What are the differences between COB and SMD Strip ...

What is COB LED Lighting?

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COB LED, or Chip-on-Board LED, refers to a light source where multiple LED chips are directly mounted onto a circuit board, creating a compact and bright illumination that surpasses traditional LED lights in both efficiency and brightness.

What is SMD LED Lighting?

SMD LED, which stands for Surface-Mount Device LED, is a type of LED that is soldered directly on a printed circuit board (PCB). This design makes SMD LEDs smaller and easier to manufacture compared to traditional LED options.

How much brighter is COB over SMD?

Typically, COB LEDs are brighter than their SMD counterparts, offering up to three times more light output due to the multiple LED chips mounted on a board. The following table illustrates the brightness comparison between COB and SMD LEDs:

As evident, COB LEDs provide a better lumens per watt ratio, resulting in greater light production for equivalent electricity consumption.

Does COB output smoother light than SMD?

COB LEDs generally produce smoother light compared to SMD LEDs, thanks to the even distribution of multiple chips over the circuit board. This eliminates shadows and hotspots, providing a more aesthetically pleasing light source.

SMD LEDs tend to have chips spaced closely, which can yield uneven light and visible hotspots.

Does COB have a wider angle than SMD?

Overall, COB LEDs usually feature a wider beam angle due to the multiple chips on the PCB, facilitating greater light dispersion. In contrast, SMD LEDs have only one chip, resulting in a narrower light beam.

While beam angles can vary by manufacturer and model, COB LEDs generally offer broader coverage.

Are COB and SMD Strip Lights installed the same way?

Installation procedures for COB and SMD strip lights are mostly similar but have slight variations based on their packaging:

COB Strip Lights Installation:

• Clean the surface: Removing dirt and grease is essential for adequate adhesion, typically done with alcohol.
• Measure and cut: Assess and cut COB strips to the necessary length at designated cut points.
• Connect the power supply: Ensure all connections and polarity align correctly.
• Mount the strip lights: Adhere COB strips to the clean surface and use additional mounting clips as needed.
• Test the lights: Confirm functionality after plugging in.

SMD Strip Lights Installation:

• Clean the surface: Proper cleaning is critical for ensuring durability and adhesion, again typically done with alcohol.
• Measure and cut: Trim the SMD strips as needed at allotted cut points.
• Attach end caps: Protect exposed sections by securing end caps.
• Connect the power supply: Maintain correct polarity while connecting.
• Mount the strip lights: Carefully attach SMD strips, supplementing with clips if desired.
• Test the lights: Check functionality post-installation.

Key Differences:
COB strip lights usually don’t require soldering, unlike SMD strip lights that may necessitate it. Additionally, SMD strip lights often require end caps for moisture protection, while COB designs typically offer more robust construction, eliminating this need.

How much energy do COB LED strip lights use compared to SMD LED Strip Lights?

COB LED strip lights are generally more energy-efficient than SMD LED models, providing a greater light output per watt due to their tighter chip arrangement. Below is a comparison of energy efficiency:

With COB LED strip lights offering up to 40% more light per watt, fewer strips are needed to produce comparable brightness to SMD lights, translating to long-term energy and cost savings.

Do COB LED Strip Lights cost more than SMD LED Strip Lights?

Generally, COB LED strip lights come at a higher cost compared to SMD options, attributed to the increased materials used and intricate manufacturing procedures. Typically, they are priced about 20-30% higher than SMD strip lights.

Despite the higher price, the benefits of COB LED strip lights, such as energy efficiency and consistent light output devoid of “spotty” appearances, may justify the cost difference.

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Will COB LED Strip Lights last as long as SMD LED Strip Lights?

Both COB and SMD LED strip lights boast long lifespans averaging between 50,000 to 100,000 hours. Nonetheless, several factors influence their longevity:

• Quality of the LED chips: Higher-quality chips generally yield better lifespan.
• Operating temperature: Correct temperature ranges are essential to prevent premature degradation.
• Humidity: High humidity can cause corrosion, reducing lifespan.
• Dimming: Proper dimmer use is necessary to avoid additional stress on the LEDs.

Typically, COB LED strip lights have a slight longevity advantage due to superior heat dissipation, but both types will last several years under normal conditions.

Will COB LED Strip Lights get hotter when running compared to SMD LED Strip Lights?

COB LED strip lights will generally get hotter during operation given the closer chip arrangement that generates more heat, while SMD LEDs, due to their spacing, tend to manage heat more efficiently.

Do COB LED Strip Lights use the same wattage as SMD LED Strip Lights?

Typically, COB LED strip lights utilize more wattage than SMD LED strip lights due to the compact chip layout and higher power consumption. The wattage differences manifest as follows:

What are the cut points on COB LED Strip Lights?

COB LED strip lights come in various colors, including:

• RGB: These are versatile, producing various colors through red, green, and blue mixing.
• RGBW: Similar to RGB but includes a dedicated white chip for a wider color range.
• Single-color: Available in colors like red, green, blue, yellow, white, and pink.
• White: These can generate different color temperatures from warm to cool white.

Can COB LED Strip Lights change colour?

Indeed, COB LED strip lights have the ability to change color, available in RGB, RGBW, and single-color variations. A controller is required for changing colors, allowing selections of color, brightness, and various features.

Can COB LED Strip Lights be controlled using DMX?

Yes, COB LED strip lights support DMX control, which provides reliable lighting management, requiring a DMX decoder to translate signals for the LEDs.

Do COB LED Strip Lights need a different controller than SMD LED Strip Lights?

Indeed, COB and SMD strip lights necessitate different controllers, primarily due to their electrical characteristics. A constant voltage (CV) controller typically works with COB LEDs, while SMD LEDs often require a constant current (CC) controller.

Furthermore, these LED types may employ distinct connectors; COB often uses 5-pin, whereas SMD generally utilizes 4-pin connectors, meaning interoperability is not feasible.

When is it best to use COB LED over SMD LED?

Choosing between COB and SMD LEDs depends on their suitability for specific applications:

• Opt for COB LEDs when:
  • High brightness is paramount, such as in settings requiring intense illumination.
  • A uniform light distribution is essential, suitable for tasks or architectural features.
  • A wider beam angle is needed for general or stage lighting.
  • Heat management is feasible without major concerns.
• Choose SMD LEDs when:
  • Cost-effectiveness is critical for limited budgets.
  • A more compact size is necessary for space constraints.
  • A broad range of color temperature is required for various applications.
  • Durability is crucial for taking on rugged uses.

In conclusion, assess factors like brightness, light distribution, beam angle, cost, compactness, and durability to make the most suitable decision between COB and SMD LEDs.