LEDs are becoming more and more popular solutions, and in a variety of areas. They can be used as decorative products or to illuminate the premises, as well as various areas outside the buildings. LEDs are supplied to the market in a fairly wide range of modifications. At the same time, the developers of the corresponding products periodically offer innovative solutions that in the future are able to form new market niches. What are the most common types of LEDs today? What can they be used for?
What are LEDs?
Before considering the common types of LEDs, let's study the general information about the respective devices. An LED is a semiconductor that is capable of converting electrical current into light. At the same time, the semiconductor crystal, which is its main component, consists of several layers characterized by 2 types of conductivity. Namely - hole and electron.
Conductivity of the first type involves the transition of an electron from one atom to another, on which there is free space. In turn, another electron comes to the first atom, to the previous one -one more, and so on. This mechanism operates due to covalent bonds between atoms. However, they do not move. In fact, a positive charge is moving, which physicists conventionally call a hole. In this case, when an electron passes to holes, light is released.
In its structure, the LED is generally similar to a rectifier diode. That is, it has 2 outputs - an anode and a cathode. This feature predetermines the need to observe the polarity when connecting the LED to an electric current source.
The corresponding products are generally designed for a direct current of 20 milliamps. In principle, this value can be reduced, however, in this case, the color may change and the brightness of the LED may decrease. In turn, it is undesirable to increase the corresponding parameter. If the current exceeds the optimal value, then in order to reduce it to the required level, a limiting resistor is used.
There are quite a few things to keep in mind when installing LEDs. This is predetermined by their internal structure, form of execution. In some cases, it may be necessary to use a stabilizer for LEDs and other electronic components to ensure the operation of the device in which the product in question is installed.
Depending on the composition of the semiconductors in the LED, it can be red, yellow, green or blue. For example, if the structure of the corresponding electronic component contains gallium nitride, then the LED will glowblue. Actually, one of the criteria based on which certain types of LEDs are distinguished may be their color.
Application
The first LEDs on the market were produced in metal cases. Gradually it began to be replaced by plastic. At the same time, in color, it is usually selected taking into account the color of the LED glow. However, transparent plastic cases are also quite common.
The considered electronic devices are widely used in various fields. This is due to the fact that almost all types of LEDs are characterized by:
- energy efficiency;
- long service life;
- the ability to determine the color of the glow, as well as adjust its power;
- security;
- sustainable.
If we talk about energy efficiency, LEDs with the same light output can have significantly less power than conventional lamps. Lower LED power reduces the overall load on the building's power system. The service life of devices can be several tens of times higher than that of conventional lamps. At the same time, in terms of functions, LEDs may not be inferior to them at all.
As mass demand for such products forms, as well as their reduction in price, LEDs are increasingly used for the same purposes as conventional lamps. There are no difficulties in installing the corresponding solutions in comparison with traditional lighting fixtures. It is only important to make sure thata specific LED for installation in the electrical network of the room. To do this, it may be necessary in advance - before purchasing LEDs - to identify its main parameters.
What other benefits could the solutions in question have?
So, it can be noted that the color temperature of the LED can be almost any - including the combination of the above colors. In addition, devices can be supplemented with various light filters, which can significantly expand the scope of LEDs in terms of selecting the required color temperature.
The ability to control the power of the glow is another advantage of the devices in question. This option goes well with their high energy efficiency. The power of the LED can be adjusted automatically - based on the actual conditions of use of lighting devices. And this practically does not affect their service life.
LEDs are environmentally friendly because they do not emit radiation harmful to humans. This characteristic, again, expands the possibilities of using the devices in question.
Classification: indicator and lighting solutions
Experts identify 2 main categories of LEDs - indicator and lighting. The former are intended mainly to create a decorative light effect and are used as an element of decorating a building, room, or vehicle. Or as a text styling tool - for example, on an advertising banner.
In turn, there are lighting LEDs. They are designed to enhancebrightness of lighting in a room or in a certain area of \u200b\u200bthe territory - for example, if we consider LEDs for cars. The corresponding type of solution is an alternative to the use of conventional lamps and in many cases more beneficial in terms of energy efficiency and environmental friendliness.
Performance types
But back to the classification of LEDs. You can define the widest range of grounds for their assignment to certain categories. A common approach among experts involves the selection of the following main types of LEDs:
- DIP;
- Spider LED;
- SMD;
- COB;
- fiber;
- Filament.
Let's take a closer look at them.
What is the specificity of DIP LEDs?
If we study in more detail how these types of LEDs appeared on the market, then DIP class devices can be attributed to the first ones that began to be sold in bulk. These solutions are crystals that are placed in cases with optical components, in particular a lens that creates a light beam.
It can be noted that the considered category of LEDs, despite its general prevalence, is rarely used in the high-tech sphere. Most often, these solutions are used as components of illuminated advertising, ribbons, lights, decorations.
DIP LEDs belong to the indicator category. They have another name - DIL. They are installed on the board, on which you first need to doholes. It can be noted that within the category under consideration, various types of LEDs can be distinguished, which differ in bulb diameter, color, and material of manufacture. In this case, the corresponding parameters can be represented in the widest range. The solutions under consideration are cylindrical in shape. Among the corresponding LEDs, there are both monochrome and multi-color devices.
Spider LED
This type of LED is generally very similar to previous devices. But they have twice as many pins - 4. While DIP LEDs have 2. The fact that the presented type of solutions has more outputs optimizes heat dissipation and increases the reliability of the corresponding components. In practice, they are used in various fields, in particular as LEDs for cars.
SMD type LEDs
These solutions are produced using the surface mount concept. That is, they are LEDs that are installed on any surface, while other solutions can be installed through through-mounting.
