What Is Brightness Index Code (bin)

[Homesteader]

Due to differences in raw materials and manufacturing there are very big differences between the outputs of the "SAME" manufactured diode in both color and intensity. This is why they have a BIN code system that tests the output of every batch and classify them in order to match the color or intensity exactly. With certain applications of lighting, it may be important to match the exact color spectrum such as a grow light or museum lighting.

This is a time consuming system and drives the cost of diodes up but because of variations it must be done. Cree tests their diodes at 85 degrees C (hot binning) along with most manufactures now but be aware that some may still test at 25 degrees C which doesnt give you accurate results.

http://blog.luxexcel.com/lighting/led-binning-ansi/

 

[Homesteader]

Man I really screwed that acronym up.........Brightness Index Number (BIN)

 

[tags420]

LEDs start from big wafers(100mm round). That are then cut into individual die(1mm). Not every individual die/piece is the exact same. Some will be better or worse.
When tested, the results are ranked and categorized. These categories of rank...are the bins.
Production is like a bell curve. Lots of middle bins produced, but also a few outliers...the top and bottom bins... just in smaller quantities.

Some companies just throw everything together, some bin for more specific outputs. And some bin for other things like voltage.
Long story short...a BIN is a category of total output.