Huntley, Illinois November 4, 2013— — Lynk Labs Inc., a pioneer in AC LED technology, has formed a strategic partnership with Thomas Research Products, a leading supplier of LED drivers and light engines to the OEM market. The resulting co-branded AC LED products offer OEM customers more options for developing solid state lighting.
The key advantage of LEDs that operate on AC is their inherent simplicity, reducing the need for complex drivers. This makes them more robust and increases reliability. Operating on AC makes them polarity independent, reduces space requirements, and reduces the thermal challenges. Plus, AC LEDs are natively dimmable, making them perfect for use with standard phase cut dimmers.
“Lynk Labs has invested substantial capital and time to create the AC LED industry” said Chick Huber, Lynk Labs VP of Business Development. “Not only is AC LED now an established market segment, but one seeing rapid and substantial growth. We’re excited that this new partnership brings TRP’s manufacturing strength and broad distribution reach to our AC LED offering.”
TRP’s first introduction is a line of 12V AC products which includes a variety of linear, square and COB LED light engine designs. They operate on simple electronic or magnetic transformers. Standard models range from 0.5W to 12W, and offer color temperature options ranging from 2200K through daylight 5700K. Depending on configuration, output reaches 80 lumens per watt at 80+ CRI.
AC LEDs from Lynk Labs can reach over 100 lm/w, delivering efficacies that compete with DC LED solutions in many cases. They are now being designed into high volume lighting applications. “AC LED offers a very competitive solution for high reliability at price points that many lighting applications need to realize mass market adoption” said Greg Andrews, VP Sales & Marketing at Thomas Research Products.
TRP 12V AC light engines are ideal for a number of low-voltage applications, such as cove lights, downlights, under-cabinet lighting, garden lighting, even replacement lamp designs. These products are especially attractive for OEMs creating LED products for the residential market. Low-voltage models work on existing transformers within track or rail systems in the field. Shortly, TRP will introduce light engines that run directly on 120V mains.
AC LED creates the opportunity for big change in the market. These new AC light engine products complement TRP’s comprehensive DC-based LED Driver line. Availability begins during 1Q 2014.