The dimensions of LEDs of this type can be significantly smaller than those of alternative solutions, as well as those structures on which they are installed. Again, in this case it is legitimate to talk about a more optimal heat dissipation. The use of SMD type LEDs in many cases allows you to expand the variability of lighting designs.
SMD-LEDs belong to the lighting category. Are characterized enoughcomplex structure. So, the LED itself consists of a metal substrate. A crystal is fixed on it, which is soldered directly to the contacts of the substrate body. A lens is placed above the crystal. In this case, 1-3 LEDs can be installed on one substrate. SMD includes common types of ultra-bright LEDs such as 3528. These solutions have a high level of demand.
COB type LEDs
The next popular LED type is COB. It is made using a technology that involves the installation of a crystal directly on the board. This solution has many advantages:
- connection protection from oxidation;
- small design dimensions;
- heat dissipation efficiency;
- cost reduction of LED installation - in comparison, in particular, with SMD type devices.
If we consider the above types of LEDs, it can be noted that COB brand solutions can be attributed to the most innovative. For the first time, this technology was implemented by Japanese engineers in the late 2000s. Now these types of LEDs continue to gain popularity.
According to experts, the considered solutions may even become the most demanded on the market, especially if we talk about the commercial segment, about the sphere of domestic lighting. It is worth noting that there are areas in which the application of COB LEDs can be difficult. Among them is the production of professional lightingequipment. The fact is that the LEDs in question are not very optimal in terms of adaptation to the organization of lighting with an established luminous intensity curve. In such cases, SMD type devices may be more suitable.
The described diodes are lighting diodes. According to experts, they can be attributed to the best, based on the characteristics of the luminous flux. They are available on the market in different colors such as red, green, blue and also white. The luminous flux of these models has a dispersion angle of 40-120 degrees.
More than 9 COB LEDs can be installed on one substrate. They are covered with a phosphor, as a result of which they acquire high brightness. It can be noted that the luminous flux of these solutions is higher than that of SMD type devices. Thus, if we consider which type of LEDs is better, then according to the specified criterion, the COB class solution may have an advantage.
COB type LEDs are also used in the automotive industry. They can be used as a component of front, rear lights, turn signals. The main thing is to install the purchased devices correctly. To do this, it makes sense to turn to experienced professionals.
Fiber LEDs
Fiber LEDs are innovative. They appeared on the market recently, in 2015. The considered solutions were developed by engineers from South Korea.
You can use these types of LEDs in the production of clothing. That is, from them it is quite possible to sew a shirt or T-shirt that can glow. Manufacture of clothing basedfiber LED also involves the use of various polymers, as well as aluminum compounds.
LED Filament
Another example of innovative LEDs is Filament type solutions. Their main advantage is high energy efficiency. At the same power, for example with LEDs such as COB, Filament solutions can provide higher levels of illumination.
The considered innovative product is most often used in the manufacture of lighting lamps. Among the noteworthy characteristics of the production of the corresponding LEDs is the implementation of mounting directly on a substrate made of glass. This approach makes it possible to spread the light emitted by the LED 360 degrees.
How to choose the best option?
How to determine the type of LED that is optimal for a particular design? There are a large number of criteria that can be guided in this matter. In principle, it is quite legitimate to determine the scope of the LED based on its classification according to the features that we discussed above. Let's study the specifics of choosing the appropriate electronic components, taking into account the characteristics of devices:
- DIP;
- SMD;
- COB.
LED selection: features of DIP solutions
As we noted above, DIP LEDs are among the earliest products to hit the market. Thus, quite old, but still in demand technologies are involved in them. Their mainadvantages - ease of installation, convenience of form, low power consumption, low heating, as well as a fairly high degree of protection from external influences.
The most commonly considered LEDs are available in diameters of 3 and 5 mm. If we compare LEDs by type, we can conclude that the solutions under consideration are the most optimal for application:
- as car tuning items;
- as decorative components;
- as part of low-power - as an option for home-made - lanterns.
The considered LEDs have a relatively low cost and availability on the market. It can be noted that among the most common modifications are 12 volt LEDs. They can be found in various online catalogs, as well as in specialized stores in a wide range. Actually, any 12 volt LEDs are characterized by a fairly high demand on the market.
Choosing LEDs: features of SMD solutions
The corresponding type of solution in appearance fundamentally differs from others in that they have a flat shape. The installation of these electronic components is carried out without the use of legs. The current for SMD type LEDs is supplied to the terminals located on their reverse side.
Thus, the installation of these devices is carried out without the use of holes. The placement of LEDs can be done very compactly. As a result, the structure on which the corresponding devices are located may also decrease.
Basic methodsapplications of the devices in question - the same auto-tuning, various types of interior lighting. Among the most significant advantages of these options are high brightness, light output. Combined with their small size, these solutions offer significant advantages over alternative product models.
Among the most common on the market today is the type of LED 3528. These products are widely used in the production of LED strips. The design of the corresponding products allows the production of three-color LEDs - with red, blue, and green glow colors. Based on the 3528 solutions, many other electronic components are produced, such as the SMD 5050 type LED.
The products in question are also characterized by affordability. They are usually presented on the market in a wide range.
Choosing LEDs: features of COB solutions
First of all, it is worth noting that a significant part of the LEDs of the corresponding type are very powerful designs. Their characteristic feature is the rapid dissipation of light, thanks to the placement of crystals on the surface, which provides dynamic heat dissipation.
The LEDs in question are very bright. This makes them in demand just for use in the design of car headlights. It is worth noting that these products should be installed taking into account a number of significant nuances - these can only be known to experienced specialists. Therefore, it is recommended to contact the competent service departments to install the appropriate solutions.
