Light pipes might seem straightforward, but they fulfill a critical role in electronic equipment design; their use can simplify PCB layout, ease the job of the human factors engineer, and allow for a more compact design. This article will discuss the function of light pipes, the technology behind them, the underlying physics, and the choices and options available to the equipment designer. VCC's comprehensive design guide for successful integration of light pipes into your product for clear, effective indication.
A light pipe, also frequently called a light guide or light tube, is an engineered optical component that transports light energy from a source to a specified destination. This device is structured to manage light flow, allowing illumination or signaling to occur in an area separate from the light generator. Light pipes can enhance display quality and add greater flexibility to light distribution.
The integration of a LED Pipe is a cost-effective option to help eliminate many of the varied, complicated steps otherwise required to transport light from one place to another. What is a Light Pipe? Light pipes, or light tubes, are tube-like optical structures made of plastic. These pipes transmit light from a board-mounted LED or source to a specific location where it can be viewed easily.
Some light pipes are also made of glass and use the mechanism of total internal reflection to diffuse or direct light. They can be curved, straight, or complex to meet specific. Using the TechSpec light pipe mounts, standard or tapered light pipes can easily be positioned and integrated into optical setups, and the end-clamps provide minimal contact between the mount and the rods, which allow for greater throughput of light.
So here we have a simple optical setup to show us how these light pipes work. Why use a LED Light Pipe? Optopipe® light pipes are used for visual status indication and provide for safe and reliable operation of electrical equipment, instruments, electronic devices, and serve diagnostic purposes as well. Light pipes are generally short in length, only a few inches, and so carry light with very high efficiency.
That can also bend light, either through shallow curved pipes or using mirrors for larger angles. LED light pipes are available in a broad range of materials, shapes, colours, and orientations to suit any type of design. Engineers can benefit from incorporating LED light pipes into their designs.
Rigid light pipes are often set through a hole in a panel to meet the LED on the PCB. Some with higher IP ratings use threaded nuts to secure the light pipe. Flexible light pipes will often have some type of base that attaches to the PCB over the SM LED, such as SZ, SZ IP54, SZR, and UHF.