Quick Specs
| Manufacturer / Ordering Code |
Osram / Sylvania EKE/X | Mfg. Order Code: 58771 | UPC: 046135587719 |
| Lamp Type / Technology |
Tungsten halogen reflector lamp (MR16) | Long-life variant |
| Wattage / Voltage |
150W / 21V |
| Base / Socket |
GX5.3 Bi-Pin |
| Optical Profile |
MR16 reflector format (focused beam) | CCT: 3,150K |
| Average Life |
1,000 hours |
Critical Compatibility Warning: MR16 Look-Alikes Are Common
The EKE/X is a 150W / 21V MR16 halogen lamp on a GX5.3 base. MR16 lamps are sold in multiple voltages
(12V, 15V, 21V, 24V) that can look similar but are not interchangeable. Match voltage, wattage, base,
and the exact lamp code specified by your equipment.
Why an EKE/X “Long Life” Lamp Exists (and the Tradeoffs)
“Long life” variants are engineered to extend service intervals and reduce downtime in instruments that run many hours per day.
Extending life typically involves operating the filament under conditions that reduce evaporation and stress. The common tradeoff is a
warmer (lower) color temperature and often lower luminous output compared to shorter-life “high output” versions.
- Best fit: facilities prioritizing uptime, consistent maintenance intervals, and reduced lamp changes.
- Be mindful: color-critical inspection or camera workflows may require re-checking white balance or exposure settings when switching lamp variants.
The Science: How a Halogen Bulb Produces Light
A halogen lamp is a type of incandescent light source. Electrical current heats a tungsten filament until it becomes white-hot,
producing continuous-spectrum light (visible plus infrared) through thermal radiation.
The “halogen” advantage comes from the halogen cycle inside a quartz (high-silica) envelope: a small amount of halogen (often iodine/bromine)
reacts with evaporated tungsten and helps transport it back toward the filament where it redeposits. This reduces envelope blackening and supports consistent output
while operating at high temperature.
Industry Update: ams OSRAM ENI Business → Ushio (Expected Close by End of March 2026)
Ushio announced an agreement to acquire ams OSRAM’s Entertainment & Industry Lamps (ENI) business, with closing anticipated by the end of March 2026.
What this means for buyers: customers may see changes in labeling, packaging, part-number presentation, origin labeling, and distribution channels across certain specialty lamp lines.
To reduce risk, qualify replacements by 150W/21V, GX5.3, and the MR16 form factor, and keep the manufacturer code (EKE/X / 58771) in maintenance records.
Compatible Illuminators & Systems (How to Qualify Without Guessing)
The EKE/X long-life lamp is commonly specified in fiber optic light sources and instrument illumination modules
where extended run time reduces maintenance interruptions. Because “MR16” is only the lamp shape, confirm compatibility using the checklist below.
Qualification Checklist (must match)
- Electrical: 21V and 150W (confirm instrument supply is designed for 21V lamps).
- Base: GX5.3 bi-pin (pin spacing and seating depth must match).
- Optical geometry: reflector format and filament reference position affect coupling, focus, and field uniformity.
- Thermal limits: housing must be designed for a 150W halogen heat load with proper shielding/ventilation.
| Application Category |
Typical System Types |
What Usually Drives EKE/X Selection |
| Fiber Optic Light Sources |
External “cold light” sources feeding light guides for inspection stations, stereo microscopes, and industrial workcells.
|
Reduced downtime from fewer lamp changes; continuous-spectrum output for consistent visual inspection.
|
| Instrument / Module Illumination |
Built-in lamp housings where the optical path was validated around halogen geometry and thermal behavior.
|
A stable, validated optical configuration with an extended service interval.
|
| Long-Run Operations |
Facilities that run illumination for many hours daily and want predictable maintenance cycles.
|
Life and maintenance interval are prioritized over maximum brightness.
|
Stop-and-check rule: If your equipment manual calls out 15V (or a different lamp code), do not assume EKE/X is compatible even if the lamp looks similar.
Why Some Halogen Lamps Do NOT Have a True LED Direct Replacement
In general lighting, LED MR16 lamps are common. In instrument illumination (fiber coupling, microscopes, imaging workcells),
“MR16 shape” is not the complete specification. Many systems are engineered around halogen’s filament geometry,
electrical behavior, thermal profile, and continuous spectrum.
1) Optical Coupling (Filament vs LED Emitter)
- Filament position is the optical reference: housings assume a precise filament location relative to reflector and coupling optics.
- LED emitters are different: LEDs are typically larger apparent sources (or multi-die arrays) with different emission patterns.
- Etendue limits: fiber inputs and condensers may not accept LED light efficiently, reducing brightness at the target.
2) Electrical / Dimming Compatibility
- Halogen is a resistive load: many instruments dim by changing voltage (smooth filament response).
- LED requires a driver: a “drop-in” LED must add constant-current regulation and protections in a small envelope.
- Flicker risk: incompatible LED retrofits can introduce flicker (bad for imaging) or unstable dimming.
3) Thermal Design (Heat Path Is Different)
- Halogen radiates heat: housings are often designed for radiative heat with shielding and airflow.
- LED conducts heat: LEDs need heatsinking into the housing; without it, LED life drops quickly.
- Mechanical constraints: high-output LED heatsinks may not fit where alignment requires the lamp to sit.
4) Spectrum / Imaging Response
- Halogen is continuous-spectrum: predictable response through filters, optics, and camera sensors.
- LED is spectrally shaped: even high-CRI can shift color response in camera pipelines and inspection workflows.
- Validation impact: changing source type may require re-qualification in regulated or calibrated processes.
Replacement & Handling Notes
- Match voltage exactly: this is a 21V MR16 lamp. Substituting 12V/20V/24V types changes output and can shorten life.
- Confirm base & seating: ensure proper GX5.3 fit and full seating depth to maintain optical alignment.
- Long-life benefits depend on conditions: stable voltage regulation and correct ventilation help preserve rated life.
- Keep the envelope clean: fingerprints/residues can create localized hot spots. Use clean nitrile gloves and/or a lint-free wipe.
- Allow full cool-down: halogen lamps operate at high temperature; cool fully before removal.
Storage Guidance
- Store in original packaging to protect reflector surface and quartz envelope.
- Keep dry and temperature-stable; avoid vibration and crushing forces.
- Inspect packaging condition before use (especially older stock).
Cleanroom Considerations
Treat lamp changes as a controlled maintenance step: minimize packaging debris, use low-lint handling materials, and keep the reflector/envelope free of oils and particulates prior to powering the instrument.
Stage clean nitrile gloves and a cleanroom-grade lint-free wipe during installation to reduce contamination risk and prevent residue transfer to nearby optics.
Technical Disclaimer
Specifications and compatibility guidance are provided for informational purposes only.
SOSCleanroom does not manufacture this product and relies on published manufacturer data and industry-standard references.
Always verify compatibility with your equipment documentation and internal validation requirements before installation.
Need a fast compatibility check?
Send us your instrument make/model and the exact lamp callout (voltage + base + lamp code). We’ll confirm a safe match.
For mission-critical optical systems, confirm OEM requirements (voltage, wattage, base type, reflector/beam format, and thermal limits) prior to use.
