COB vs SMD LED Strip Lights Explained

Don't you know what is difference between cob led strip light and smd led strip light?Let me explain to you.Understanding COB LED Strip,SMD LED Strip are very important for us.In this article,i will discuss what is the difference between cob led strip light and smd led strip light.

So, let’s dive into the beneath section without wasting more time!

1.First of all, the difference in their manufacturing process can also be seen from the difference in the name.

COB :Chip on board, which means that the chip is directly packaged on the PCB board, and the light-emitting surface is a linear colloid

For SMD led strips, SMD: Surface Mount Device,which means packaging is to directly paste electronic components on the substrate, that is, to package and place chip components on the printed circuit board. Its light-emitting surface is leds

2. Lighting effect

COB led strips can be made with high density, reaching 840leds/M or even higher. The lighting effect is linear, uniform luminous, no spots

The SMD led strips is arranged by individual leds. Due to the large size of the leds, it cannot be made with a high density.

Its lighting effect is dots by dots. The difference can be seen in the figure below:

3. Beam angle

The beam angle of COB led strip can reach 180 degrees, while the beam angle of SMD led strip is 120 degrees. The larger the beam angle, the better the astigmatism effect, but relatively, the  brightness will be reduced accordingly.

4. Flexibility

Due to the different Production Process, the COB led strip has more flexible characteristics than SMD led strip. COB led strip can be bent at a small angle like below picture.

The above seems to be the advantages of COB led strip, so what are its disadvantages compared with SMD led strip?

1. COB led strips are difficult to maintain color consistency

COB led strips cannot be divided into bins, but SMD led strips can maintain the same bin.

SMD led strips can achieve SDCM<3, but COB led strips can only achieve SDCM<5.

2.COB light strips can’t do very high efficiency

At present, it can only achieve about 130LM/W at most. The SMD light strip can reach high efficiency 200LM/W

What's the difference between COB LED and SMD LED?

COB LED

A COB LED light features one mounted LED chip. Because all of the light's LEDs are concentrated in a single area, more cooling capacity is needed.

For this reason, you'll see a big heat sink in the area to dispel the heat. This heat sink is typically made from aluminium.

The large size of the heat sink may cause the COB LED to cost a little more than an SMD LED does.

SMD LED 

Although a COB LED is efficient, an SMD LED has an even greater level of efficiency. That's because more lumens are produced per watt.

Which one to choose：COB VS SMD led strip?

COB LED strip or COB LED tape is a LED strip with LED chips attached directly to a PCB (Flexible Print Circuit Board). It is a continuous and dots-free LED strip light.

Why Choose the COB LED Strip Light?

As a general rule of thumb, COB LED Strip lights are higher-quality light sources. 

The table will show more information that distinguish between these LED types.

Type of LED	COB LED	SMD LED
Brightness	More brighter	Less brighter
Quality of Light	Surface light	Point light
Color Temperature	Cannot be changed	Can be changed
Cost	Less expensive	More expensive
Energy efficiency	More efficient	Less efficient

What is the lifetime of COB LED strips?

Again, it will depend on the quality of the strip... However, remember that LED lights generally have a longer lifespan. In fact, our strips have a lifespan of over 40,000 hours (and after this period, they still maintain 80% of their brightness).

COB LED Strip Color Options

Color choices of COB LED strips for LED lighting applications range from white and red/green, through blue/yellow/orange to RGBWWW (red-green-blue) with CRI greater than 90 and various temperature temperatures (2700K and 3000K).

IP Rated COB LED Strip

Here are your options for selecting an IP grade COB LED strip:

LED strip light IP CHART

IP20 No Water-proof This lamp should only be used indoors; for example in your living room, bedroom or cabinet.

Silicone Sleeve IP65 - These COB LED strips feature an IP65 waterproof rating, making them suitable for outdoor use in damp locations without risking submersion in water.

IP68 Silicone Sleeve with Silica Gel Filling

This COB LED light features an IP68 silicone sleeve filled with silica gel for submergibility into water environments.

