Choosing a Low Current LED Supplier: What 2mA Parts Require
Quick answer: genuine low-current LEDs are specified and binned at 2-5 mA test current with high-efficiency chips. A supplier who only quotes 20 mA data and promises "it will still glow at 2 mA" is guessing — ask for low-current test data.
Why Low Current Is Different
Standard LEDs are characterized at 20 mA. At 2 mA, die efficiency dominates: a mediocre die goes visibly dim while a high-efficiency die stays readable. Battery products and always-on indicators live or die on this.
What to Ask a Supplier
- mcd at 2 mA (or your actual drive current) — not extrapolated from 20 mA.
- Binning policy at low current: is the bin measured at your operating point?
- Vf range at low current for your resistor/driver budget.
- Available packages: through-hole 3mm/5mm and SMD 0603/0805 low-current variants.
Design Notes
- Diffused lenses read better at low drive than water-clear spot beams.
- Red and yellow-green dies remain the most efficient at microamp-adjacent currents; white and blue need the best chips.
Hongcheng Optoelectronics, a member of Guangyu Group, is a 20+ years LED packaging manufacturer with 40 automated ASM lines and 200KK pcs monthly capacity. Free samples and PDF datasheets are available in our datasheet center; browse the product center or contact us for a bulk quote.
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