About Cree LED
The former LED products group of Cree is now Cree LED and a part of SMART Global Holdings, Inc. Cree LED will continue delivering best-in-class technology and breakthrough solutions for our focus applications: High Power General Lighting, Automotive, Video Screens and Specialty Lighting. Cree LED offers the industry’s broadest portfolio of application-optimized LEDs that lead the industry in lumen density, intensity, efficacy, optical control and reliability, backed by expert design assistance and superior sales support.
The roots of our innovation run deep.
We began as a start-up, a group out of North Carolina State University exploring the uses of silicon carbide as a foundational technology. In 1989, Cree created the first major application for silicon carbide with the introduction of the world’s first blue LED, the core technology that’s inside the vast majority of LEDs in use today.
Throughout the 1990’s, Cree further refined LEDs based on silicon carbide and became a leader in the LED die industry.
In 2006, Cree launched the industry’s first lighting-class LED, the XLamp XR-E LED. Designed specifically for its ability to deliver bright, consistent and efficient light, this breakthrough product launched the LED Lighting Revolution.

Make the first name in LED your first choice in components.

From the brightest minds, the brightest LEDs.
From the brightest minds, the brightest LEDs.
Cree has the broadest portfolio of application-optimized, lighting-class LED components that sets the industry’s benchmarks for performance, light quality and reliability. Cree’s innovative high-power LEDs continue to redefine what’s possible with LED lighting, improve system value and deliver better light without compromising performance or reliability.
Winning the LED Lighting Revolution as a part of Cree
Today, Cree LEDs are all over the world. Our high power and application-optimized LEDs lead the industry.

HP General Lighting
- Street
- Directional
- Retail
- Stadium

Automotive
- Headlamps
- Daytime running lights
- Turn indicators

Video Screens
- Sports displays
- Billboards
- Ad & info displays

Specialty
- Horticulture
- Architecture
- Flashlights & headlamps
- Machine vision
And, wherever you find Cree LEDs,
you’ll find our expert support and industry-best customer service.
The path forward as Cree LED
While our name is changing, our unwavering commitment to superior LED technology, reliability, innovation, support, and service remains steadfast. Our executive management, product management, R&D, and production teams are the same. Our global distribution channels and sales team remain in force. Operations at our Durham, NC-based head quarters 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 new name demonstrates our single-minded focus on advancing LED technology. As Cree LED we will leverage our broad portfolio of LED chips and LED components and unleash the power of our team of experts to continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in illumination.
Get ready for big things from Cree LED.
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Cree LED: Innovation Timeline

Cree founded

Commercialized the world’s first SiC blue LED

World’s #1 blue LED die supplier

Cree Blue LEDs used in VW Dashboard

First lighting-class LED: XLamp XR-E

First power LED Chip XB900

First 2D LED emitter die EZ Gen1

Sets high power LED package benchmark: XLamp XP-E

First to simplify LED color binning: EasyWhite bins

First waterproof SMD LEDs for video screens

First single die LED to break 1000 lumens: XLamp XM-L

First high power, high voltage LEDs

First tilted angle signage LEDs

First to break high power priceperformance barriers: XLamp XT-E & XP-G2


First high lumen density LED arrays

First extreme high power LEDs: SC5 technology platform

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

First in class to shatter 200 2016 LPW: XLamp XP-G3

Best minimum LPW: XLamp XT-E High Efficacy

First extreme density LED to break 200 lm/mm2: XLamp XD16

First Cost-Optimized 1W RGBW Architectural LED: CLQ6A

First LED optimized for connected lighting: XP-G3 S Line

First LED to deliver 2x efficiency of incumbent lighting in horticulture: XLamp XP-G3 Photo Red

First SMD RGB LED for roadway signage: CV94D

New focus, new energy, & new products.