What is a COB LED?
How Long Do COB LEDs Last?
When Using Battery Power, Why are COB LEDs So Important?
What are the Differences between Normal Led and COB LED?
Differences between COB LEDs and SMD LEDs
Why Choose the COB LED?
The Advantages and Disadvantages of COB LED
Multiple Uses of COB LED
Conclusion
LED lights are continually being upgraded to increase their usability, adaptability, and energy efficiency. When compared to standard incandescent lights, LED lights are extremely popular since they may last up to 25 times longer while using less power.
COB and SMD LED lights are two types of LED lights available, which are the two primary sources of light these days. Both of these components create high-quality illumination and have a lengthy life expectancy, as well as the highest efficiency to date.
In this case, we will talk about COB LEDs, which are the latest in the LED industry and provide a number of advantages over the previous options.
One of the most recent developments in the world of LEDs is "Chip on Board" (COB) technology. When contrasted to other standards, we can consider it quite recent and innovative.
COB lights are made up of an arrangement of LED chips that are tightly packed and attached to a silicon carbide base. As a result, one huge LED chip with outstanding illumination uniformity is created, making it perfect for many professionals such as filmmakers and photographers.
Generally, COB chips feature nine or even more diodes. Irrespective of the number of diodes, COB chips only have two contacts and one circuit. On a big chip, this can result in more powerful lighting of up to 250 lumens (at 20mA). The panel-like aspect of COB LED lights is due to the chip's basic circuit design.
COB LED lights, unlike SMD LED lights, cannot be utilized to make color-changing lamps or lights. That is due to the fact that there are only two contacts and one circuit. To achieve the color-changing illusion, several modification channels are needed. COB LED lights are hence effective in single-color applications.
The longevity of a COB LED is determined by how they are used as well as how much heat they are exposed to. A COB LED has an average rated lifetime of 50,000 hours. That is assuming a person uses them for 12 hours a day on average.
There has always been a trade-off between both the amount of high-quality lumen output (brightness) and the duration of runtime through battery operation when building a battery-powered lighting system. If you utilize the same size battery, the more high-quality illumination you want, the shorter the runtime will be. That has become considerably less of a concern with the emergence of COB LED tech.
COB LEDs with little power can produce exceedingly high-quality, ultra-bright light. As a consequence, a COB LED-based lighting system may be powered for extended periods of time using a relatively tiny and lightweight lithium-ion battery pack.
To begin, a basic understanding of Surface-Mounted Device (SMD) LEDs is required. They are by far the most widely used LEDs on the market today. The LED chip is firmly fused to a printed circuit board and is widely utilized due to its adaptability, even in the notification light on the smartphone. The amount of diodes and contacts on SMD LED chips is one of their most distinguishing features.
More than two contacts are possible on SMD LED chips. On a single chip, up to three diodes can be found, each with its own circuit. An anode and cathode would be used in each circuit, resulting in 2, 4, or 6 connections on a chip.
SMD LED chips can include up to three diodes on a single chip, each with its own circuit. In a chip of this type, each circuitry contains a single anode and one cathode, resulting in 2, 4, or 6 connections. COB chips typically have nine or even more diodes. Furthermore, irrespective of the number of diodes, COB chips have two contacts and one circuit. COB LED lights have a panel-like appearance, whereas SMD LED lights would seem like a collection of smaller lights due to this straightforward circuit design.
The SMD LED chip could have a red, green, and blue diode. By employing those three diodes, you can generate any hue simply by altering the output level. But there are just two contacts and one circuitry on COB LED lights. They can't be utilized to create color-changing lights or bulbs. To achieve the color-changing appearance, multiple channel modifications are needed. As a result, COB LED lights are effective in single-color applications but not in multi-color uses.
The luminosity of SMD chips is well known, and they may generate 50 to 100 lumens per watt. COB is noted for its high heat efficiency and lumens per watt ratio. With a minimum number of 80 lumens per watt, COB chips could emit more lumens with less power. It can be found in a variety of bulbs and applications, such as a point-and-shoot camera or your phone's flash.
In SMD LED chips, a smaller current capacity is necessary; however, in COB LED chips, a large current capacity external energy source is needed.
