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Freescale to design new LED backlight system
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Freescale Semiconductor said today it is expanding in the light-emitting diode (LED) market, designing semiconductors for LED backlights used in notebook computers and other products equipped with flat-panel monitors.
Technology for the new backlight system was developed at Freescale's Tempe facility and in California, and components will be manufactured at the company's Chandler plant, said company spokesman Brian Thorsen.
LED backlights are common in smaller displays for cell phones, personal digital assistants and GPS devices, but they are starting to be implemented in larger displays used in laptop computers and televisions, the company said.
The total world market for LED integrated circuits is expected to exceed $1.9 billion by 2011, according to Strategies Unlimited, a market research firm.
"The market for LED backlights offers untapped potential as growth opportunities expand from laptops and monitors to LCD TVs and automotive, consumer and industrial lighting applications," said Arman Naghavi, vice president and general manager of Freescale's Analog, Mixed-Signal and Power Division.
He said LED technology offers advantages over conventional lamp systems widely used in today's displays. Those advantages include reduced power consumption, longer life span, clearer definition and the ability to design thinner displays.
LED systems also are free of mercury, a toxic substance commonly used in existing systems, the company said.
The LED-driver integrated circuits Freescale is producing in sample quantities can be used in screens ranging in size from 10 inches to 27 inches diagonally, the company said.
Freescale hopes to expand into other growing markets such as large-screen digital TVs and commercial lighting, which could eventually result in additional hiring in the East Valley, officials said.
"We expect this new product line and technology to result in expansion and growth of the business, including (research and development) resources." said Aristide Tintikakis, Freescale's director of operations, audio and power management solutions.
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