What is COB LED Strip?
December 19, 2023
COB, which stands for Chip on Board, is a term commonly used in the LED industry. It refers to the packaging technique where the LED chip is directly mounted onto a circuit board (PCB). In the context of LED light strips, COB LEDs are sometimes referred to as flip-chip LEDs.
The construction of flip chip LEDs takes a minimalistic approach compared to traditional SMD LEDs. Let's consider a typical SMD LED, which consists of an LED chip mounted on a lamp bead holder and covered with a phosphor coating. In contrast, COB LEDs strip away most of the additional components, retaining only the LED chip, a yellow phosphor cover layer, and connection pads.
The "flip chip" name comes from the orientation of the LED chip. Instead of being mounted upright, it is "flipped" and directly bonded to the PCB. This arrangement allows for better thermal management and improved electrical performance.
By removing the additional packaging and materials, COB LEDs offer some advantages. The absence of a lamp bead holder and phosphor coating results in a more compact design and allows for higher packing density of LED chips on the PCB. This can lead to increased brightness and improved color mixing capabilities.
Additionally, the direct bonding of the LED chip to the PCB enhances thermal conductivity, allowing for better heat dissipation. This can contribute to improved longevity and reliability of the LED light strip.
It's important to note that COB LEDs are just one type of LED technology available in the market. Other LED chip packaging methods, such as SMD LEDs, also have their own advantages and applications. When choosing LED light strips, consider factors like brightness, color quality, power consumption, and the specific requirements of your lighting project.