Makers of washing powder ads always used advertise that the latest version - produced whiter whites, and that you'd be crazy to use any other old rubbish. Sadly, these days I don't watch day time TV (university days long gone), so i don't know if this still goes on.
However - developing LED products can be a very similar experience. No sooner have you finished a design, then, somebody introduces a new and improved version - higher efficacy, better binning - you'd be crazy to even think about using any other old rubbish. The electronics industry rule that old boards never die, they simply fade away is especially true in lighting.
Standardisation of device packages such as we've known for a long time in the wider electronics industry makes life a lot easier - same pcb dimensions, mounting arrangements etc - We ain't there yet - but a I feel we are getting closer.
Osram has just introduced the OLSON.
Osram are following in the foot steps of the Lumileds Rebel, Cree XP and who could forget the Edixeon Fedral - in that the LED package is just basic chip encapsulation - measuring 3x3mm.
If the manufacturers could just agree on exact dimensions and put the connections in the same place - then this would be excellent news for lighting manufacturers wanting to quickly adopt the "latest" developments.
No more PCB's to retool, new optics to invent.
If this happens - just think of all the free time we will have - perhaps to start watching day time TV again.
understand the theme here but theres a problem with authors authenticity!!...you never used to watch daytime telly...emmerdale in the evening...that was about it..
Thanks neil - sorry i remember telly used to disturb your sleep during the day (GR)