Seoul Semiconductor to introduce groundbreaking 100 lm/W LED source in Q1 2010

PORTLAND, USA: Seoul Semiconductor, a leading global LED manufacturer, will introduce the first 100 lm/W AC LED light source during the first quarter of 2010.

Offering 25 percent greater efficiency than existing LED light products, this latest offering from Seoul Semiconductor’s Acriche brand will be available for sampling by March 1. It will be supported with a global marketing campaign.

Seoul Semiconductor, which has pioneered development and manufacturing of next-generation LED light sources since 1992, notes that Acriche outlasts incandescent and compact fluorescent (CFL) bulbs, and due to its long life is less costly to use than traditional lighting methods.

Like other Acriche products, the new 100 lm/W LED needs no AC-DC converter. Additionally, it generates less than 1/10th the carbon emissions of an incandescent bulb, an important consideration in meeting new regulatory standards in markets worldwide.

Seoul Semiconductor is in the process of carrying out investment activities, active research and development activities, and marketing promotions to boost the supply of Acriche in the United States, and has thus far invested nearly $20 million with plans to expand the investment in the future. In particular, it is making a huge effort with Acriche’s patented technology for use in multiple lighting applications through continual research and development for dynamic evolution of the product.

"We're proud to introduce this next-generation Acriche with its environmentally friendly profile, and cost-efficient application," said S.M. Lee, Vice President of Seoul Semiconductor in Korea. "This new product represents great strides by Seoul Semiconductor's Technical Research Institute. Acriche now has up to ten times the efficiency of incandescent bulbs and greater system level performance as compared to generic DC LEDs."

The global market for LEDs exceeds $5 billion annually, and is expected to grow at a pace of more than 24 percent annually. Acriche is expected to appeal to the US market, where the race to instill "green" living practices has intensified, resulting in increased numbers of lighting systems being replaced or upgraded with LED solutions.

Anticipating a continued robust US demand for Acriche, Seoul Semiconductor is dedicating foundry resources to ensure supplies of the product are readily available. Mass production of the new Acriche will begin in the first quarter of this year. In addition, research and marketing campaigns are underway to raise consumer awareness about the benefits of LED technology.

What is Acriche?
Seoul Semiconductor’s main product, Acriche, is an AC-driven semiconductor light source. Because the LED does not require a converter; it is more energy- and cost-efficient than DC LEDs.

In addition, Acriche is officially recognized for its safety, having acquired CE and TÜV certifications as well as UL certification in the United States due to the reliability of its electronic parts. Acriche is easy to install. In addition, with a life span of more than 35,000 hours, Acriche LEDs meet Energy Star requirements for indoor and outdoor solid state lighting.