Patent attributes
In accordance with the invention, an LED packaged for high temperature operation comprises a metal base including an underlying thermal connection pad and a pair of electrical connection pads, an overlying ceramic layer, and a LED die mounted overlying the metal base. The LED is thermally coupled through the metal base to the thermal connection pad, and the electrodes are electrically connected to the underlying electrical connection pads. A low thermal resistance insulating layer can electrically insulate other areas of die from the base while permitting heat passage. Heat flow can be enhanced by thermal vias to the thermal connector pad. Ceramic layers formed overlying the base can add circuitry and assist in distributing emitted light. The novel package can operate at temperatures as high as 250° C.