2025-02-16
- Type: multi-die, domed
- Bin: unknown
- Color group: 3A (5000 K)
- CRI: 70
- Rated voltage: 6 V
- Max. Forward current: 15,000 mA
- Max. Peak current: — mA
- Viewing angle: 140 °
- Thermal resistance: 0.2 K/W
- Max. Temperature Tj: max. 150°C
Datasheet can be downloaded here: XFL05K HD, 4.5 MB
The XFL05K High Density (abbreviated to HD) tested here was purchased from Kaidomain at the end of September 2024. The dealer did not provide an exact order code. However, as the official data sheet only gives an order code for the 6 V 5000 K HD variant (XFL05K-00-0000-0B0B0A0E3), it is almost certainly this type.
The XFL05K is visually very different from existing multi-die LEDs such as the XHP70.3 HD. Instead of four individual LED chips in a symmetrical arrangement, the XFL05K has 10 individual LED chips, which were presumably manufactured in a flip-chip design and mounted directly to the substrate. The asymmetrical arrangement and the large gaps between the chips are likely to have an impact on the beam.
The Cree logo, which also marks the cathode, is located in one corner. The entire surface of the substrate, including the LED chips, is covered with phosphor.
The footprint is specified as 7070, making this LED compatible with standard 7070 MCPCBs.
The illuminated area is 39.8 mm2. However, due to the light emitted from the side and the gaps between the individual LED chips, it is almost impossible to determine the exact illuminated area. In this respect, the XFL05K HD is pretty much the same as the XHP70.3 HI.
The different brightness of the LED chips at very low maximum current is striking. In moonlight modes in flashlights, this could be annoying or cause the user to assume that the LED is defective. A minimum current (as with some other manufacturers or LEDs with many luminous surfaces) is not specified, but the luminous flux diagrams in the official data sheet only start at 1.75 A.
- at 15,000 mA (official maximum current): 8660 lm @ 7.24 V
- Power at official maximum: 108.6 W
- Efficiency at 15,000 mA: 79.8 lm/W
- Maximum reached at 17 A, at this point 8861 lm @ 7.39 V
- Power at maximum 125.6 W
- Efficiency at maximum 70.6 lm/W
Data for 25 °C Tsp (at 85 °C the luminance values are around 13 % lower).
The XHP70.2, XHP70.3 HI and XFL05K HD are relatively close to each other in comparison. The lower maximum current of the XFL05K is noticeable, which is probably due to the higher thermal resistance of the smaller LED chips compared to the XHP70 series. The 7070 footprint is not fully utilized here for heat dissipation.
The MT-G2 (1st gen) is completely outdated and no longer plays a role in the performance class, which is why it only serves as a reference for older LEDs.
The binning of typ. 1800 lm at 1.75 A and 25 °C is maintained with 1840 lm. The forward voltage at 1.75 A is 5.7 V and is therefore within the wide range (5.6-6.1 V) specified in the data sheet.
The extremely high maximum current of 15 A for the 6 V version is striking. In addition, the further gain in luminous flux is extremely low and not worthwhile in any way. The maximum current was probably calculated or determined by overcurrent tests similar to this one. This is probably due to the prevalence of Cu DTP boards and the desire for extreme performance in flashlights - the main purpose of this LED.
The luminance is extremely low. Due to the many side-emitting LED chips and the dome, the XFL05K HD is not suitable for throwers. Even the XHP70.2 offers a higher luminance.
If an OP reflector is used (OP reflector of the S2+ in the 1st image), the beam is better than expected. There are no color fringes around the spot. Depending on the texturing of the OP reflector, there may be a slight donut hole.
Caution is advised with SMO reflectors (SMO reflector of the C8 in the 2nd image). There are slight color gradients in the beam and, above all, clearly visible rings or donut holes, which can be clearly visible or less visible depending on the focus.
In general, this LED should only be used behind diffusers or with heavily textured OP reflectors. This further reduces the achievable range when using this LED.
The tint is fine. The duv is slightly positive, but there is no disturbing green tint. It should be noted that the E3 color grouping is very wide and can include LEDs with significantly higher duv than this sample. This is the case with color groups 3B and 3C. According to the retailer, the LED tested here is in color group 3A and therefore close to the BBL, which explains the good result.
Apart from the higher CCT, there are no other surprises; the spectrum corresponds to a neutral white LED with a low color rendering index.
The CRI of 70 is clearly exceeded. However, the sample is not an 80 CRI LED, although this is also listed in the official data sheet.
- Ra: 75
- R9: -17
- CCT: 5547 K
- duv: 0.0013
The XFL05K High Density (HD) is a rather unusual LED. The performance is similar to that of an XHP70.2/XHP70.3 HI in 70 CRI, but the Vf is relatively high. The beam with OP reflectors is usable to good, and the LED tested here has also a fairly good tint.
However, as the XHP70 series is available for modders in particular, these LEDs are readily and relatively inexpensively available and, above all, the Chinese are well represented on the market with 7070 LEDs of a similar design, there are still few reasons to use this LED.
Thank you for reading this test. 