Overview
IEC TS 62972:2016 is a Technical Specification published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) that establishes standardized terms and definitions specific to general lighting organic light emitting diode (OLED) products and related equipment. This specification aims to create a common language and unified understanding for manufacturers, designers, researchers, and stakeholders involved in OLED lighting technologies.
Focusing exclusively on general lighting applications using OLED light sources, this document classifies and details terminology concerning the physical, constructive, and performance aspects of OLED devices. It serves as a foundational resource to ensure clarity, consistency, and interoperability across the OLED lighting industry worldwide.
Key Topics
IEC TS 62972:2016 categorizes its terms and definitions into four primary groups:
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Fundamental Terms: Core definitions related to OLED types and structural designs, including distinctions such as:
- Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED)
- Polymeric OLED (PLED)
- Small Molecule OLED (SMOLED)
- Stacked OLEDs
- Bottom and Top Emission OLEDs
- Transparent, inverted, hybrid, flexible, and bendable OLEDs
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Physical Properties: Definitions covering measurable and observable OLED characteristics such as:
- Light Output Area and Active Luminous Area
- Aperture Ratio
- Luminous Current Efficacy
- Emission Ratio (particularly for transparent OLED panels)
- Internal and External Quantum Efficiencies (IQE and EQE)
- Outcoupling Efficiency
- Electrical parameters including Forward/Reverse Current and Voltage
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Constructive Elements: Explains terminology related to OLED components and assemblies such as OLED tiles, panels, modules, and lamps, facilitating consistent product classification and design communication.
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Performance and Specifications: While this section is part of the classification, the document focuses on standardizing performance-related definitions to support accurate and uniform product evaluation and comparison.
Applications
The standardized terminology provided by IEC TS 62972:2016 is essential for various practical applications in the OLED lighting sector:
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Product Development: Enables engineers and product designers to communicate clearly about materials, construction, and performance parameters of OLED lighting components and systems.
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Manufacturing and Quality Control: Facilitates uniform technical documentation and testing protocols to ensure products meet industry requirements and expectations.
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Research and Innovation: Assists researchers by providing precise terms to describe novel OLED structures, efficiencies, and material properties, promoting scientific advancements.
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Market Regulation and Certification: Serves as a reference for regulatory bodies and certification organizations in assessing OLED lighting products for safety, performance, and compliance with international standards.
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Supply Chain Coordination: Improves dialogue among component suppliers, manufacturers, and distributors by establishing consistent definitions, reducing misunderstandings and errors.
Related Standards
IEC TS 62972:2016 aligns with and complements other international standards relevant to OLED and lighting technologies, including:
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IEC 62341-1-2: Provides classifications for LEDs and OLEDs-IEC TS 62972 refines term classifications following this framework.
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IEC 62504: Defines methods of measurement and other fundamental LED and OLED terminology referenced within TS 62972.
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Additional IEC Lighting Standards: Such as those covering LED modules, safety, and performance, which together with this specification support a comprehensive standardization ecosystem for solid-state lighting technologies.
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ISO/IEC Directives: The preparation and publication of IEC TS 62972 followed these directives, ensuring harmonization with international procedures on standard development.
Keywords: IEC TS 62972:2016, OLED lighting, organic light emitting diode, OLED definitions, OLED terminology, general lighting OLED, OLED products, OLED standards, OLED efficiency, OLED panels, OLED modules, OLED applications, international electrotechnical standards