Cree, Inc. (Nasdaq: CREE) introduces a new addition to its industry leading CXA LED array family, CXA2 LED arrays, delivering up to 33 percent higher efficacy in the same form factors. Utilizing elements of the Cree SC5 Technology Platform, this improvement in lumen density enables better performance and radically reduces system size and cost. The new chip-on-board (COB) LEDs allow lighting manufacturers to rapidly deliver more innovative solutions for applications such as track, downlight and outdoor lighting.

“We are working together with Cree to evaluate their latest COB technology,” said Massimo Parravicini, R&D director of Reggiani Illuminazione. “I believe that the new CXA2 LED arrays, which deliver excellent performance in such small LES [light emitting surface], would be a great solution for the new generation of indoor luminaires we are currently developing.”

With the new CXA2 LED arrays, lighting manufacturers can achieve the same or better performance with a smaller LES compared to earlier products. For example, a 3800 lumen output from a larger 19 mm LES LED can be replaced with a smaller 12 mm LES LED, resulting in up to 60 percent system cost savings from lower LED, mechanical and optic material costs.

“The new CXA2 LED arrays make it possible for lighting designers to radically reduce system costs in the next generation of industry-leading lighting products," said Dave Emerson, vice president and general manager for Cree LEDs. "By giving our customers innovative LED solutions instead of incremental LED improvements, we enable them to differentiate their products in the marketplace and deliver more value to their end customers.”

CXA2 LED arrays share the same physical design as earlier arrays, allowing lighting manufacturers to leverage the existing optical, mechanical and electrical design elements to accelerate time to market without additional cost. LM-80 data is available for all CXA2 LED arrays for lighting manufacturers seeking ENERGY STAR® qualification. The CXA2 LED arrays are also UL®-recognized components and feature a level 4 rating.

Through improvements in the light conversion process, Cree has reduced LED-to-LED color variations and, among other options, offers CXA2 LED arrays in 2-step and 3-step EasyWhite® bins. XLamp® CXA2 LED arrays are available in 2700K-6500K, CRI options of 70, 80 and 90 with multiple voltage options in LES ranging from 6-30 mm with a lumen range of 250-19,000 lumens to address a wide variety of applications. Product samples are available now, and production quantities are available with standard lead times. Please visit www.cree.com/cxa2 to learn more.

About Cree

Cree is leading the LED lighting revolution and making energy-wasting traditional lighting technologies obsolete through the use of energy-efficient, mercury-free LED lighting. Cree is a market-leading innovator of lighting-class LEDs, LED lighting, and semiconductor products for power and radio frequency (RF) applications.

Cree’s product families include LED fixtures and bulbs, blue and green LED chips, high-brightness LEDs, lighting-class power LEDs, power-switching devices and RF devices. Cree® products are driving improvements in applications such as general illumination, backlighting, electronic signs and signals, power suppliers and solar inverters.

Please refer to www.cree.com for additional product and company information.

This press release contains forward-looking statements involving risks and uncertainties, both known and unknown, that may cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated. Actual results may differ materially due to a number of factors, including the risk that actual savings and lifetimes will vary from expectations; the risk we may be unable to manufacture these new products with sufficiently low cost to offer them at competitive prices or with acceptable margins; the risk we may encounter delays or other difficulties in ramping up production of our new products; customer acceptance of new LED products; the rapid development of new technology and competing products that may impair demand or render Cree’s products obsolete; and other factors discussed in Cree’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 29, 2014, and subsequent filings.

Cree®, EasyWhite® and XLamp® are registered trademarks, and SC5 Technology is a trademark of Cree, Inc. ENERGY STAR® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. UL® is a registered trademark of UL LLC.