COB vs SMD LEDs: Differences and Benefits Explained

LEDs play a significant role in our daily lives, offering longevity and efficiency. Nowadays, we find LEDs in various applications across multiple sectors. They can be categorized into two main types: COB and SMD. COB stands for "Chip on Board," while SMD refers to "Surface Mounted Device."

Getian exports high-quality products to various industries globally. Our goal is to provide our customers with superior, high value-added products. Let's work together to create a brighter future.

In this article, we will delve into both types of LEDs, discussing their operational mechanisms, features, manufacturing processes, and functional comparisons.

What Is COB LED?

COB LED

COB LEDs represent a significant advancement in the LED industry, boasting numerous advantages over other LED types.

A specific arrangement of LED chips is required to produce COB lights. These chips are closely packed together on a base made of silicon carbide. This design offers excellent and uniform illumination, making it ideal for filmmakers and photographers alike.

COB chips typically consist of nine or more diodes. Their circuitry is independent of the number of diodes present; they utilize a single circuit and two contacts. When larger chips are used, they can generate brightness levels of up to 250 lumens. However, these lights are less suitable for color-changing applications since they operate on a single circuit.

Basic Understanding Of COB Technology:

The essence of a COB LED lighting system is the lights themselves. "Chip On Board" implies that each unit comprises several LED chips arranged closely on a surface, typically made of ceramics or metal. These chips are semiconductors that emit light photons.

It was once thought that high quality and battery runtime were inversely related: higher brightness meant shorter battery life. However, COB technology contradicts this notion, allowing COB LEDs to produce high brightness with low wattage consumption.

What Is SMD LED?

SMD LED

SMD stands for Surface Mounted Devices. This technique involves mounting circuit components directly onto circuit boards. SMD LEDs are compact and lack pins or leads, making them more suitable for automated assembly rather than manual handling. Due to the absence of a hemispherical epoxy casing, SMD LEDs provide a wider viewing angle.

SMD LEDs can achieve bright illumination while consuming less wattage. They integrate three primary colors (RGB) in a single encapsulation, employing a polarization process for circuit assembly. High-quality equipment is crucial for this process, as it helps mitigate issues like non-functional LEDs.

Basic Understanding Of SMD Technology:

SMD technology has evolved from older manufacturing methods that utilized wire leads. In contrast, SMD allows for mounting on small devices, necessitating less space. This advancement is beneficial for small electronic appliances.

Automated PCB assembly is feasible through this technology, enhancing the reliability, efficiency, and performance of the devices.

Key Differences Between The COB LED And The SMD LED:

Let's explore some distinguishing features that help evaluate which LED type may be preferable:

Energy Efficiency:

In general, COB lights provide superior energy efficiency, making them an excellent choice for lighting performance. Both LED types are highly energy efficient compared to traditional filament bulbs, which enhances their popularity.

Energy efficiency in SMD and COB LEDs correlates with the lumens produced. Higher lumens indicate better energy efficiency, with SMD generally less efficient than COB.

Color And Color Temperature:

In the realm of color and color temperature, SMD has an advantage over COB. SMD offers a wider range of colors and allows for more adjustable temperature settings.

Utilizing the RGB primary colors, SMD can effectively display nearly any color. Its flexibility in customizing color temperature makes it a versatile option. Conversely, COB LEDs emit a single color and do not allow for adjustments in color temperature, providing stable lighting as a trade-off.

Quality Of Light:

COB and SMD technologies differ in light quality due to their unique features and diode counts, which influence brightness and range.

Lights produced with SMD technology tend to exhibit glaring effects, making them suitable for point lighting applications. Conversely, COB technology produces a uniform, even light beam that is ideal for wider angles and surface lighting.

Manufacturing Cost:

The costs associated with devices utilizing COB and SMD technologies can vary based on labor and manufacturing expenses. Typically, SMD production is more expensive, accounting for 15% of the material cost, while COB accounts for about 10%. Notably, these figures are general, yet they indicate that SMD tends to be pricier than COB.

Brightness:

LED technology produces brighter lights than traditional bulbs. Brightness varies between COB and SMD, primarily due to differences in lumens.

COB LEDs typically deliver at least 80 lumens per watt, while SMD can range from 50 to 100 lumens per watt, making COB lights the more luminous option.

Manufacturing Process:

Both LED types have distinct manufacturing processes. In SMD production, insulating and conductive glues secure chip attachment to pads, which are then welded to ensure a firm hold. After a performance test, the assembly is coated with epoxy resin.

In contrast, COB chips are directly attached to the PCB, also undergoing performance testing before receiving an epoxy resin coat.

Application:

COB and SMD technologies serve different applications:

• Signage
• Lighting commercial premises
• Clubs
• Bars
• Restaurants
• Hotels
• Retail shops

COB technologies are more suited for industrial applications and security purposes due to their beam characteristics and brightness. Evaluating all factors is essential before choosing the most suitable LED technology for your needs.

Which LED Is More Applicable?

LED lights are ubiquitous in contemporary life. To illustrate the differences between SMD and COB, consider two scenarios.

Photography:

COB LED lights are favored in photography due to their wide beam angles and luminous uniformity, making them ideal for filmmakers and photographers alike.

Architectural Lighting:

For general diffused panel lighting, SMD LEDs are preferred, as they come with a frosted diffuser. In contrast, COB LEDs excel in complex lighting applications, particularly in architectural settings, where wider beam angles are required for visual appeal.

Which LED Is Brighter And Better?

• Cost-effectiveness
• Energy efficiency
• Brightness

Cost-effectiveness:

LED lights generally offer economical advantages over traditional bulbs. Their long lifespan, energy efficiency, and brightness contribute to their popularity, with COB LEDs proving to be more cost-effective than SMDs.

Energy Efficiency:

LED lights save more energy compared to other bulb types. Energy efficiency varies between COB and SMD based on lumens; higher lumens lead to improved efficiency.

Brightness:

Brightness is often the primary consideration in lighting. COB LEDs are brighter due to their higher lumen output compared to SMD LEDs.

What Are The Similarities Between COB LED And SMD LED?

Despite their differences, COB and SMD technologies share several similarities, including:

• Both technologies feature chips with multiple diodes on the surface.
• Each chip comprises two contacts and a single circuit.
• Though varying in number, both LED types have superior brightness and energy-saving properties.
• Both utilize LED technology.
• Both types feature simple designs and extended lifespans.

Conclusion:

LED technology surpasses traditional lighting in longevity, energy efficiency, and brightness, making it the preferred choice for illumination. While COB LEDs excel in various essential aspects, the best choice will ultimately depend on the specific application requirements.

This article offers a foundational understanding of the distinctions and similarities between SMD and COB LED technologies, equipping you to determine which option aligns best with your needs.

We specialize in manufacturing high-quality customized LED strips and neon lights.
Please contact us if you are looking to purchase LED lights.