What's the different between SMD led downlights and COB ?

Have you ever wondered about the actual light source of an LED Downlight?

The 2 most popular types of LED Downlight are SMD (Surface Mount Diode) and COB (Chip on Board) downlight. Both produce high quality light, have a high life expectancy and are extremely efficient.

WHAT IS SMD (SURFACE MOUNT DIODE)?

SMDs are more efficient than COBs because the light source produces higher lumens per watt, which means they produce more light with lower wattage.

They produce a wider beam of light that extends over a larger area. This means that less material is needed for the heat sink, which in turn means they are cheaper. The manufacturing procedure for making them is more expensive as SMD diodes (LED chips) are machine-printed on a PCB board. Most home downlights use SMD LEDs. SMD downlights are covered with a frosted reflector that hides the LED chipset and diffuses light evenly.

WHAT IS COB (CHIP ON BOARD)?

A recessed LED Chip On Board light consists of a single LED chip, mounted on the downlight, compared to a series of LEDs like an SMD. As the only group of LEDs is mounted on a point, they require greater cooling, so a larger heat sink, usually aluminum, must be mounted to dissipate heat. As more material is required to manufacture a COB LED heatsink, this usually increases the cost slightly.

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF BOTH?

BENEFITS OF COB:

COB downlights provide a better light source. A more focused light is achieved and with the use of reflectors, the light beam can be controlled. The chrome reflectors surrounding the diode can be replaced and configured at different angles to make the light beam narrower or wider.

Due to the narrow beam and with the use of reflectors that are normally transparent, COB lights generate cooler and cleaner as there is no frost on the lenses. that reduces the clarity of the LED light. Due to transparent lenses, more light can penetrate more, meaning they work well in rooms with high ceilings.

BENEFITS OF SMD:

SMD downlights produce a wide variety of light. It floods light everywhere, which in turn means greater glare. Their wide beam angle means they are suitable for larger rooms, such as living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens and bathrooms.

HOW CAN YOU TELL THE DIFFERENCE?

SMDs are hidden by a matte acrylic lens. The face is usually bigger. COB faces are exposed to show the only chip. In most cases, they are designed to resemble traditional dicroic halogen balloons.