LED modeling is an essential tool for determining the efficiency and suitability of LED light sources.  Modeling allows manufacturers to test various LED components for suitability before installation.  LED modeling provides feedback on brightness and intensity, and gives system designers the opportunity to quickly test different LED lights to achieve the required values.  It can also give designers the opportunity to test ideas for new LED lighting systems — before manufacture begins — in order to determine if a new system will be useful for any applications.

How It Works

LED modeling is done in one of two ways:  either by using a physical representation of the LED light, or by numerically simulating an LED model with a computer program.  Depending on size and intensity requirements, the designers may need to create a new LED light or complete LED lighting system, and may not have a physical representation of the LED to use for testing.  Thus, the process begins with determining the geometry of the new system. Next, the designers must find an LED light data set that provides intensity values that closely match project requirements.  Using this data, they can model and create a light that meets intensity requirements while also designing it to fit within the appropriate space.  As this process does not use a physical representation, it does not allow designers to trace the light path through the LED to ensure that it flows correctly while giving appropriate output values.  This can lead to computational errors and faulty analysis.

Numerically simulating an LED system will provide results faster than physical modeling, but use of a physical model allows technicians to fully document a given LED light or system.  This type of modeling begins with a physical representation of an LED light or system — either a stock model or one designed to fit project area geometry while meeting optical requirements.  This allows designers to trace the light path through the LED and account for scattered light coming from other sources.  It provides a more accurate assessment of intensity and accuracy for both near field and distant field ranges, and thus helps ensure a closer match to a project’s intensity and brightness requirements. Regardless of which method is used, LED modeling relies on accurate data sets and laboratory or computer simulations to provide data on the light output.

VCC offers a comprehensive range of LEDs, lenses, and light pipe solutions, including custom systems tailored to meet individual customer needs.  LED modeling is a major component of this service, enabling VCC’s technical staff to design and manufacture LED components that meet accuracy, intensity and spatial requirements for any project.   Cutting edge technology and computer modeling allow VCC’s development team to remain at the forefront of LED light systems delivery.