OSRAM Opto Semiconductors' Enhanced Power TOPLED Ideally Suited for Variable Message Applications; Increased Red and Yellow Brightness Now Available, Along With Matched Red, Yellow, Green and Blue Radiation Patterns

SAN JOSE, Calif.--March 21, 2006--OSRAM Opto Semiconductors Inc. today announced a number of enhancements to its Power TOPLED(R) line of light-emitting diodes (LEDs). In particular, the addition of OSRAM's advanced thin-film chip technology within these TOPLED packages now produces a new and significantly higher brightness. The company has also refined the offerings for its lensed Power TOPLED portfolio. These 30- and 60-degree devices provide matched radiation patterns in all colors, delivering higher intensity light in a more uniform and focused beam for applications such as information displays.

"OSRAM is delighted that these developments elicit peak performance from our Power TOPLED products. In message signage, this performance level is visible for everyone to see," said Ellen Sizemore, North American director, LED and IR Products Group, OSRAM Opto Semiconductors. "OSRAM Opto Semiconductors is dedicated to creating and enhancing the complete spectrum of lighting and display applications. We never stop developing solutions that will bring new levels of brightness and performance to both existing and emerging applications."

Available in super-red, amber, orange and yellow, these thin-film devices are in production in both the 30- and 60-degree lensed Power TOPLED packages as well as in the standard Power TOPLED package without lens. OSRAM's available indium gallium nitrite (InGaN) colors include blue and true green in all radiation patterns along with InGaN white devices in the standard package.

All the OSRAM Power TOPLED devices offer the advantages of OSRAM's surface-mount technology (SMT), enabling lower-profile, low-cost solutions to be produced. The SMT package allows the Power TOPLEDs to be processed using standard automated placement and solder techniques, reducing assembly costs as compared with traditional 5 millimeter (mm) LED devices. In addition, heat is dissipated via four legs versus two. The color contrast is also improved due to the smaller light-reflecting surface. This results in better readability in outdoor viewing applications.

The marriage of OSRAM's thin-film chip technology with the 30-degree and 60- degree Power TOPLED devices offers an ultra high brightness previously unavailable in comparable SMT packages. The focused beam of the 30-degree lensed Power TOPLED can outperform the red and yellow radial packages in exchange rate displays, speed indicators and service display applications currently found in railway stations and tourist offices. Meanwhile, OSRAM's 60-degree Power TOPLEDs offer greater contrast and better readability in passenger information systems.

The 30-degree Power TOPLEDs produce 6300 millicandellas (mcd) in super-red, 12,000 mcd in amber and 6500 mcd in yellow. The blue and green Power TOPLEDs are extremely efficient and operate at a forward voltage of only 3.4 volts (V). This lower voltage, compared to conventional InGaN devices, reduces energy requirements and previously needed thermal management. The complete Power TOPLED color portfolio meets requirements for both the United States Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) and European standards.

OSRAM's Power TOPLED product portfolio includes white, blue, true green, yellow, orange, red and super-red versions. Most colors are available in three distinct radiation patterns, both with and without collimating lenses. Previous brightness level versions are available, rounding out the company's line of Power TOPLED products for a wide range of traditional and emerging lighting applications.

Pricing and Availability

For further information, product data sheets and pricing, please contact a local OSRAM sales representative at www.osram-os.com or 1.888.446.7726.

About OSRAM Opto Semiconductors

OSRAM Opto Semiconductors is a wholly owned subsidiary of OSRAM, one of the world's two leading lighting manufacturers. It offers its customers solutions based on semiconductor technology for lighting, sensor and visualization applications. The company operates sites in Regensburg (Germany), San Jose (USA) and Penang (Malaysia). For the fiscal year ending in September 2005, the more than 3,500 employees of OSRAM Opto Semiconductors achieved a sales volume of 452 million euros. For more information, visit www.osram-os.com.

Power TOPLED is a registered trademark of OSRAM Opto Semiconductors. All other trademarks or registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.