The primary objective of this project was to develop and implement a method that compensates for the inefficiency of the green light-emitting diode (LED). The proposed engineering solution was to use RGBW combination in every pixel to save energy. A 32" x 16" display with pixel spacing of one inch, which is usually used for outdoor applications, was built. The pixel consisted of four LEDs — red, green, blue, and white — placed in a square configuration.

A 32” x 16” display board with RGBW pixels in square configuration.
Two different RGBW geometrical pixel configurations were implemented and compared against traditional LED configurations. These configurations were analyzed for energy efficiency while keeping the quality of the display the same. Power savings for the white was higher than any other color. As demonstrated, using the new RGBW pixel architecture saves power in most cases predominantly in case of the color which has more white content.

This work was done by the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. For more information, download a technical support package from Green Design & Manufacturing.

Topics:
Architecture Energy conservation Light emitting diodes (LEDs) Lighting
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Lighting Technology Magazine

This article first appeared in the August, 2011 issue of Lighting Technology Magazine (Vol. 35 No. 8).

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