MacAdam ellipse

What is a MacAdam ellipse?

MacAdam ellipses are used to determine colour differences. They constitute the areas in the colour diagram in which the comparative colours surrounding a reference colour are perceived to be an equal colour distance apart (MacAdam; American physicist). Colour tolerances are practically imperceptible up to a value of 3 MacAdams. Colour differences become visible at higher values and these differences may increase over the service life. The CIE chromaticity clearly shows that the MacAdam ellipses in the green and yellow zones are considerably larger than in the blue or violet zones.

This effect shows that the human eye is less capable of recognising colour differences affecting green LEDs than differences between blue LEDs.

Our partner from the USA has been developing and producing high-quality semiconductor for about 30 years. CREE has been our partner for an extensive range of LEDs since 2004. The product range includes a wide range of high brightness, high power LEDs offered in SMD as well as THT and COB technology.

Your contact: Olaf Naumann

Phone +49 (0)2842 980-211
Olaf.Naumann@vossloh-schwabe.com

Nichia from Japan, the inventor of the white LEDs, has been one of the partners of VS since 1995. The product range includes a comprehensive range of high brightness and high power LEDs, as well as a UV LED product range covering all power classes.

Your contact: Ulf Hilsenberg

Phone +49 2842 980-213
Ulf.Hilsenberg@vossloh-schwabe.com

To complement our LED range, we offer secondary optics and reflectors from our partners Carclo (www.carclo.com) and LEDiL (www.ledil.com). The product range includes a large selection of optics, optic holders and reflectors made of PMMA and silicone. We specifically stock up on a wide range of products to match the LEDs from CREE and Nichia we offer.




We develop and produce a variety of LED optics for shop, office, hall and street lighting for you. Optics are available in various designs (round, square, linear) made of high-quality materials (PMMA, silicone) and with any beam angles (narrow/wide, asymmetrical or combined).

Our partner from the USA has been developing and producing high-quality semiconductor for about 30 years. CREE has been our partner for an extensive range of LEDs since 2004. The product range includes a wide range of high brightness, high power LEDs offered in SMD as well as THT and COB technology.

Your contact: Olaf Naumann

Phone +49 (0)2842 980-211
Olaf.Naumann@vossloh-schwabe.com


Nichia from Japan, the inventor of the white LEDs, has been one of the partners of VS since 1995. The product range includes a comprehensive range of high brightness and high power LEDs, as well as a UV LED product range covering all power classes.

Your contact: Ulf Hilsenberg

Phone +49 2842 980-213
Ulf.Hilsenberg@vossloh-schwabe.com