Archive of the former Yahoo!Groups mailing list: Homebrew PCBs

Hi all,

Tonight I built two breakout boards for Luxeon power illuminators, the
first, the switch mode regulator to run the LED, and the second for the
LED itself which comes in a tiny lead-less package. The LED in question is
a Luxeon Rebel (cool white) which will give something like 75 lumens per
watt at full power.

The data sheet gives a layout for adequate cooling, but it's obviously for
2 sided PCB with through plated holes.

As a data point for anyone else using these LEDs, I have found a single
sided PCB 3 inches by 1 inch provides an adequate heatsink - I can still
hold my finger right next to the LED and it's not too hot. (I've come
across 7805 regulators running much hotter).

I'm very impressed with these tiny LEDs, the size of a 3mm indicator LED
but putting out a tremendous amount of light.

I also discovered how easy it is to lose a SOT23-5 when it falls on the
floor...