Different Types of LED Chips

There has been huge growth in the LED lighting industry. People now understand the benefits of energy efficiency, so they look for ways to save energy. LED lights are energy efficient, and so the demand for this type of lights is increasing. Many lighting manufacturers are now producing LED lighting products. The manufacturers need to select the best LED chip to design and produce LED light fixtures. There are hundreds of chip manufacturers available. Before you select one, you need to understand all the different types of LED chips.

1 What is LED chip?

LED chip is a core component of LED, referring to the PN junction. Its main functions are: convert the electrical energy into light, the main material is Monocrystalline.

Light Emitting Diode (LED) is a solid-state semiconductor device, which can convert electricity directly into to light. LED’s heart is a semiconductor chip, one side of the chip is attached to a stent, the end is negative, the other side connects the positive terminal of the power, and the whole chip is packaged by epoxy resin. A semiconductor chip consists of two parts, one is a P-type semiconductor, the hole is in it dominant, the other part is the N-type semiconductor, in this part is mainly electronics. And a PN junction is formed between them when the two semiconductors connected. When the current acting on the chip through the wire, electronics will be pushed to P zone, in this areas where electronics recombination with the hole, then emit energy by the form of a photon, which is the principle of LED. The wavelength of the light or the color is determined by the material of PN junction.

2 The basic types of chip LEDs are:

SMD (Surface mounted diode) is a standalone chip on a ceramic base that can be integrated into various packages for linear LED strips or downlights.

COB (chip on board) LED, which comes as a high powered chip in direct contact with a printed circuit board optimal thermal management.

ETI FC (Flip-Chip) LED is a new patented technology by mounting the LED upside down compared to the present day COB LED production.

MCOB (multiple chips on board) LEDs, which are multiple COB LEDs integrated to form a single chip. This technology is used in LED bulbs and tubes.

MCCOB (multiple chips and cups on board) packages, which are used for high bay fixtures and floodlights.

This article mainly introduces SMD and COB.

3 COB (chip on board):

COB chips typically have 9 or more diodes. COB chips also only have 1 circuit and 2 contacts, regardless of the number of the diodes. This simple circuit design is the reason for the panel-like appearance of COB LED light.

COB (chip on board) LED, which comes as a high powered chip in direct contact with a printed circuit board optimal thermal management. COB and SMD can be similar because like SMD, COB chips have multiple diodes on the same “wafer” or chip. However, this is where the similarities end. In fact, on every COB chip there are multiple diodes; typically 9 or more. The other big difference between COB and SMD technology lies in the fact that while SMD requires a circuit for every diode included on the chip, COB devices only have 1 circuit and 2 contacts for the entire chip regardless of the number of diodes. This single circuit design, regardless of the number of diodes on the chip, leads to simplicity for the rest of any COB LED devices.

Perhaps even more important than the simplicity aspect, COB also leads to improved lumen-per-watt ratios in comparison to other LED technologies such as DIP and SMD. Unfortunately, the big draw back from the single circuit design of COB chips stems from the fact that multiple channels are necessary to adjust individual levels of light output to create color changing effects. What this basically means is that COB technology, while very powerful and efficient in single-color applications, cannot be used to create color changing bulbs or lights.

COB LED lights are frequently used as solid-state light replacements for old metal halide lamps in high-bay lighting. You’ll see them used for loading docks, factories, warehouses, delivery bays and other industrial applications. COB lights are often found in high-output downlights and track lights. They’re also used for street lighting, parking lots and outdoor facilities that need a wide spread of light over a large area.

4 SMD (Surface Mounted Diode):

SMD is a single chip-based upon ceramic that can be paired with multiple packages to form linear LED strips or downlights. This technology is powered with complicated designs such as SMD 5050 chips – it has capabilities of RGB on the single chip. The design of this chip is similar to a computer chip. This chip can support 2,4 or 6 contacts based on several diodes used on the chip.

This chip has been a very crucial development for the LED industry as it has capacities to put 3 diodes on the same chip. With the red, green and blue diode, you have the option to create any color of your choice by adjusting the level of output. There are many types of SMD LED. These are discussed below.

a. 5050 SMD LED Also known as a “tri chip,” this 3-LED design creates a high-output LED light with three times the brightness of the 3528 at about 22 lumens per chip. It’s also available as a “quad chip” with 4 LEDs. Multicolored 5050 LED lighting strips require an RGB LED controller to operate. LED 5050 SMD lights are used as bright accent lights, sign lights, task lighting, and cove lighting in homes or businesses. When 5050 are packed close together in a fixture, they can create a very powerfult light source, making them appropriate for full wall-washes, bar lights, club lighting, etc. Various colors in addition to warm and cool whites are available. In certain cases, the 5050 style can be used for primary lighting, such as for corridors or to replace fluorescent tube lights in residential and commercial locations.

b. 3528 SMD LED This medium output LED is frequently found on low voltage LED strips. It uses 1 light-emitting diode . and outputs about 7 lumens per chip, producing smooth, bright light. Less heat is given off, so they’re safer to touch than a halogen lamp. They’re also extremely reliable, with a rated lifespan of up to 50,000 hours. Various colors are available, in addition to cool and warm white. The 3528 SMD style LED chips are often used for feature or accent lighting, such as under cabinets and along stairs. They can also be used as cove lights or plinth lights, and are found in homes, restaurants, bars, hotels, and other environments. Double-power 3528 SMD can be used for general lighting LED tape, to replace halogen bulbs or fluorescent tubes.

c. 5630 SMD LED This style of LED chip is a bit smaller, yet outputs more light at a greater intensity than the 5050 SMD chip, up to 50 lumens per SMD, and they have a lifespan of up to 50,000 hours. There are many applications for 5630 SMDs, including hallway and stair lighting, window lights, deck lighting, contour or border lighting and trail lights. They’re ideal for commercial use in malls, clubs, theatres and restaurants, and as decorative lights. Other uses include architectural lighting, security and emergency lighting, backlighting, sign lights, and for special events and convention exhibits.

Newer Models of SMD LED Chips If you’re looking for even more efficient, brighter lights, newer styles include the 2835 SMD LED chip, 3020 SMD LED chip and 3014 SMD LED chip. These are even smaller than their predecessors and they offer extremely bright light with great efficiency, since it’s now possible to fit more LEDs on a length of PCB strip without the need for more power. They offer better heat dispersion, greater reliability, and a longer lifespan.

5 What are the best LED chips?

You should select LED chips that provide high luminous efficacy, color temperature, brightness, and durability. You need the best quality LED chip for general lighting applications such as parking area lights, roadways, etc.

In modern lighting design, LED  lights are getting popular. The architects are using the best LED light in their residential and commercial projects. When buying LED  lights, you need to buy one with the best LED chip. You can now choose from a wide selection of LED chips. You should remember that there you won’t find one ‘best’ chip. Each chip has its advantages, and it depends on the application.

6 LED technology in development

Other LED chip styles that you may be hearing about in the future include Multiple Chips on Board (MCOB), used in LED bulbs and tubes; Multiple Chips and Cups on Board packages (MCCOB), used for high bay fixtures and floodlights; Stereoscopic Chips on Board (SCOB) and ETP FC (Flip-Chip), a new technology that offers greater heat dissipation, longer life, nearly zero decay and a smaller design for a more focused light beam and greater brightness.

LED technology is constantly evolving and as time goes on, newer production methods and designs will yield ever more impressive LEDs that produce brighter light output and better quality light, all while using less and less energy.