SMD LED modules are now widely used in the manufacture of LED luminaires and LED strips for various applications in different sectors. This technology is used wherever high efficiency and precise control of light distribution is required.
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SMD LEDs are characterised by high durability, low power consumption and high standards of reliability and safety. But what are SMD LEDs? Let's find out together.
In this in-depth look at SMD LEDs we will cover the following topics:
Let’s shed light on SLIM light signaling solutions
- Light signaling units: they are basic units consisting of a light source, a connection and a plastic support.
- Light indicators for panels: they consist of a light source, a plastic body to which a lens is assembled for the fixing, through self-locking fins or nut, on the application panel and a connection.
- Micro LED spotlights: they are luminous markers with an SMD LED light source with high luminous intensity.
- Vandal proof indicators: they are IP65 light indicators with a metal body part, more resistant to mechanical and chemical "stress" conditions.
- Optical fibre: this is an optical fibre, with lateral light emissions, with light sources for design light signaling applicable in for various application sectors.
- Switches: rocker, push switches and light indicators, with unipolar and bipolar controls. They are available for different sizes of the drilling template.: they are basic units consisting of a light source, a connection and a plastic support.
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SMD LEDs and SMD LED chips: what they are and what they mean
SMD LEDs stand for Surface Mount Device and Light Emitting Diode. The combination of these acronyms indicates electronic components made up of LED modules that are mounted directly on one side of the printed circuit board using surface mount technology, known as SMT.
SMD LEDs are characterised by a parallelepiped shape, called a chip, which contains the emitting surface inside. The diodes that power the device are located on the sides.
Soldering SMD LEDs: how to do it?
SMD LED chips are self-contained LED devices that are mounted on the surface of the printed circuit board (PCB) by soldering, using SMT technology. This practice allows the SMD LEDs to be soldered onto both sides of the circuit board, without cutting or drilling into the board.
The advantages of using this type of component assembly are:
Types of SMD LEDs: all those you need to know
There are different types of SMD LEDs, and each variant is identified by a series of numbers that define its size and associated brightness level. The LED identification number corresponds to the size of the chip itself, expressed in millimetres.
As for the main types of SMD LEDs, the most common on the market are the 3528. This was one of the first LEDs to appear on the market and is characterised by a power of between 6 and 8 lumens, a consumption of 0.20W and a very low light output.
The SMD 5050 LEDs provide an output of between 16 and 22 lumens. They are among the first chips to generate higher power and are therefore suitable for general lighting needs.
The recently developed SMD 5630 and 5730 LEDs provide good brightness at low power consumption and are therefore very popular. These SMD LEDs are suitable for use where high lumens are required.
Finally, SMD 2835 and 3014 LEDs are identified as having the longest life and best performance, due to the presence of a heat sink inside them that prevents the source from overheating. This type is usually used on LED strips for both lighting and purely decorative purposes.
SMD LED dimension
SMD LED chips are characterised by a rectangular shape that varies in length and width depending on the model. Generally, however, regardless of size, SMD LEDs do not exceed 5.7 millimetres in length and 5 millimetres in width.
The size of the SMD LED is what has the greatest influence on the brightness and power consumption of the device. The larger the device, the higher the brightness level. These characteristics are easy to understand thanks to the numerical abbreviation that identifies the different types of LED.
COB o SMD LEDs - what are the differences?
The term LED is often found in association with other acronyms, as seen with SMD LEDs. The term COB LED refers to chip-on-board LED technology. This technology was introduced in 2011 and enabled the development of high-power diodes with a small light-emitting surface area.
Why should you choose COB or SMD LEDs? The introduction of COB LEDs has brought with it some significant advantages. First of all, the possibility of miniaturising the luminaires and the light sources inside them. COB technology facilitates the installation of individual plates in close proximity. This allows precise control of the distribution of the light beam thanks to the absence of space between one LED module and another. However, one application limitation of this technology is the power rating of the luminaire (possibly less than 50/70W) on which it is to be installed. SMD LEDs are to be preferred over COB technology precisely because they are more reliable and perform better in high power applications.
Micro LED SMD - what are they
Today's market demands ever smaller, yet more efficient LEDs. The search for even better-performing SMD LED chips has led to the development of devices capable of achieving truly brilliant lumen/Watt ratios, thus enabling the development of ever-smaller luminaires. This has led to the development of SMD micro-LEDs, highly efficient miniaturised technologies for small circuits.
One example is the micro-LED circuit developed by Luxelt. The Italian company, which specialises in the design and production of electronic and lighting systems, has developed cutting-edge technology that we have used in our new series of micro-LED spotlights.
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What are the key specs in 2835 SMD LED datasheets?
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SMD RGB LEDs - what they are
SMD RGB LED technology allows the colour of light to be changed by using three diodes: red, blue and green. In order to vary the colour of the light, these diodes are mixed according to precise intensities.