Can COB LED strips be dimmed?

Mes As with regular SMD strips, COB led strips can also be dimmed by using DALI or Triac dimming supplies and/or 0-10V power supplies to dim them.

Why Choose the SMD LED Strip Light ?

Meanwhile, as mentioned earlier, SMD LED Strip lights are a great option if you're interested in having your light flood over a large area. For instance, you could use them in bathrooms, kitchens or bedrooms. However, these lights do come with greater glare compared with their COB LED counterparts.

The appearance of the SMD LED is a very small chip. with different shapes according to the model and covered with epoxy resin There are currently 3 numbers in use.

SMD2835

SMD2835 means the width of the LED is 2.8 mm, and its length is 3.5mm. These LEDs have an identical appearance to the SMD 3285 chips. The latest technology in 2835 makes it significantly more reliable and steady. These LEDs are more energy efficient and brighter in comparison to SMD 3285. For LED strips, SMD 2835 is a trendy size. Additionally, it includes high-output LEDs with a long life.

SMD1808

With a size of just 1.8*0.8mm, SMD 1808 is among the most minor LEDs.

SMD2010

An alternative to the SMD1808 is the SMD2010, which has a dimension of just 2.0*1.0mm.

SMD3014

The dimension of the LED is 3.0mm * 1.4mm. 

SMD2216

They have a dimension of 2.2mm * 1.6 mm. Due to the smaller lamp size, these SMD2216 LED strips can be narrower, and the LED density can be denser.

SMD2110

It has a dimension of 2.1mm * 1.0mm. SMD2110 is an upgraded version of the SMD2216 with a thicker bead holder that makes it robust.

SMD5630

SMD5630 are the brightest LED strips with a dimension of 5.6mm * 3.0mm.

SMD3528

This LED is considered to be the first SMD LED to be introduced with a small size. And has a square shape, size 3.5 x 2.8 mm. The brightness of the LED is 5-6 lumens per LED.

SMD5050

This LED has been developed from SMD 3528 which has a square shape. But compared to the SMD 5050, it is larger. It measures 5 x 5 mm. and provides 12-14 lumens of brightness per LED.

SMD5630

The SMD 5630 is rectangular in shape and measures 5.6 x 3 mm. This LED number is the brightest of the 3 LEDs with 20 – 23 lumens per LED.

LED Strip Models SMD3528 LEDs SMD5050 LEDs SMD5630 LEDs Cuttable LED Strips

Besides these 3 models, we also have different sizes of SMD3030, SMD 3014 and SMD 2835 models, but the above 3 models are commonly used version The most in decorating Decoration and making signs.

These chips are suitable for RGB lighting. With the three-in-one chip of SMD5050, you can make millions of hues in RGB lighting. Besides, SMD 5050 is ideal for general lighting, such as replacing bright fluorescent lighting in homes, bars, restaurants, hotels, and other institutions.

COB LED Strip advantages and disadvantages:

Advantages：

The light-emitting chip adopts flip-chip technology, which has a cost advantage with the same number of lamp beads.

Shorter heat dissipation path and lower thermal resistance, less light decay.

The luminescent colloid is formed continuously and uninterruptedly, with no light spots and soft light.

The following is a comparison of different kinds of led strip placed in the aluminum bar. When the led strips is placed in the aluminum tank, you will see the dots of the LEDs. Obviously 2835 5050 and even 2110 will have this problem, but when we use COB there is light so smoothly. only COB LED STRIP is a DOT FREE product. Please see the comparison of several different sizes of light bars below:

Disadvantages

Poor color consistency control.

This is determined by the difference in the manufacturing process of COB LED STRIP and SMD light strips. The production process of SMD led strip is to first produce SMD lamp beads, and then split each lamp bead, and make the light bead after light separation to achieve color consistency on the same board. The COB LED STRIP is to flip the chip on the PCB board, and then drop the phosphor to achieve white light. Without the steps of light splitting, there is no way to achieve the consistency of the SMD led strip.

