If you’re a die-hard LIFX fan you’ve probably heard us talk about our patent SuperColor technology and the benefits it adds to your smart light experience. But what actually is it? And how does it differ from other smart lights?
SuperColor in LIFX terms defines the superior technology that produces richer, more accurate and longer lasting multi-color LED lighting experiences. It starts from the foundation of every light, the LEDs.
Anatomy of an LED – A brief science lesson
Surface Mount LEDs are fundamentally very similar, in that they are built from the same materials that are processed and diced into chips.
These chips are then packaged into what you can see in our LIFX lights. White LEDs are created using Blue LED Chips, covered in yellow phosphor. Red/Green/Blue LEDs are created using the same process but using different materials which output wavelengths to make color without the use of phosphor. Noticeable differences in LEDs start to occur in shape and size (how much power an LED needs to use) and accuracy.
In other words, small chips are designed to output warm to cool whites and red/green/blue colors which are then blended to create a wide variety of colors, saturation and brightnesses.
Chances are you’re not an engineer, so a better way to think of surface LEDs like the building blocks for a house. All houses use similar foundations, wood, concrete etc, but it is design and product quality that differentiates one house to another. Larger, more sturdier houses will be more expensive but will produce better living conditions and last longer than a house that might be smaller and made with cheaper materials.
What makes LIFX different? It’s all in the details -
The answer is simple; we focus on how we can get the best out of our foundation.
By selecting RGB LED chips that can produce more narrow and deeper wavelengths we produce richer more vibrant color that create the basis for our iconic SuperColor lights.
We define and select specific LED materials per product that will ensure the best lumen and color accuracy results. In addition to materials, we have also developed specific software to help us ensure color quality matches and is best in class. We have temperature sensors on most products which self-tune based on LED power based on heat. In other words, colors look consistent across all products regardless of lumen and energy output providing you with consistently exceptional multi-color lighting experiences.
By investing in our foundation, we ensure that our end results are what we define as SuperColor, a smart lighting experience with color that looks and feels premium and extraordinary.
