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SMD and COB Downlights: What Are Their Differences?

Aug. 17, 2022
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SMD or "surface mounted device" LEDs are the most common LEDs on the market. it is very popular due to its versatility. You can find it in light bulbs and light strings. One of the latest developments in LED, COB downlight, or 'chip-on-board' technology is the more efficient use of energy.


The main differences in manufacturing

SMD LED stands for Surface Mounted Device LED and is the most common type of LED on the market. The LED chip is a versatile electronic component that can be permanently fused to a printed circuit board. It is used in light bulbs and light strings, as well as in notification lights for mobile phones.


What are SMD LEDs?

SMD LED chips are available in various sizes. For example, one of the SMD chips, the SMD LED 5050, is 5 mm wide, while the SMD 3528 is 3.5 mm wide. as you can see, the SMD chip is compact and almost identical to a flat square computer chip architecture.

IP44 50w SMD Downlight

IP44 50w SMD Downlight

What are COB LEDs?

COB or 'chip on board' technology is the latest advancement in LED lighting, enabling more efficient energy use. As far as COB manufacturing is concerned, it has several diodes on the same surface as the SMD chip. The difference between them, however, is that COB LEDs have more diodes.


Typically, COB chips have 9 or more diodes. Regardless of the number of diodes, they have only one circuit and two contacts, resulting in a COB LED lamp with a panel-like appearance.


What is the difference between SMD and COB downlights?

SMD downlights are more efficient than COB downlights because the light sources produce higher lumens per watt, which means they produce more light at a lower wattage. They produce a wider beam of light, spread over a larger area. This means that the diffusers require less material, which in turn means that they are more economical. The manufacturing process to make them is more expensive.


COB downlighting provides a better light source. It achieves a more concentrated light and by using a reflector, the beam can be controlled. The chrome-plated reflector around the diode can be replaced and set at different angles to make the beam narrower or wider. Due to the narrower beam and the use of a normally transparent reflector, the COB downlight produces a clearer and cleaner effect because there is no frost on the lens. This reduces the clarity of the LED light. Thanks to the clear lens, more light can penetrate further, which means they perform well in rooms with high ceilings.

15w Led Adjustable Spot COB Downlight

15w Led Adjustable Spot COB Downlight

What are the advantages of both?


Advantages of COB.

COB downlights provide a better light source. The more focused light is achieved and the beam can be controlled through the use of a reflector. The chrome-plated reflector around the diode can be replaced and configured at different angles to make the beam narrower or wider.


Due to the narrower beam and the use of a normally transparent reflector, COB lamps produce a cooler, cleaner effect as there is no frost on the lens. This reduces the clarity of the LED lamp. Thanks to the transparent lens, more light can penetrate more, which means they work well in rooms with very high ceilings.


Advantages of SMDs.

The SMD downlight produces a wide variety of light. It floods everywhere, which in turn means greater glare. Their wide beam angle means they are suitable for larger rooms, such as living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, and bathrooms.


How can you tell the difference?

SMDs are hidden by a matte acrylic lens. The face is usually bigger. COB faces are exposed to show the only chip. In most cases, they are designed to resemble traditional dicroic halogen balloons.


Powerstar focuses on high efficiency, low light decay, low UGR, and flicker-free commercial lighting products including: led downlight, led track light, led linear light, led elephant trunk light, led bucket light, led flood light, led high bay, led street light with novel style and complete variety. We provide customized and personalized design services for our customers. For more information and consultation, contact us here!


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