Applications of COB light strips:

Architectural Lighting: COB strip lights can be used to highlight architectural features, accentuate silhouettes and create stunning visual effects, adding charm to residential and commercial buildings.

Retail display lighting: COB light strips are favored for their high brightness and color reproduction, and are ideal for displaying products in retail stores to enhance visual appeal and attract customers.

Contour Lighting: The uniform illumination and flexible mounting options of COB strips make them ideal for contour lighting, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for hotels, restaurants and entertainment venues.

Signs and lettering: COB strips can be used to illuminate signs, lettering and light boxes, providing a vibrant and eye-catching display.

How to install COB LED Strip Light?

How to install the COB led strips? A successful installation only requires a few simple steps. First, determine your suitable length of LED strip and matching power supply. Remember to test before installation.

Step 1: Prepare materials

Prepare the materials you need What you need for cutting and re-connect led light strips?  If you buy an LED strip kit, it will have everything you need to install the light. 

Step 2: Measure the length of the light strip required in the area to be installed

Install the cob led strips light, You should measure the length of the location where you plan to place the lights to make sure you buy enough. 

Step 3: Cut the led light strip

Install the cob led strips light, Cutting led strips light is easy, before beginning any setup of the system, it is critical to measure carefully to determine how long it takes. Lights should also be placed at the corners. The COB light has the smallest cutting unit. It is recommended to use a bit longer than the actual one. If you reserve a longer, you can quickly cut it shorter, but if you reserve a short one and want to extend it, it will not be so convenient. Be sure to cut along the cutting line. Otherwise, the chips of the last group of lights cannot form a loop and cannot emit light normally. tunable white led strip lighting and RGB light strips are same like cut like this. they have the cut mark on the print circult board, very easy to find it.

Step 4: Wiring the light strip

Install the cob led strips light, If the COB light strip is cut and there is no main connecting wire, you can solder a set of wires with a soldering money, or you can use this "board-to-wire connector" to insert the COB light strip while inserting the stripped wire , You can connect the wire to the COB light strip.

Install the cob led strips, To connect the primary stage of the lamp to the dimmer and intensity power supply, we hope to connect some duration low-voltage extension cords to the stop of the main operating LED lighting fixture. Here we may use a connector. This connector acts as a bridge. The usage is also very simple. Insert the corresponding two sets of wires into the small holes. There are metal pieces in the holes to connect the two sets of wires. Remember that the positive pole is to the positive wire, and the negative pole is to the negative wire.

install the cob led strips, If there are corners, you can use this connector, two-channel and three-channel circuit boards, and you can easily connect multiple sets of light strips

Step 5: Check the band

lInstall the cob led strips light,  Clean the surface to be installed so that the adhesive of the LED strip can be better bonded together. 3M glue can stick to most non-porous and flat surfaces. For procedures under concrete or very difficult fabrics, adhesives can be used. After cleaning, tear off the adhesive layer of the COB light strip, while tearing off the adhesive, push the light strip forward to glue it. led strip light installation could use the back 3M adhesive tape, also could use the mounting clips. it depends on how and where will you install the led strip lighting.

Step 6: Clean and install the LED strip

This step is very important. power led strips with the adapter, Be sure to check the light strip before installation. Connect the light strip to the led power supply and test to see if the color is correct, the connection is firm, and all lights are normal. If not, check the cause and correct it.

Step 7: Connect the controller or dimmer

Install the controller on the wall, connect the IN mark to the power supply, and connect the OUT mark to the light strip.

Step 8: Activate the lighting!

The last step is the easiest and the most comforting step in the entire method. Now all you have to do is turn on the power switch, adjust the dimmer to the brightness you decide, the controller gets your favorite program, and then experience your new LED light and feel the beautiful atmosphere.

How to install SMD LED Strip Light?

