What are the differences between types of LED chip?

What Does the Number of an LED Chip Indicate?

Each LED chip, which is also referred to as a surface mounted diode or SMD, is labeled with a four-digit code. This code may seem complex, but it simply denotes the size of the LED chip. For example, SMDs used in LED strip lights often measure 5.0mm x 5.0mm.

If you would like further details, please visit Moonleds.

Which LED Chip is the Best?

Chips like 3528, 5050, 5630, and 2835 are not distinctly different types but rather different sizes. Each chip possesses unique specifications, including varying power requirements and brightness output. The optimal choice ultimately hinges on the specific needs of your project.

To delve deeper into each LED chip, continue reading below.

Explaining the LED Chip

The SMD 3528 chip measures 3.5mm x 2.8mm, making it smaller than the standard SMD used in LED strips. These chips are typically found in 12-volt LED strips that consume 4.8 watts (commonly referred to as 4.8w p/m or 5w p/m LED tape) and contain 60 SMDs per meter.

These strip lights yield approximately 330-360 lumens per meter, depending on the color, which is comparable to a 40w halogen bulb. This brightness level is sufficient for achieving an even, luminous effect on any surface.

In addition, InStyle provides standard colors including red, green, blue, amber, as well as warm and cool white SMDs. (Other white color temperatures are available upon request.)

The 60 SMD per meter LED strip lights find common use in feature lighting applications, such as plinth or coving lights, within homes, bars, restaurants, hotels, and various other settings.

While the standard 60 SMDs per meter LED tape is more common, there are also strips with 120 chips per meter. Operating at 9.6 watts (noted as 9.6w p/m or 10w p/m LED tape), these strips maintain the same color range. Their light output is exactly double that of the 60 SMDs per meter, producing around 660-720 lumens per meter, depending on the color.

The 120 SMD per meter LED strips are ideal for similar features as their standard counterpart and are recommended for areas with high ambient light where more luminance is essential compared to the 4.8w p/m version.

The cut points for our 60 SMD per meter LED strips are spaced 50mm apart. In contrast, the 120 SMD per meter strips have cut points every 25mm. Waterproof versions (IP67-rated) are also available for both types.

Safety Considerations

What are the Various LED Package Types?

While exploring LED products, you will encounter various four-digit designations for LED types. Initially, these codes may appear perplexing! This section aims to clarify the distinctions between common LED types and what to watch for.

What is an LED Package?

An LED lamp typically consists of multiple LEDs mounted onto a circuit board, commonly specified with density numbers such as 60 per meter for LED strips. Each LED can be categorized into different types known as LED packages.

An LED package refers to the plastic housing that contains an LED chip and phosphor. The LED chip is the semiconductor material that produces light (blue light), and phosphor transforms part of this light into green and red wavelengths. This combination results in the white light emitted by the LED package.

Different Types of LED Packages

LED packages are identified by four-digit codes indicating their dimensions. The first two digits reflect the width, and the last two digits indicate the length, measured in tenths of a millimeter. For instance, the 3528 LED package has a width of 3.5 mm and a length of 2.8 mm.

Generally, larger packages can manage more power due to their increased surface area for heat dissipation. However, this is not universally true. For example, the 3030 package has the same dimensions as the 3528 but is a newer design capable of higher power levels. The material and thermal design of the package significantly impact power capacity.

Generation 1 LEDs: 3528 and 5050

The first generation of surface mount LEDs comes in 3528 and 5050 sizes. The 3528 typically contains a single 20 mA LED chip (approximately 0.06 Watts), while the 5050 can hold three 20 mA chips (approximately 0.2 Watts). A single 5050 package has three times the capacity of the 3528.

Additionally, the 5050 package generally accommodates three different LED chips, which is a common method for packaging RGB LEDs requiring multiple colors. They can also be utilized for single-color white LEDs, using three blue LED chips.

Generation 2: 2835 and 3535

The second generation of LED types has experienced an uptick in power density. The 2835 LED is generally operated at 60 mA (0.2 Watts), whereas the 3535 LED usually runs at 150 mA (0.5 Watts). Significant advancements in LED chip technology and thermal design have dramatically increased power levels. However, the power output of these LEDs may surpass the thermal capacity of the strip system due to material constraints and minimal heat sinking.

Both generation 2 types also feature a lower profile, making them suitable for installations with limited vertical space and minimizing yellowing at the fringes.

Alternative Package Types

Mini LEDs are another package type you may encounter. These low power LEDs (approximately 20 mA each) are widely used in LCD backlighting applications where a high LED count is essential for uniformity. Similarly, there are LED strips that use these LEDs arranged diagonally at high density to produce a consistent linear light source.

Circular LEDs are also common in LED strip designs. Their symmetrical circular emission surface allows for effective pairing with secondary optics and lenses. These LEDs typically run at 300 mA or more (up to 1.0 Watts) but are often not operated at full capacity due to thermal considerations.

Conclusion

When selecting an LED strip, the type of LED can significantly affect its performance. It is crucial to evaluate both the quality and performance of individual LEDs, in addition to the overall count, as this impacts overall efficacy.

For additional insights into China SMD LED supply, do not hesitate to reach out to us.