Over the years, SMD LEDs have gained widespread popularity. Individuals have been using SMD LEDs for residential and industrial lighting.
Moreover, these LEDs have wide use in automotive lighting, consumer electronics, backlighting displays, etc.
Their compact size, long lifespan, and energy efficiency make them ideal for various applications. Even yet, many individuals are unaware of what an SMD LED is.
If you wish to learn more about this technology, read this post till the end.
SMD LED Definition
SMD stands for surface mount device, while LED for the light emitting diode. SMD LED is a light-emitting diode mounted on a PCB (Printed Circuit Board) with the help of surface mount technology. It does not use wiring as we see in regular LED lights. SMD LEDs are attached to the bracket having negative and positive electrodes on their ends.
An SMD LED consists of various materials, such as an LED chip, die bond, wire, epoxy, and bracket. Unlike ordinary LED light, an SMD LED features a compact design and cuboidal shape. The LED chip contains epoxy resin holding the light tightly.
If I explain the SMD LED in the simplest words, it is an LED light with no wire, soldered in SMD pads.
Let us learn the difference between a regular LED and SMD LED.
LED vs. SMD LED
LED is a light-emitting diode with long heads. It comprises a small semiconductor material made of silicon carbide or gallium arsenide. It emits lights when current passes through it.
On the contrary, an SMD LED is a compact-sized diode mounted on the chip. There can be multiple color diodes in a single chip. SMD LEDs have a flat top surface and terminals on the bottom. Usually, they have a flat, square shape.
What are the Advantages of SMD LED?
An LED light, in general, has several benefits over conventional bulbs. However, SMD LEDs offer you some distinct advantages. Let us get to know them one by one.
Compact Size
As mentioned above, SMD LEDs are smaller in size than through-hole LEDs. They are available in several sizes, such as SMD 3528, 2835, 5630, 5050, etc. As a result, individuals can use them for different applications.
Efficiency
SMD LEDs are highly efficient when it comes to producing lumens per watt. Furthermore, they provide a broad light beam.
Surface-mounted LEDs utilize less power to produce the same amount of light that a through-hole LED emits. As a result, the use of surface-mounted device LED for battery-powered devices is usual.
Flexible to Use
SMD LEDs are flexible in terms of application. Due to their compact size, you can mount them on different surfaces and substrates.
Environmental Friendly
SMD LEDs are relatively environmentally friendly. They consume less energy and have a longer lifespan. Therefore, you don’t need to replace them so frequently. Apart from this, they do not contain mercury like fluorescent bulbs.
Applications of SMD LEDs
People have been using SMD LEDs for various applications in different industries. Some common examples are as per below.
Manufacturing of LED Lightings
Manufacturers use SMD LEDs primarily in LED luminaires and LED strip lights. The technology offers a defined control over light spread and efficiency. As a result, manufacturers use it to make commercial and home-use LED strip lights and luminaries.
Backlighting
It might be surprising, but SMD LEDs are used as backlighting for computer screens, televisions, monitors, dashboard screens, etc.
Medical Devices
As SMD LED lights are compact, consume low power, and emit specific wavelengths, they have uses in medical devices. For example, dental curing lights that polymerize adhesives or composites use SMD LEDs as the light source. Dentists also use blue LED light to make teeth white and bright.
Apart from this, SMD LEDs are also available in phototherapy devices, endoscopes, etc.
Use in Automotive Industry
You can also notice SMD LEDs in headlights, taillights, brake lights, and indicators of automobiles. Some automobile manufacturers also use these LEDs as accent lighting for the interior of the vehicle.
Consumer Electronics
It is another prominent industry where the use of SMD LEDs is common. Whether it is a digital camera, television, laptops, or smartphones, these LEDs are everywhere.
Industrial Uses
Engineers employ SMD LED lights in a wide range of industrial applications. For instance, you can see them in traffic lights, various industrial automation equipment, machine vision systems, and more.
Advertising
Advertising firms use SMD LEDs in their signage and advertising boards. These lights consume comparatively low power and offer adequate brightness. Moreover, they are available in different colors and sizes. As a result, they make eye-appealing and budget-friendly signage.