COB LED lights, as a basic guideline, are higher-quality light emitters. This is due to the fact that they use reflectors to create concentrated and regulated light. They also lack the frosted lens that comes standard with SMD LED lights.
COB LEDs are a higher-end LED that has a more structural look. In case you intend to live with your LED bulbs for a long time, a COB is a way to go; if you are located in an investment property, SMD will suffice.
You should expect brighter, clearer lighting. COB LED lights, for example, are useful in high-ceiling areas.
* Because of the multi-diode incorporation, there is a lot of light.
* It produces more lumens while using less energy.
* Due to the limited light emission zone, the device is small in size. As a consequence, the lumen per square centimeter/inch has grown significantly.
* To active the many diode chips housed in COB LEDs, a single circuitry with only two connections is used. As a result, there are fewer parts per LED chip that are necessary for proper performance. Furthermore, by reducing the number of components and eliminating the standard LED chip architecture packing, the heat created by each LED chip can be decreased.
* Due to the extreme ease of installation in an outside heat sink, the entire temperature range of the entire assembly is lower. When you keep things at a set temperature, they last longer and are more reliable, which saves you money.
* Clarity is improved, and efficiency is boosted.
* Since it can cover a big area with one chip, it has a huge focusing area.
* Excellent anti-vibration properties
* A well-engineered outside power source. That occurs since it requires a steady current and voltage to avoid damaging the diodes.
* A well-designed heat sink is very important. If the heating element is not properly placed, the diode will be destroyed due to overheating. Due to the highly focused light waves emitted from a limited area, a considerable amount of heat is created.
* Lighting fixtures with cob chips have a lower repairability. That is because in case one of the solitary diodes in a COB is damaged as a result of a mechanical malfunction, the entire COB led must be substituted with a newer one. In the case of SMD LED, however, if one fails, it is simple to change it and get it back to operate at a lower cost.
* Color selection is limited.
* More expensive than SMD chips.
COB LEDs have a wide range of applications, extending from residential to industrial utility, with some of them being:
* COB LEDs would be used primarily as solid-state lighting (SSL) substitutes for metal-halide bulbs in street lighting, high-bay lighting, downlights, and high-output track lights.
* They are useful in LED lighting fixtures for placement in living rooms and huge halls because of their wide-angle beam.
* High lumens at night time are required in spaces such as a playground, gardens, or a large stadium.
* Additional applications incorporate basic lighting for passageways and corridors, fluorescent lighting replacement, LED lamps, light strips, smartphone camera flash, and so on.
COB LEDs are becoming more popular in lighting applications as designers discover the advantages of employing them over typical standard LEDs. It's difficult not to take into account them for any led light application structure because of:
* Their ability to cram more LED sources into a smaller area, resulting in higher lumen output
* Their ability to transmit heat to a heat sink more efficiently
* Their wider field of view
* Their lower light loss
* Their lower failure rates are due to their more straightforward construction
COB LEDs are the most recent and advanced tech available today. Simply said, they are brighter, use less electricity, and provide a higher-quality beam of light than previous LED technology now used in most trade show illumination.
LED light is getting popular with its energy-efficient and durable characteristics. Residential and commercial lighting, automotive, electronics, and signage applications use LED light. As an LED light company, we must keep up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies in the market. Thus, we can provide our customers with the best products available.
In the LED lighting industry, there are two prevalent types of LEDs: COB and SMD. They are solid-state durable lighting solutions with no moving parts. Both technologies are used for general lighting applications. They offer higher energy efficiency levels than traditional lighting solutions like incandescent bulbs.
This post will compare COB and SMD LED so you can make informed decisions for your lighting needs. Let’s get started!
COB LED stands for Chip On Board LED. It is a type of LED with many LED chips mounted on a single substrate to form a single module. The LED chips are closely packed, which results in a high light output from a small area. This makes the light output more uniform and reduces the risk of glare.
SMD LED stands for Surface Mounted Device LED. It is a type of LED mounted onto a circuit board using a surface-mount technology (SMT) process. SMD LED chips are smaller than COB LED chips and compact, with a flat top and a rectangular shape. SMD LED technology allows for a high degree of precision in placement. As a result, it produces high-quality light output.
