About Cree LED
Our Portfolio
Roots of Innovation
Founded in 1987, Cree LED began with a focus on semiconductor materials and fueled the adoption of blue LED die in automotive and display backlighting applications.
Throughout the 1990s we further refined LED technology and became a leading innovator in the space. Cree LED accelerated the LED Lighting Revolution in 2006 with the launch of the industry’s first packaged lighting-class LED, the XLamp® XR-E LED.
Ever since, we’ve driven innovation that has established LEDs as the primary illumination technology used in general lighting and large video display applications. Today, we continue to expand and innovate with best-in-class LED solutions.
Winning the LED Lighting Revolution as a Part of Cree
Cree’s LED division went from unknown to market leader through an impressive series of industry-first innovations to overcome all arguments against LEDs as the best light source available. These milestones in LED brightness, color consistency, efficacy and reliability drove the change-resistant lighting industry to acknowledge and ultimately adopt LEDs across all applications.
Today, Cree LEDs are all over the world. Our high power and application-optimized LEDs lead the industry.
General Lighting – Indoor
Directional, Accent, Spot, Downlight, Troffer, Linear, Low Bay, Sconces
Read MoreGeneral Lighting – Outdoor
Roadway, Street Light, Tunnel, Parking Lot, Parking Garage, Wall Packs, Post Tops, Landscape, Pathway, Step
Read MoreArchitectural/Entertainment
Building Exterior, Bridges, Fountain, Pool, Studio, Stage, Live Concerts
Read MoreHorticulture
Greenhouse, Vertical Farming, Supplemental, Interlighting, Aquaculture, Agriculture
Read MorePortable Lighting
Torch, Flashlight, Tactical Flashlight, Head Lamp, Bike Light, Weapon Light, Lanterns
Read MoreAutomotive & Emergency Vehicle Lighting
Automotive Aftermarket, Tractor-Trailer, Semi, Offroad, Motorcycle, Emergency Vehicle Lighting, Police, Ambulance, Fire, Rescue
Read MoreSignage
Message Boards, Information Signs, Digital Signs, Scoreboards, Advertising Backlighting, Roadway Signs, Gas Price Signs
Read MoreVideo Screens
Digital Signs, Advertising Signs, Stadium Screens & Ribbons, Full-Color Info Signs
Read MoreWherever you find Cree LEDs, you’ll find our expert support and industry-best customer service.
The Path Forward as Cree LED
While our name has changed, our commitment to superior LED technology, reliability, innovation, support and service remain strong. Our executive management, product management, R&D and production teams remain the same. Our global distribution channels and sales teams remain in force. Operations at our Durham, NC-based headquarters and our proprietary packaging facilities in Huizhou, China continue at full speed. The same teams that bring years of Cree LED experience are newly energized to help our customers continuously improve their LED-based products and develop new applications.
Our name demonstrates our single-minded focus on advancing LED technology. As Cree LED we leverage our broad portfolio of LED chips and components with the power of our expert teams to continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in illumination.
Cree LED continues to make the world brighter.
Cree LED: Innovation Timeline
1987
Cree Founded
1989
Commercialized the world’s first SiC blue LED
1990s
World’s #1 blue LED die supplier
Cree Blue LEDs used in VW Dashboard
2006
First lighting-class LED: XLamp XR-E
First power LED Chip XB900
2007
First 2D LED emitter die EZ Gen1
2008
Sets high power LED package benchmark: XLamp XP-E
2009
First to simplify LED color binning: EasyWhite bins
First waterproof SMD LEDs for video screens
2010
First single die LED to break 1000 lumens: XLamp XM-L
2011
First high power, high voltage LEDs
First tilted angle signage LEDs
2012
First to break high power price performance barriers: XLamp XT-E & XP-G2
2013
First high lumen density LED arrays
2014
First extreme high power LEDs: SC5 technology platform
2015
First surface mount arrays to replace mid-power LEDs: XLamp MH
First LEDs optimized for maximum candela: High intensity
First low power LED chips 100% tested and specified at 2kV ESD
2016
First in class to shatter 200 2016 LPW: XLamp XP-G3
Best minimum LPW: XLamp XT-E High Efficacy
2017
First extreme density LED to break 200 lm/mm2: XLamp XD16
First Cost-Optimized 1W RGBW Architectural LED: CLQ6A
2018
First LED optimized for connected lighting: XP-G3 S Line
2019
First LED to deliver 2x efficiency of incumbent lighting in horticulture: XLamp XP-G3 Photo Red
2020
First SMD RGB LED for roadway signage: CV94D
2021
New focus, new energy, & new products.