopted by leading automakers in new vehicle designs, with some models entering mass production in 2024.