I. Is an Integrated LED Light Source the Same as a COB Light Source?
In the market, “integrated LED” is often used as a nickname for COB light sources. However, this term does not fully describe the characteristics of a COB light source. While all COB light sources are integrated LED light sources, not all integrated LED light sources are COB.
COB stands for Chip-On-Board, where low-power LED chips are directly encapsulated on an aluminum substrate to efficiently dissipate heat. This design allows for a smaller chip area, higher heat dissipation efficiency, and lower drive current. As a result, COB light sources offer high thermal conductivity, low thermal resistance, and excellent heat dissipation. Compared to traditional SMD (Surface-Mounted Device) light sources, COB light sources boast several advantages, including:
- Higher brightness
- Lower thermal resistance
- Reduced light decay
- Higher CRI (Color Rendering Index)
- Superior beam quality
- Longer lifespan
Additionally, some integrated LED light sources use low-power SMD light sources mounted on an aluminum substrate. While these are also called integrated LEDs, they differ from COB light sources because the SMD lights are pre-packaged and then attached to the substrate. In contrast, COB light sources directly encapsulate LED chips on the aluminum substrate.
II. Differences Between COB and Integrated LED Light Sources
1. Differences in Usage
Integrated high-power LED lamp beads are primarily used in outdoor lighting, such as LED floodlights and streetlights, with a maximum wattage of up to 500W per lamp. In contrast, COB light sources are commonly used in indoor lighting, such as LED downlights, track lights, and ceiling lights, with a typical maximum wattage of 50W per lamp.
2. Differences in Brackets
The brackets for integrated LED lamp beads typically come in sizes like 10W, 100W, and 500W. These brackets are mainly made of copper and feature two legs. On the other hand, COB light sources have a wider variety of bracket shapes, including square, rectangular, and oval, made from materials like aluminum, copper, or ceramics. COB brackets generally have no edge feet.
3. Differences in LED Chips
Integrated LED lamp beads usually utilize large-size, high-power LED chips, often rated at more than 1 watt, with chip sizes typically above 30MIL. In contrast, COB light sources primarily use low-power LED chips rated below 1 watt. Although some COB light sources may use high-power LED chips above 1 watt, these are relatively uncommon.