Cree, Inc. (Nasdaq: CREE), a market-leading innovator of lighting-class LEDs, LED lighting, and semiconductor solutions, has kicked off an industry first driver compatibility program for its LED modules.
 
The new Driver Compatibility Program provides LED lighting manufacturers with a list of drivers that are compatible with Cree® LED modules, as verified through evaluation and testing by Cree. By leveraging the technology and features of third-party drivers, the program enables lighting manufacturers to quickly address the requirements unique to various countries, further differentiate their products and address more applications.
 
The first of its kind program allows Cree to extend its LED module warranty to the use of Cree’s LED module with a compatible third-party LED driver. Cree’s LED modules warranty was previously limited to the use of a Cree LED module with a Cree driver. The Driver Compatibility Program demonstrates Cree’s continued commitment to helping LED lighting manufacturers overcome the challenges of bringing high-quality products to market faster.
 
“Cree’s Driver Compatibility Program enabled us to find a driver that meets a customer’s specific dimming requirement,” said Fred Farzan, president of Nora Lighting. “Because of the program, we solved the customer’s problem and won the business.”
 
“We're pleased to take part in Cree’s Driver Compatibility Program, which helps build a larger ecosystem for customers,” said John LaCorte, national sales manager of Thomas Research Products. “It offers a new level of confidence in selecting Cree LED products and compatible, highly reliable LED drivers from Thomas Research Products. This can speed time to market for customers that design LED luminaires.”
 
“Cree’s Driver Compatibility Program is yet another way Cree drives LED adoption, enabling everyone to win in the LED revolution,” said Mike Watson, Cree senior director marketing, LED components. “For driver manufacturers, the program provides access to Cree’s customers and products, expanding their market and enabling them to better serve lighting manufacturers. For lighting manufacturers, the program provides greater design flexibility and enables a shorter design cycle to get products to market faster.”