In backlighting projects, it is common to use an RGB SMD LED source to give the light profile an aesthetic and design component and at the same time a functional aspect. Each colour can be associated with a specific application status to communicate a precise function to the end-user.
SMD LEDs: the colours available
SMD RGB LEDs offer a wide variety of colours in different combinations: blue, red, yellow and many others. The RGBW LED also has a white SMD LED variant, which stands for Red Green Blue and White. In the case of white SMD LEDs, a different shade of white can be seen depending on the specific source. The colour temperature of white, which can be warm, cool or neutral, depends on a number of factors, including the bin colour of a specific LED manufacturer.
SMD LED diodes and polarity
SMD LED polarity identifies the specific polarity of each LED module. The SMD LED diodes must respect the polarity and the operating voltage in order for the device to work correctly.
LEDs are formed by the presence of two pins, anode (+) and cathode (-), which mark a different polarity. On some types of LED, symbols can be found on the housings that specify the polarity of the chip.
The SLIM range of SMD LEDs
SLIM works with third-party companies to supply high-quality SMD LEDs. Among these companies is Luxelt, with the design and development of PCBs with high luminous efficiency and low power consumption SMD LEDs. These latest-generation SMD LEDs are used to develop customised lighting solutions for a variety of application areas, with particularly interesting projects in the HO.RE.CA, professional coffee machine and food equipment sectors.
Would you like to discover the collaborations that have led to the design and development of customised solutions with LED technology? Click on the button below and download the free document on SLIM's success stories!
In the realm of modern lighting, Surface-Mount Device Light-Emitting Diodes (SMD LED’s) represent a significant advancement, blending efficiency with versatility. An LED SMD is a type of LED technology where the components are mounted directly onto the surface of printed circuit boards (PCBs). This approach differs markedly from traditional through-hole technology, where components are inserted into pre-drilled holes on the PCB. Since their inception, LED SMDs have revolutionized not only the lighting industry but also the way we integrate light into various electronic devices.
The journey of LED technology dates back to the early 20th century, but it was not until the 1960s that the first practical LED was developed. Since then, continuous advancements have led to the creation of SMD LEDs, which are now a cornerstone of modern electronic design due to their small size and high efficiency. At their core, LED SMDs function by passing electrons through a semiconductor material, which then emits photons, resulting in light. This process is known as electroluminescence and is key to the operation of LED lights.
Types of SMD LED’s
SMD LED’s are not a one-size-fits-all solution; they come in various sizes, configurations, and capabilities to suit a multitude of applications. Some of the most common types are differentiated by their dimensions and are often referred to by a four-digit number. For example, the 2835 SMD is 2.8mm by 3.5mm in size, and the 5050 SMD is 5.0mm by 5.0mm. Each type offers different characteristics in terms of brightness, power consumption, and heat dissipation.
SMD LED
(module)
Dimensions
(mm × mm)
Power
(watt)
Flux
(lumen)
CRI
(Ra)
Intensity
(candela)
Beam angle
(degree)
Heatsink
Efficacy (min)
(lm/W)
Efficacy (max)
(lm/W)
Colors per
SMD package
8520
8.5 × 2.0
0.5 & 1
55–60
80
110
120
Monochrome
7020
7.0 × 2.0
0.5 & 1
40–55
75–85
80
110
Monochrome
7014
7.0 × 1.4
0.5 & 1
35–50
70–80
70
100
Monochrome
5736
5.7 × 3.6
0.5
40–55
80
15–18
120
no
80
110
5733
5.7 × 3.3
0.5
35–50
80
15–18
120
no
70
100
5730
5.7 × 3.0
0.5
30–45
75
15–18
120
no
60
90
5630
5.6 × 3.0
0.5
30–45
70
18.4
120
no
60
90
5060
5.0 × 6.0
0.2
26
no
130
Monochrome or RGB
5050
5.0 × 5.0
0.2
24
no
120
Monochrome or RGB
4014
4.0 × 1.4
0.2
22–32
75–85
110
160
3535
3.5 × 3.5
0.5
35–42
75–80
70
84
3528
3.5 × 2.8
0.06–0.08
4–8
60–70
3
120
no
70
100
3030
3.0 × 3.0
0.9
110–120
120
130
3020
3.0 × 2.0
0.06
5.4
2.5
120
no
80
90
3014
3.0 × 1.4
0.1
9–12
75–85
2.1–3.5
120
yes
90
120
2835
2.8 × 3.5
0.2
14–25
75–85
8.4–9.1
120
yes
70
125
1206
1.2 × 0.6
3–6
55–60
1104
1.1 × 0.4
Additionally, the color output of SMD LED’s can range from single-color options to multi-color RGB variants. Single-color LEDs are used in applications where a specific color of light is needed, such as in task lighting or for aesthetic purposes. RGB LEDs, on the other hand, combine red, green, and blue diodes that can be controlled to produce a wide spectrum of colors. This makes them ideal for displays, mood lighting, and other applications where color variability is desired.
