In the development of LED technology, it was initially planned to produce a single type of LED, but over time it was realized that this was not a viable approach. With the technological developments, different types of LED packages have emerged. TH LED, Mid-power LED, High-power LED, COB (Chip-on-board) LED, CSP (Chip-scale package) LED are the main package platforms.
In the development of LED technology, it was initially planned to produce a single type of LED, but over time it was realized that this was not a viable approach. With the technological developments, different types of LED packages have emerged. TH LED, Mid-power LED, High-power LED, COB (Chip-on-board) LED, CSP (Chip-scale package) LED are the main package platforms.
TH (Through hole) LEDs are the oldest and most well-known LEDs. TH LEDs, also known as 5 mm LEDs or DIP LEDs, generally operate in the low power range of 0.02-0.1W. TH LEDs are generally used in indicator lights of electronic devices, small flashlights, and small LED displays.
Mid-power LEDs operate in the 0.1-0.5W medium power range. Mid-power LEDs, which were initially used only for display lighting, have started to be used in general lighting applications over time. Mid-power LEDs are used in many indoor lighting products such as LED strips, LED bulbs, LED panels. Mid-power LED has 1, 2 or 3 LED chips coated with phosphor inside. Phosphor coating and LED chips are placed inside the plastic frame. Mid-power LEDs have started to replace High-power LEDs in many applications due to their low cost.
High-power LEDs operate in the high power range of 1-5W. It is used in various products such as flashlights, automobile headlights, street lamps, as it provides a high amount of light to be produced in a small area. High-power LEDs, also known as Power LEDs, contain 1 or more large-sized LED chips. LED chips are mounted on a ceramic layer to ensure heat dissipation. A phosphor coating has been applied to the chip, and a hemispherical silicon lens has been placed on it.
COB LEDs operate in the very high power range of 10-600W. Usually used to provide very high lumen from a small source. COB LED arrays are formed by mounting multiple LED chips on a metal alloy printed circuit board or ceramic substrate. The LED array is coated with phosphor and the COB LED is formed. COB LEDs are used in ceiling lights, LED floodlights, recessed fixtures, grow lights.
CSP LEDs operate in the similar power range as Mid-power LEDs. CSP LEDs do not have a plastic frame like Mid-power LEDs. The LED chip is placed on a base and a phosphor coating is applied on it. This makes them a smaller and lower cost alternative. This simple structure also helps cool the LED chips better. CSP LEDs are widely used, especially in LED car headlights and LED headlight bulbs.
SMD stands for surface mount device. SMD LEDs are used by soldering to the surface of the printed circuit board. High-power LEDs, Mid-power LEDs and CSP LEDs are SMD LEDs. TH LEDs have 2 or more legs and these legs are soldered through the holes on the printed circuit board.
The variety of LED packages will continue to increase with different application requirements, cost, efficiency, color quality and safety objectives. Different LED packages improve thermal, optical and electrical properties and facilitate integration into the luminaire.