Both COB and SMD LEDs have their pros and cons. It is crucial to consider them when choosing the right LED lighting for your needs. Factors such as the size of the space, the desired light output, and the budget should all be considered.
COB LED is well-known for its superior lumen output and color rendering index (CRI). It can produce more light per watt with a high lumen output. Thus, COB LED is more energy-efficient than SMD LED. COB LED can emit more light from a smaller surface area. It is proved to be an excellent choice for applications with limited space.
SMD LED has its own set of advantages in terms of performance. While SMD LED does not have the same lumen output as COB LED, it is more adaptable in size and shape. This facilitates integration into various lighting applications, such as LED strips and panels. SMD LED is a popular choice for energy-efficient lighting solutions due to its high efficiency.
Regarding the quality of light, the COB LED and SMD LED are different. This is due to the use of different numbers of diodes which influences the brightness and range of lighting. COB LED emits a uniform and glare-free light. The light beam produced is homogeneous and easy to modify. SMD LED has a glare to the resulting light and is ideal to be utilized as a point light.
The production cost of COB LED is lower than SMD LED. It typically comes in a standard size and shape. Its simplified manufacturing process helps keep costs down even for higher quantities.
For COB LED, labor and production costs account for 10% of the material cost. This demonstrates that chip-on-board LED saves you approximately 5% on manufacturing costs. You can also check this article to learn more about the process and costs for LED production.
In contrast, SMD LED has a higher production cost than COB LED, hence is more expensive. It is due to its complex manufacturing process that requires more precise equipment compared to COB LED.
SMD LED offers more versatility in terms of size and shape. This can add to the cost as manufacturers need to produce a broader range of SMD LED products to meet different application requirements. The manufacturing and labor costs account for almost 15% of the material cost.
COB LED is often used in applications that require high-intensity lighting. For example, stage lighting, stadium lighting, and outdoor lighting. COB LEDs can provide a high-lumen output, producing bright and intense light. COB LED chips can be designed to emit a narrow beam angle, making them ideal for directional lighting applications.
COB LEDs are also commonly used for applications that require high-quality lighting. For instance, COB LEDs may be preferred in museums or art galleries where the accuracy of color rendering is critical. Plus, COB LEDs have a high Color Rendering Index (CRI).
On the other hand, SMD LED is often used in applications that require a lower lumen output. Examples of applications are indoor lighting, automotive lighting, and backlighting. The flexibility and low cost are vital, and the small size of the SMD LEDs can help cut installation costs.
As for the applications, SMD LEDs are usually applied in retail or hospitality settings. In such cases, the lighting designs may need to be changed frequently. SMD LED is also proved to be useful in creating custom lighting designs.
The high power density of COB LEDs can cause a great heat build-up. This consequence affects the LED’s performance and lifespan. In such cases, thermal management systems effectively dissipate the heat in COB LEDs. This system is also used to manage heat build-up.
Thermal management usually entails the use of a heat sink. Heat sinks can be made of aluminum, copper, or ceramic. It absorbs and dissipates the heat away from the LED. This action prevents the COB LEDS from overheating and keeps them within safe temperature limits.
SMD LEDs can produce amounts of heat despite their lower power density. It can’t be denied that the thermal management requirements of SMD LEDs are less demanding than COB LEDs.
The heat sink used with the SMD LEDs is smaller than those used with COB LEDs. Thermal pads and adhesives can also be used to improve heat transfer efficiency.
COB LEDs have fewer components and a lower failure rate. They usually have lower maintenance requirements, including
Cleaning: Dirt and debris on the LED’s surface can reduce the amount of light emitted and cause the LED to overheat. Clean the COB LEDs with a soft cloth or brush.
Thermal management: Ensure the COB LED is installed in a heat sink or other cooling system. Thus, thermal management is optimized.
Replacement: COB LEDs are simple to install and remove.
SMD LEDs have multiple components, resulting in more maintenance than COB LEDs. Here are some considerations for SMD LED maintenance.
Cleaning: Use a soft brush or compressed air to remove any dirt or debris from SMD LEDs.
Soldering: SMD LEDs are soldered to a PCB. Inspect the solder joints on a regular basis and repair them as needed.
Replacement: The PCB must be removed, and a new LED soldered onto the board to replace an SMD LED.