Power ratings and luminosity levels of SMD LED’s also vary. Some are designed for low-power applications like indicator lights on electronic devices, while others are made for high-power applications like automotive headlights or street lighting. The choice of an SMD LED’s type depends on the specific requirements of the application, including brightness, energy consumption, and the desired lifespan of the LED.
Manufacturing Process of SMD LED’s
The process of manufacturing SMD LED’s is a sophisticated blend of material science and engineering precision. It begins with the selection of semiconductor materials, typically gallium arsenide, gallium phosphide, or gallium arsenide phosphide. These materials are chosen for their ability to efficiently convert electricity into light.
The manufacturing process involves several critical steps:
- Wafer Production: The semiconductor material is formed into thin wafers, which serve as the substrate for the LED chips.
- Chip Fabrication: Using photolithography, the wafers are treated to create the LED chips. This step involves depositing layers of different materials to form the diodes.
- Dicing: The wafers are then sliced into individual LED chips.
- Mounting: These chips are mounted onto a package that provides support and connects them to the external circuit. This is where the SMD design comes into play, as the LED chips are directly mounted onto the surface of the package.
- Wire Bonding: Tiny wires are connected to the LED chip to provide the electrical connection.
- Encapsulation: The LED chips are then encapsulated in a resin or silicone material to protect them from physical and environmental damage.
- Testing and Binning: Finally, each LED is tested for color, brightness, and other parameters. They are then sorted, or “binned,” according to their performance characteristics.
Quality control is an integral part of the manufacturing process, ensuring that each LED SMD meets the required specifications for performance and reliability.
Applications of LED SMDs
The versatility of SMD LED’s allows them to be used in a wide range of applications:
- General Lighting: In residential and commercial spaces, LED SMDs are commonly used due to their energy efficiency and long lifespan. They are found in bulbs, tube lights, panel lights, and more.
- Electronic Devices: Small and efficient, LED SMDs are ideal for use in electronic devices like smartphones, laptops, TVs, and digital displays, providing backlighting and status indicators.
- Automotive Lighting: Their compact size and high brightness make LED SMDs perfect for automotive applications, including headlights, taillights, and interior lighting.
- Specialty Applications: LED SMDs are also used in medical devices for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, in signage for both commercial and public information displays, and in industrial settings for machine vision systems.
Challenges and Limitations of SMD LED’s Technology
While SMD LED’s have brought about a revolution in lighting and display technologies, they are not without their challenges and limitations.
- Heat Management: One of the primary challenges with SMD LED’s is heat dissipation. The compact size of these devices means that heat generated during operation can build up quickly, potentially affecting performance and longevity. Efficient heat management systems are essential to maintain the functionality and reliability of LED SMDs. Thankfully MEGA created a state of the art SMD system that dissipates heat via chambers and tubes hidden from view that mitigate heat.
- Power Handling and Brightness Limitations: While SMD LED’s are highly efficient, there are limits to the amount of power they can handle and the brightness they can achieve. This limitation can be a constraint in applications requiring high-intensity lighting.
- Cost Factors: In comparison to other LED technologies, certain types of SMD LED’s can be more expensive to produce, especially those that require more sophisticated manufacturing processes or materials. This cost factor can be a barrier to their widespread adoption in cost-sensitive applications. Fortunately, this is not an issue when it comes to our products. We have been in the business for over two decades and have figured out how to provide the best possible price to you, our customer.
Future Trends and Developments in LED SMD Technology
Despite these challenges, the future of LED SMD technology is bright, with several promising trends and developments on the horizon.
- Innovations in Materials and Design: Research in new semiconductor materials and innovative design approaches aims to improve the efficiency and performance of LED SMDs. These advancements could lead to LEDs that are brighter, more energy-efficient, and capable of operating at higher temperatures.
- Emerging Applications: As technology evolves, new applications for LED SMDs are emerging. These include smart lighting systems integrated with IoT technology, flexible displays for wearable devices, and advanced automotive lighting systems.
- Focus on Sustainability: With growing environmental concerns, there is an increased emphasis on making LED SMDs more sustainable. This includes efforts to reduce the use of hazardous materials in manufacturing, improve recyclability, and enhance energy efficiency further.
Conclusion
SMD LED technology has significantly impacted how we use light in our daily lives and in various technological applications. While there are challenges to overcome, particularly in terms of heat management, power handling, and cost, the continuous innovations in this field promise to address these issues.
The future of SMD LED’s looks promising with potential applications expanding into new realms, driven by sustainability and technological advancement. As we continue to explore and innovate, SMD LED’s technology will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping the future of lighting and display technologies.
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