Step 1: Choose the surface

First, choose the location in which you will be installing your light strips. For subtle kitchen brilliance, try adding them under countertops, surrounding an island, or above cabinets. If you’re looking to add color to a game room, consider installing SMD LED strip Light on the ceiling or behind the television. If you’d like to amp up bedroom ambience, install your strip lights behind the bedframe or under your bed. When choosing, consider if an outlet is nearby to power your strip lights. If you’ve decided to install your strip lights on a wall or ceiling, you may want to consider using wireless LED strip lights for a cleaner look.

Step 2: Measure the surface

Once you’ve chosen the area where you’d like to install your LED strip lights, measure it. Your lights are adjustable, so you can custom fit them to different lengths. Write down your measurements so you can refer to them when you complete the next step.

Step 3: Adjust your strip lights

If the length of your installation area is longer than the light strip, you may need to purchase a strip extension. Strip extensions are sold separately. Connect the extensions by removing the plastic covers from each end and plugging one strip into the other. Please do not bend or connect the strip lights at a 90-degree angle, as you might around the corners of a television or bookcase. Instead, make a small loop with the light strip to change direction, or use a flexible connector. If the surface area is shorter than your strip light, trim the strip along the marked lines to an appropriate length. Cut only along the marked areas to avoid permanently damaging the light strip. For your safety, make sure the strip is unplugged before cutting or extending.

Step 4: Clean and dry the surface

Now that you’ve fit your light strips, it’s time to prepare the surface. Wipe the area down with a wet cloth to remove any oils or debris from the surface. It’s important to note that the strip light adhesive is very strong and could damage surfaces or walls if removed. If you’d like to move the strip light after installation or reinstall it in a different spot, we recommend applying a double-sided adhesive instead.

Step 5: Place your strip lights

Once the surface is ready, installation is simple! First, peel the backing from the strip light adhesive. Then, press and hold it to the surface for at least 10 seconds, or until the light firmly adheres to its surface. Then, repeat the press-and-hold process every six inches across the entire length.

Types of COB LED Strip

1,Single Color COB LED Strip

2,New Generation COB LED Strip

3,Two-color COB LED Strip

4,RGB COB led Strip

5,RGBW COB led Strip

6,Addressable COB LED Strip

7,Digital White COB LED Strip

8,High Voltage COB LED Strip

how to choose correct power supply for led strip

The power supply also named as a transformer or driver, is one of the most important components of an LED system. Using the wrong type of power supply can not only damage your LED product but can also be a very dangerous fire hazard. It is also important to know your input AC Voltage and be certain that it coheres with the products requirements. Determining the right power supply is fairly simple when you follow these few steps.

1. Choose the correct voltage:

The DC voltage of your LED product is a key element in determining the correct power supply that you need to purchase. Longjann tech offer constant 5VDC, 12VDC, and 24VDC power supply for LEDs, and 24VDC. Normally, Most LED display screen are require 5VDC, LED Strip Lighting as well as most of LED Modules require 12VDC with some new 24VDC strip light additions, and most of Wall Washer LED products require 24VDC.

2. What type of constant voltage power we need?

The common constant voltage power for led strip in the market are: waterproof power supply, industrial power supply, plastic case power supply (AC/DC adapter).

You should be clear that where will the strip be placed before you purchase the led strip lights? Indoor or outdoor, dry, splash or wet areas is determine by the IP rating of the strip.

Industrial power supplies are Non-waterproof IP20 (popular) – perfect for indoor use and in areas without humidity and dust but if there is fan on the power. It should be a little noise in an indoor environment. Plastic case power supply is perfect for indoor use (quiet) but the cost will be much high if the output power is big. We have a variety of Plastic case power supply (wall plug style & desktop style) in 5VDC, 12VDC and 24VDC, intended for indoor use.

3. Calculate the total Power Consumption

This can be calculated by using the wattage per meter or ft information for each flexible LED Strip light. Simply multiply that variable by the products wattage spec and then add an additional 15% to 20% on top of that in order to not overdrive the power supply. (i.e. a 100 watt led driver should only be loaded with LED strip lights with a wattage draw of 85 watts at the most).

