Detailed explanation of the differences and application characteristics of COB strip lights and LED strip lights
Overview of COB and LED strip lights
COB strip lights, or Chips on Board technology, refer to strip lights in which the chip is directly mounted on the PCB. This type of strip light features a flip-chip design, with the chip typically attached to the PCB using a linear die-bonding method. A layer of encapsulating glue containing phosphor is then evenly applied to the chip surface. This process refracts and reflects light from the chip within the glue, interacting with the phosphor to ensure uniform light emission across a wide range of colors and temperatures.
▲ Technical Features of COB strip lights
Due to their unique structure, COB strip lights present a linear luminous surface, whereas traditional LED strip lights consist of individual light-emitting beads attached to the PCB. As a result, COB strip lights produce a more uniform light distribution with a linear pattern and no spotting.
▲ The core difference between COB and LEDs
COB chips are directly bonded to the PCB, allowing heat generated by the chip to be quickly transferred to the PCB. Therefore, compared to LED strip lights, COB strip lights dissipate heat faster, resulting in less light attenuation and a longer lifespan.
Application Comparison
▲ COB strip light Applications
COB strip lights, with their unique linear colloidal luminous surface and uniform light distribution, are widely used in various lighting scenarios. Whether in home decoration, commercial lighting, or stage lighting, COB strip lights deliver excellent light uniformity and spot-free lighting. Meanwhile, LED strip lights are also widely used in various fields, but their structure composed of LED beads is slightly inferior in terms of light uniformity and spot-free lighting.
COB strip lights have a wide range of applications, covering various aspects of home decoration, such as staircase lighting, hallway lighting, decorative lighting, and edge trim. They also play an important role in path signage, exterior wall contour decoration, billboard backlighting, and advertising signs. Furthermore, COB strip lights are indispensable for the outline lighting decoration of buildings, towers, bridges, parks, and squares, as well as various indoor and outdoor lighting projects. COB strip lights also provide excellent lighting effects in festival decorations, event venues, and exhibition venues. In addition, COB strip lights can also be seen in car body decoration, interior decoration, and decorative lighting in high-end entertainment venues such as hotels, bars, and KTVs.
Installation Notes
1. Because the COB encapsulation gel is exposed and made of soft silicone, extreme care must be taken during installation to avoid contact with sharp objects to prevent scratching the luminous surface, which could affect the lighting effect.
2. The gel material easily attracts dust and is difficult to remove, so the strip light should be kept clean during installation. If contamination occurs, gently wipe it with a cotton swab dipped in a small amount of alcohol.
3. When installing the COB strip light, ensure that it is firmly in place in one go and avoid frequent tearing and pasting. Because the COB strip light chip is directly encapsulated on the PCB and is very small, excessive tearing and pasting may damage the chip.
