What size SMD LED do I need to fit 2mm solder pads?

[nickelplate759]

I want to add an LED to a Precision Craft (BLI 1st run) E7A.  The light board has an LED in the upper light position, but only solder pads in the lower headlight position.  The solder pads are about 2mm center-to-center, and about 1mm high.

What size SMD LED fits that?  I believe the numbers like "0402" represent the size of the LED, not the solder points, right?

There IS and LED on the board already, but it's buried under thick black paint that hides everything except the lens, and I can't really measure it.

[edit] I think  should have put this in the DCC/Electronics section  [/edit]

[Steveruger45]

@nickelplate759, Here you go George
These are overall dimensions
I would go with 0603, although an 0805 might fit ok too.
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[skent]

Those pad dimensions that you described are definitely for an 0603 component in a medium density placement configuration.      In short, an 0603 is your best bet.

-S

[skent]

Bear in mind that white LEDs, especially warm white, tend to be a tiny bit larger than others.

Thankfully, if a component offers itself as an EIA standard package size, then that component needs to match EIA standard dimensions within the provided tolerances.    For example, two 0402 components may vary slightly in length or width in their nominal dimensions, but they should always be within the, albeit, loose tolerance ranges provided by the EIA standards.

-S

[peteski]

Bear in mind that white LEDs, especially warm white, tend to be a tiny bit larger than others.

Maybe in height (due to the need for deeper phosphor coating), but for example any 0805 size LED's (or other component's like resistor's or capacitor's) footprint will always be 0.080" x 0.050", regardless of its color.  It is an industry standard, with established dimensions, that applies to all surface mounted devices.

[nickelplate759]

In any event, in this application there is plenty of space around the LED, so a tiny bit larger won't be an issue.

Thanks all!