Our Lighting sector is dedicated to introducing innovative end-user-driven and energy-efficient solutions and applications for lighting, based on a thorough understanding of the customer needs, both in public and private context.
Shaping the Future
Philips Lighting is a leading provider of solutions and applications for both professional and consumer markets.
We address lighting needs in a full range of environments - indoors (homes, shops, offices, schools, hotels, factories, and hospitals) as well as outdoors (public places, residential areas and sports arenas). We also meet people's needs on the road, by providing safe lighting in traffic (car lighting and street lighting).
In addition, we deliver light-inspired experiences through architectural and city beautification projects. Our lighting is also used for specific applications, including horticulture, refrigeration lighting and signage, as well as heating, air and water purification, and healthcare.
With the new lighting technologies, such as LED technology, and the increasing demand for energy efficient solutions, Philips will continue shaping the future with groundbreaking new lighting applications.
Innovations:
1891 : Dutch mechanical engineer Gerard Philips starts the production of carbon-filament lamps in a former buckskin factory in Eindhoven. Among his first major clients are early electricity companies which are including the provision of lamps in their power supply contracts. These firms set high standards of product quality, which is therefore closely monitored by the young company.
1908 : One year after its introduction onto the world market, Philips starts the production of lamps that feature tungsten metal filaments. In 1913, the successful gas-filled "Half-watt" lamp, equipped with a coiled-tungsten filament, is launched, followed in 1915 by the smaller "Arga" lamp. "We have a lamp for every application" is the slogan of these days. In this period, the company grows into a world-wide, market-oriented concern.
With many lamp types available, choosing the right lamp for the right application becomes a matter for experts. Therefore, in 1931, Philips opens the world? first Lighting Design and Consultancy Centre.
1932 : Extensive Philips research forms the basis for the introduction of revolutionary new lamp types: 1932 - Low-pressure sodium (SOX) lamp. With this lamp, large-scale road lighting becomes economically feasible.
1933 : The "Bi-Arlita" lamp. The first, modern, double-coiled filament lamp for general lighting is introduced on a world-wide scale.
1934 : The high-pressure mercury, or HO lamp.
1938 : Philips introduces the revolutionary super-high-pressure mercury lamp. This compact, high-intensity light source is hailed as a replacement for the cumbersome carbon-arc lamp in cinema projectors. 1938 is also the year in which the fluorescent lamp is launched. Philips, once again, plays a pioneering role.
1950 : In post-war years the emphasis shifts towards innovative lighting. "The right light at the right place" becomes the slogan. Product innovation is no longer the only goal; the need to create the optimum lighting environment is emphasised as well. Philips successfully takes on the challenge of educating the public in lighting awareness.
1964 : Using a non-aggressive halogen compound instead of the pure element, Philips research opens the way for large-scale industrial production of halogen incandescent lamps. Two years later, Philips is the first to introduce a "cool-beam" lamp for projection purposes, featuring a dichroic mirror located directly on the bulb wall. Thus, much of the accompanying heat load is removed from the light beam.
1973 : Philips scientists discover the narrow-band phosphors that herald a revolution in fluorescent-lamp technology. Lamps with a much higher light output per watt, combined with very good colour characteristics can now be produced. This provides a boost in a period when the drive for energy savings is quickly gathering momentum. Moreover, because of their resistance to high radiant loads, these phosphors are to play a crucial role in the subsequent development of the compact fluorescent lamp in all its forms.
1978 : Philips plays a leading role in the change-over from the fluorescent lamp with a diameter of 38 mm to 26 mm lamps. The first HF fluorescent lamps with electronic ballasts are introduced onto the market.
1980 : New phosphors, because of their superior behaviour under high radiant loads, allow miniaturization of the fluorescent lamp. Philips is the first to launch compact, narrow tube fluorescent lamps: the SL* lamp in 1980 and the PL lamp in 1981.
Compact Fluorescent Electronics for Energy Saving
1982 : HF-TL Electronic Ballast for Ford
1984 : Introduction of the commercial range of electronic dimming ballast
1986 : On the threshold of a new age, Philips further pursues the development of small, versatile and economic light sources. In 1986 the "White SON" lamp is introduced. With its excellent colour characteristics, this warm-white, compact high-pressure sodium lamp opens new avenues in decorative and display lighting.
1988 : Philips presents its revolutionary "ArenaVision" floodlighting system, thereby setting new standards in high-class stadium lighting.
1989 : HF-SOX electronic Ballast (replacing electromagnetic ballast, ignitor and capacitor)
1991 : The very first electrode-less fluorescent lamp powered through induction by an HF generator is introduced in 1991. QL Induction lamps have a lifetime of 60,000 hours.
QL ballast, 55/85 W (extra long life)
1992 : The Micro Power-Light gas-discharge lamp for car headlighting provides - compared with halogen lamps - two to three times as much light for only half the energy.Moreover, MPL lamps last five times longer and feature very tight beam characteristics.
HID Full Electronic Ballast
1994 : Mastercolour lighting represents an important breakthrough, especially for shop and display lighting. Mastercolour overcomes the drawbacks of conventional metal-halide lamps, known for their lack of colour uniformity and dramatic colour shifts throughout the lamp life.
1995 : The TL5 system, featuring a thin fluorescent tube with a diameter of only 16 mm, offers a considerable reduction in total operating costs as well as substantial savings in energy and materials. Because of its small size, the lamps allow much more freedom and flexibility in the design of optics and luminaires.
UHP Ultra High Performance gasdischarge lamps for LCD projectors
MPXL (Automotive Xenon lamp that strongly improved vision and cut off angles and was created a distinctive blue-ish light)
1996 : Non-dimming TL 5 Gear has been introduced
UHP Electonic Driver
Fluo Dimming with dedicated IC is launched. The first dimming ballasts with independent electrode control.
1997 : Philips Lighting introduces the first TL5 dimming ballast.
Fully recyclable Fluorescent lamp with the the lowest mercury content in the market (80% less than standard products)
1998 : UHP-Projector driver system
1999 : Velocity - A road lighting system that offers a break through in optical performance and an enhancing aesthetic look
X-tend range with OLC optics - Office lighting system with omni-directional Luminance Control, 360 control of glare, Patented , that offers excellent glare control and fantastic performance
Introduction of DALI; the new industry standard
2000 : Metronomis - A new generation decorative street lighting system with lamp, luminaire, gear, bracket & pole in a distinguishing aesthetical quality and greater ease of maintenance
MPXL GEN IV Driver - Strongly improved vision and cut off angels, creating the distinctive blue headlights.
2001 : Chronosense - An environment-friendly stand-alone step-dimming solution for road lighting
Telemanagement - Telesense and Starsense systems controlling the light points individually (switching and dimming) and giving feedback on the status of the individual lamps (running or faulty), that rationalise and drastically simplify lighting maintenance, thus reducing the operating cost of the entire system)
ObstiVision - Low intensity LED obstacle light for aviation warning. Energy saving of up to 95% as compared to the conventional obstacle light system
Mini 300 petrol station - The world's most efficient undercanopy lighting system for petrol station and commercial segments with the new reflector coating technology patented by Philips
2002 : LED's; Philips and HP joint venture Lumileds is the first company to introduce a LED that produces 100 Lm/W. Lifetime 100.000 hours. |