What Are the Differences Between SMD and COB LEDs?
LED light sources are quite popular compared to traditional incandescent lamps. Because it consumes less energy and can work about 25 times longer. SMD LEDs and COB LEDs are commonly used in the lighting industry. So what are the differences between the two models?
LED light sources are quite popular compared to traditional incandescent lamps. Because it consumes less energy and can work about 25 times longer. SMD LEDs and COB LEDs are commonly used in the lighting industry. So what are the differences between the two models?
SMD stands for “Surface mounted device“. SMD LEDs, which are soldered to the printed circuit board (PCB), are the most widely used LED types on the market. SMD LEDs are used in LED bulbs, LED light strips and even in the notification light of mobile phones.
Unlike conventional DIP LEDs, SMD LEDs can have more than 2 contacts. A maximum of 3 diodes (chips) can be contained within a single SMD LED.
The abbreviation of COB means “Chip on board“. The difference between COB LEDs and SMD LEDs is that they have more diode. COB LEDs usually contain 9 or more diodes.
Monochromatic standard COB LED chips have 2 contacts. It is frequently used due to the panel-like appearance of the COB LED light and the simple circuit requirement. COB LEDs can show better cooling performance thanks to the ceramic substrate. COB LEDs are preferred for high lumen output in floodlights and spotlights.
For example; When designing a 50W LED floodlight, you need to use dozens of SMD LEDs. Instead, it will be sufficient to use one 50W COB LED measuring 28 x 28 mm.
Both COB and SMD LEDs have high luminous efficiency and high durability. Both have an extremely low failure rate.
COB LEDs are being used more and more in lighting applications with their simpler structures, lower light losses and high lumen output in a small area.
CREE, Seoul Semiconductor, Citizen, Bridgelux and Evercore are the leading COB LED manufacturers of the world. Manufacturers such as Nichia, Osram, Lumileds, LG Innotek and Edison also stand out in SMD LED technology.
Both SMD and COB technology have wide application areas. One of the two technologies should be chosen according to the application needs.