SMD LEDs come in a variety of sizes. Let us discuss some popular ones below.
What Are Different Sizes of SMD LEDs?
SMD LED lights come in different sizes. Depending on their dimensions, they have specific numbers. For instance, an SMD LED with measurement of 5.0 x 6.0 is known as SMD LED 5060.
These lights have different applications. Let us discover more about them.
SMD LED 3528
3528 MD LED is one of the popular SMD LED types. The dimension of this chip light measures 3.5mm x 2.8mm. Generally, the package of these SMD lights contains a single color LED chip, such as white, red, green, blue, and more.
You can see these SMD LEDs on LED strips of 12-volt.
Application
SMD LED 3528 has uses in portable electronics, automotive lighting, signage, decorative lighting, and more.
SMD LED 5050
SMD LED 5050 is another well-known SMD LED chip. It is bigger than the SMD LED 3528. Its size measures 50×50 in dimensions. Therefore, it can employ 4 individual LED chips.
LED strip light manufacturers use SMD LED 5050 chips for strip lights having about 60 LEDs per meter. This LED chip can have RGBQ, RGB, or single-color LEDs. Customers can also opt for warm and cool white lights.
Applications
Surface Mounted LED 5050 are commonly used in decorative lighting, architectural lighting, backlighting, and other lighting applications.
SMD LED 2835
SMD LED 2835 is a prominent LED chip type having a dimension of 2.8mm x 3.5. Like 5050 SMD LED, it is also in demand. Therefore, some people make the comparison of SMD 2835 and 5050.
In appearance, the chip looks similar to SMD 2835. Nevertheless, it features comparatively new technology.
The lamp bead of 2835 has a vertical packaging structure. Its chip connects to the heat sink directly. It has better heat dissipation performance as its heat sink area is double that of SMD LED 3014.
Application
SMD LED 2835 offers a wide lumen coverage. As a result, it has been employed in a wide range of indoor and outdoor lighting applications. You can also see them in decorative lighting and automotive lighting.
SMD LED 5630
The length and width of the SMD 5630 LED is 5.6 mm x 3.0 mm, while the chip surface area is 16.8 mm2. In terms of lumen flux, the 5630 LED does not disappoint you. It offers lumens ranging from 45 to 50.
The thickness of SMD LED 5630 is approximately 0.65. It has brighter output than 5650 SMD.
A premium quality 5630 LED chip with 60 LEDs per meter tape can emit up to 2700 lumens.
Application
Like above mentioned SMD LEDs, SMD 5630 has uses in different sectors. Due to its bright and efficient lighting, SMD 5630 is primarily used in warehouses, factories, street lighting, architectural lighting, etc.
SMD LEDs also make LED grow lights that offer an essential light spectrum for the plant’s growth.
SMD LED 3014
SMD LED 3014 is a surface-mounted device LED, having a size of 3.0mm x 1.4mm. The thickness of this LED is 0.8mm. As a result, it solves the issue of light spots on the side of 3528.
The LED chip adopts a vertical package structure. You will see that the chip and heat sink are directly connected.
Application
SMD LED 3014 makes a perfect spotlight, indicator light, and linear tubes. This LED is also often used in instrument panel backlighting, illumination symbols, decorative lighting, and other applications.
SMD LED 3020
SMD LED 3020 features a measurement of 3.0mm x 2.0mm. The LED is known for its long lifespan, low power consumption, and high brightness. It is available in various colors, including red, blue, green, yellow, white, warm white, and more.
Application
This rectangular-shaped LED has a variety of uses. For example, you can use it for signage, edge lighting, backlighting, and more.
Conclusion
An SMD LED has become a primary lighting device in various industries. This versatile light offers several benefits over the traditional LED light. It is compact in size, efficient, durable, and produces less heat. Consequently, people in distinct industries have been employing it. You can see SMD LEDs in different sectors. Some examples are, automotive lighting, outdoor advertising displays, backlighting for the TV screen, strip lighting, and more.