Example: Total wattage of 5 meters of 60 LEDs per meter SMD LED 3528 is as follows:

4.8 watts per meter x 5 meter = 24 watts so a 30 watt led driver will be sufficient. (Kindly note, you don’t need a super higher power, such as 45 watt for 24 watt, the price will be higher for 45 watt one.)

4. Voltage drop

Normally, SMD 3528 LED strip lights, its connection distance up to 20 meters, however, SMD 5050 one can work with a maximum connection distance of 15 meters. Why? Besides LEDs, there also has resistance/ dynatron on the PCBs. The most important things to consider when connect LED Strip lights is the effect of what is called “Voltage Drop”

Voltage drop describes how the supplied energy of a voltage source is reduced as electric current moves through the passive elements (elements that do not supply voltage) of an electrical circuit. Whenever a current is flowing, the current will meet dynatron, which will impede its flow, the amount of voltage loss through the entirety of a circuit, or even a part is voltage drop. In low voltage lighting systems such as LED strip lights, voltage drops occur because the input voltage from the power supply gradually decreases over the length of the strip.

The longer the flexible led strip light is, the more resistance the current has to overcome; hence it loses voltage along the way. If the flexible LED strip light runs off a 12-volt power supply, then you have 12 volts going into the strip light system at the start but the other end will not have 12 volts due to the voltage drop.

Voltage drop is a function of wire length, wire thickness, and the total watts of power used by the flexible LED strip lights. A reduction of brightness and color accuracy in longer flexible LED strip lights is due to excessive voltage drop. The excessive voltage drop may result in unsatisfactory operation of, and damage to, electrical outlets and the flexible LED strip tape lights. The distance from the power source to the desired end distance of the flexible LED strip tape is called a run.

Shorter and/or thicker wires will raise the brightness and color consistency to the strip lights’ full potential.

Solution to voltage drop

One solution to a voltage drop issue is to run the LED strip lights in parallel. Kindly note, if you need connect long led strip lights, we recommend 24V DC working voltage, its voltage drop less than the 12V DC one. Below connection drawing for your reference:

Not only parallel connection, but also connect each end of strip light to the power supply

Can I connect many LED strips to the same LED power supply?

Yes, you can. But make sure that the wattage of the LED power supply is sufficient, and make sure that the LED strips are connected to the LED power supply in parallel to reduce the voltage drop.

Maintenance Comparison

COB LEDs have fewer components and a lower failure rate. They usually have lower maintenance requirements, including

Cleaning: Dirt and debris on the LED’s surface can reduce the amount of light emitted and cause the LED to overheat. Clean the COB LEDs with a soft cloth or brush.

Thermal management: Ensure the COB LED is installed in a heat sink or other cooling system. Thus, thermal management is optimized.

Replacement: COB LEDs are simple to install and remove.

SMD LEDs have multiple components, resulting in more maintenance than COB LEDs. Here are some considerations for SMD LED maintenance.

Cleaning: Use a soft brush or compressed air to remove any dirt or debris from SMD LEDs.

Soldering: SMD LEDs are soldered to a PCB. Inspect the solder joints on a regular basis and repair them as needed.

Replacement: The PCB must be removed, and a new LED soldered onto the board to replace an SMD LED.

How We Can Help

We offer a wide range of LED Strip Light options, ranging from constant LED Strip Light to addressable LED Strip Light.

We take pride in providing lights that will help you to decrease your carbon footprint by using 80% less power. In addition, these our lights lifespans are 10 times that of their older counterparts.

Get in touch with us today learn more about our COB LED Strip Light and SMD LED Strip Light options, and start experiencing their unique benefits for yourself this year.

To sum up, COB led strips and SMD led strips have their own advantages and disadvantages. When choosing a led strip, you can choose the one that suits you according to your needs.