There are obvious differences between COB (Chip-On-Board) light sources and LED (Light-Emitting Diode) light sources in terms of packaging technology, display uniformity, heat dissipation performance and application range. Today, let’s take a look at the difference analysis between COB light sources and LED light sources.

▶Packaging technology

LED light source usually refers to a single or multiple LED chips packaged in an independent package, with a lens or epoxy resin lens outside to protect and focus the light. The LED in this package can be of SMD (Surface-Mounted Device) type, installed on the circuit board, and each LED is an independent point light source.

COB light source is to mount multiple LED chips directly on a highly reflective metal substrate (usually an aluminum substrate or a copper substrate). There is no separate package. All the chips are closely arranged and packaged together to form a large light source surface. This can be seen as an integrated area light source.

▶ Light quality and uniformity

Because the COB light source is directly integrated into the chip, the luminous flux density is high, the light is softer and evenly distributed, reducing the glare phenomenon, and the glossy surface looks more uniform, which is suitable for occasions that require uniform lighting of a large area.

Because LED light sources are point light sources, they may produce light spots or light shadows when used in combination. The light distribution needs to be adjusted through lenses or reflectors. The light quality and uniformity are different compared to COB.

▶ Heat dissipation performance

Because the chip is in direct contact with the substrate, COB light sources usually have better heat dissipation performance, which helps extend the life of the light source and maintain light efficiency.

Although LED light sources are also working hard to improve heat dissipation design, compared with COB, their heat dissipation efficiency is usually lower, especially in high-power applications.

▶ Application scope and maintenance

Because of its soft and uniform lighting characteristics, COB light sources are often used in indoor lighting, commercial lighting, spotlights, downlights and other occasions that require high-quality lighting effects.

LED light sources have a wider range of applications, from small indicators to large displays, from household lighting to outdoor advertising, and because a single LED is easy to replace, maintenance is more convenient in some cases.

▶ Cost

The manufacturing process of COB light sources is relatively complex, and the initial investment and cost may be higher. However, in the long run, due to its efficient luminous characteristics and long life, the total cost of ownership may be lower.

The production cost of LED light sources is decreasing as the technology matures, and due to its flexibility and wide range of applications, the cost-effectiveness is more obvious in many cases.

COB light sources and LED light sources each have their own advantages. As for which one the user chooses, it mainly depends on the specific application requirements, cost considerations, lighting effects, maintenance convenience and many other factors. Zhongpinrui has launched a new COB display full-screen series and module series. With the continuous advancement of production technology, manufacturing costs have been effectively controlled. The current product prices have further dropped, while conventional SMD LED displays are basically the same.

Features of COB light source:

• Cheap and convenient.

• Electrical stability, circuit design, optical design, and heat dissipation design are scientific and reasonable.

• The use of heat sink process technology ensures that the LED has industry-leading thermal lumen maintenance rate (95%).

• Facilitate secondary optical matching of products and improve lighting quality.

• High color rendering, uniform light emission, no spots, healthy and environmentally friendly.

• Simple installation and easy use, reducing the difficulty of lamp design and saving lamp processing and subsequent maintenance costs.