Below are the factors to consider when deciding between COB and SMD LEDs:
COB LEDsSMD LEDsPerformanceHave higher brightness levels and better color renderingHave lower brightness levelsFlexibilityNot flexible for customization optionsProvide greater flexibility and customization optionsCostHave lower production costHave higher production costMaintenanceRequire less maintenance due to their simpler designRequire higher maintenanceSizeLarger in sizeSmaller in size
COB LEDs are generally best for high brightness levels, color accuracy, and long-term reliability needs. SMD LEDs are an excellent choice for applications requiring flexibility and customization.
COB chips typically have nine or more diodes concentrated in a single area. They all have one circuit and two contacts, regardless of the number of diodes.
COB LED lamps cannot generate color-changing bulbs or lamps. It requires multiple channels to create color-changing effects. Due to the concentration of the LEDs in one area, greater cooling capacity is needed to prevent overheating.
SMD LED chips can contain up to three diodes on a single chip. Each chip has its own circuit that has a cathode and an anode. As a result, the chip has 2, 4, or 6 contacts.
The chip comprises a red, green, and blue diode. It allows any color to be produced by varying the output frequency. SMD chips are well-known for their brightness, which ranges between 50 and 100 lumens per watt. They are available in a variety of sizes and can accommodate complex designs.
The COB chip usually has 9 or more diodes. It also has 1 circuit and 2 contacts, but it is not related to the number of diodes.COB LED lights cannot be used to produce color changing bulbs or lamps and need to be regulated through multiple channels to produce color changing effects.
Lastly, COB LEDs are more concentrated and require greater cooling capacity. SMD LEDs are versatile, bright, and can produce any color.
In short, COB and SMD LEDs are highly efficient and popular lighting solutions. Both of them have transformed the lighting industry. LED manufacturers constantly innovate and improve LED performance, efficiency, and durability.
The selection of COB or SMD LEDs is not the only factor influencing a lighting system’s overall quality and performance. Other major factors, including driver quality and optics, should be considered too.
COB and SMD LEDs have their respective advantages and disadvantages. Subsequently, the choice between the two is not always clear-cut. The decision is influenced by the lighting project’s specific needs and requirements. Besides, other factors that influence the overall lighting performance should also be considered.
I hope this article is helpful for your decision in choosing the right LED type. Or, you can achieve your optimal lighting results by working with Darkness LED. We are an experienced LED lighting company that supplies countries worldwide. Our team provides excellent after-sales service to give you peace of mind on LED packaging and inspection. Contact us today to get a comprehensive solution for your lighting needs!
COB LED driving lights
Turns out that I’m back at it again. I finally finished upgrading all of my exterior incandescent and halogen bulbs to LED, so where can I upgrade from there? Well, all the bulbs that I put in, with the exception of the headlights, were SMD (surface mounted device) type LED bulbs. There’s a new LED bulb type now coming out for certain automotive applications called a COB (circuit on board). These new COB bulbs are better in every way than a typical SMD LED. They have higher lumens output per watt, run cooler, last longer, and more. I’ll do a full blog post about the differences between the two LED styles another time. And so, here I am, upgrading some more…
COB left; SMD right
I apologize for the lackluster comparison photo. I was anxious to switch these bulbs, and was not well enough prepared. I started this after the sun went down, I wasn’t dressed for the -10°C weather, and I wound up with a soaked rear from sitting and laying on the ground. The photos definitely do not do the COB bulbs enough justice. However, they looked much better in person than the SMD. They take up seven watts compared to the outgoing bulbs ten watts, while almost doubling the lumens output at 2,000 to 1,200. A combination of badly aimed housings and rushed photography make them look almost equal.
COB LED low beams headlights and driving lights, with switchback LED parking lights
I have already ordered a couple more sets of COB LED bulbs, but certain areas will be retaining the SMD lighting for now. This is for a few various reasons. For my taillights, I just prefer the look of the SMD bulbs through my transparent lens. For my parking lights, they don’t yet make COB switchbacks. Lastly, for my reverse lights I want width and distance in a very small package, and COB lights don’t yet have projectors built in. As COB technology is more commonly used, it’s applications will of course grow.
COB LED driving lights with SMD switchback parking lights (no headlights)