What are LED Chips?
An LED chip is a tiny part inside an LED light that makes it glow. This part is responsible for creating light when electricity passes through it. Usually, these chips are made of semiconductors and come in various sizes and shapes. However, the size of the chips determines their power consumption and brightness.
Simply put, LED chips are the heart of any LED you see and provide brightness. But how do these chips work? Basically, they use special semiconductors, often silicon. When electricity passes through it, it causes excitation of electrons. These electrons collide with each other and release energy in the form of light. This entire process is known as electroluminescence.
It means electroluminescence is a simple way of illuminating LED lights. LED chips come in various types. The most common type is SMD chips. SMD stands for Surface Mounted Device. These chips can be directly installed on the surface of a circuit board without using traditional wires. SMD chips are more compact, efficient and widely used in LED strip lights.
What Do Numbers in LED Chips Mean?
While buying LED chips, you see some four-digit numbers written on them. Have you ever wondered what those numbers are? Actually, the numbers in LED chips indicate the size of those chips. These numbers determine the size of the chips in millimeters. Let me explain it with some examples.
You buy an LED chip with the number 2835. This means that it is 2.8mm by 3.5mm in size. The first two digits explain the length of the chip, and the last two digits show the width of the LED chip. Remember, the bigger the number, the bigger the chip. Besides size, these numbers also directly affect the light output of chips and power consumption. HOW?
The larger the number or size, the higher the power consumption. For example, a 5050 LED chip will consume more watts than a 3528. The same is the case with light output. Actually, the light output indicates how bright an LED light is. It is measured in lumens. If an LED chip has higher numbers, it has higher lumens. More lumens mean more brightness.
Different Types of LED Chips: 3528 VS 5050 and Other SMDs
As I said above, LED chips come in various types and sizes. Each type has its own energy needs. Let’s dive in and explain the most popular LED chips you will come across.
1- 3528 LED Chip
It is the most common and widely used type of SMD LED chips. As I said above, the number indicates the size of the chips. This means this chip is 3.5mm long and 2.8mm wide, making it compact. Generally, these chips are rectangular, and each chip has only one light-emitting diode inside. This makes them ideal for places where too much brightness is not required.
Regarding their energy consumption, 3528 LED chips are highly energy efficient. They use 0.08 to 0.1 watts of power per chip, much less than higher-number chips. However, the light output of these chips is about 6 to 8 lumens. This means they are not much brighter and provide a soft glow. Due to this gentle light, 3528 chips are used in ceiling lighting, home decor, and TV backlighting.
2- Double-power 3528 SMD
It is an upgraded version of 3528 LED chips. As the name suggests, these chips can handle more current and produce more lumens per chip. More lumens directly mean more brightness. For example, regular 2528 LED chips produce 6-8 lumber per chip. However, double-power 3528 SMD produces about 12-14 lumens per chip. However, they also have one light-emitting diode, 3528 chips.
If we look at the numbers, double-power chips are the same size as standard chips. This means you can get more glow from these chips without increasing their size. But keep in mind that their double power can also enhance power consumption. However, their durable material and long lifespan compensate for this cost. These chips are commonly used in indoor decoration, cover lighting, and display cases.
3- 5050 LED Chip
It is one of the most powerful SMD chip types. As the number indicates, these chips have a 5.0mm length and the same 5.0mm width. This equal dimension naturally makes their shape square and bigger than 3528 chips. As you know, the higher the number, the higher the lumen. So, 5050 LED lights produce 15-22 lumens per chip, making them 3 times brighter than 3528 chips.
Further, each chip usually consumes 0.24 watts, which increases the electricity cost. However, this power consumption is still efficient compared to the amount of light they produce. Moreover, each 5050 LED chip contains three light-emitting diodes. These diodes not only increase the light but also allow customization in colors. So, they are primarily used in LED strip lights, stage and event lighting, and automotive lighting.
4- 5050 SMD RGB LED Chips
It is the advanced version of standard 5050 LED chips. Although they have the same length and width, they can produce colors. Generally, these chips produce three primary colors: Red, Green, and Blue. However, you can create millions of color combinations by mixing these colors. Like 5050 LED chips, they also contain three diodes, each emitting a specific color light.
Inside these chips, there is an LED driver or controller. This tells each color light what to do. For example, if you turn off the green light, this drive end signals to that light and turns it off. Moreover, the energy consumption and lumens of 5050 RGB LED strip lights are the same as those of standard 5050 LED chips. These chips are widely used in LED strip lights because they can be mounted directly on their surface.
5- 3014 LED Chip
This type of LED chip is known for its slim and compact design. As the number suggests, these chips have 3.0 mm length and 1.4 mm width. This size makes their shape rectangular and compact. So, you can also use them in narrow places where other chips cannot be adjusted. If we look at their brightness, 3014 LED lights produce 9-11 lumen per chip.
This brightness is far better than traditional 3528 chips. Moreover, these chips are energy efficient, as one 3014 chip consumes 0.1 watts of power. One significant advantage of this chip type is its wide beam angle of 120 degrees. This means they can spread light to broader areas with less power consumption. 3014 chips are commonly found in LED tube lights, panel lights, and slim LED strips.
6- 2835 LED Chip
It is another advanced type of LED chip. At first glance, it seems similar to the 3528 LED chips, but they vary in internal and external designs. For example, these chips are 2.8mm long and 3.5mm wide but still rectangular. What makes them different is their heat sink material inside. This helps the chips stay cool and dissipate most of the heat.
Another prominent advantage of 2835 chips is their higher brightness. Unlike traditional designs, they produce 20-24 lumens, twice as bright as 3528 chips. Moreover, one 2835 chip consumes 0.2 watts, making it more energy efficient. This means you can install more lights using less power. Therefore, light manufacturers commonly use these chips in LED bulbs, tubes, and strips.
7- 5630 LED Chip
It is one of the brightest SMD LED chip types. The number shows that these chips are wider and flat, as they have 5.6mm length and 3.0 width. This flat surface helps them dissipate more heat and distribute more light. Hence, 5630 chips can cover a large area with their brightness. They have higher light output than other chip types, making them suitable for places where intense light is required.
For example, a 5630 chip produces 20-24 lumens, even double that of 2835 chips. However, higher lumens also increase energy consumption. Each 5630 chip consumes 0.5 watts, but the lumens-per-watt ratio is still excellent for large areas. So, this chip type is a good choice for people who prefer maximum brightness for less electricity cost. These chips are used in commercial, street, and outdoor lighting.
Factors to Consider While Choosing Between LED Chips
In the world of LED lighting, you will find several options. These light chips come in various shapes, sizes, and features. So, choosing the right among those can be confusing. However, some factors can help you make the right decision. In this section, I will explore some factors you must consider.
- Brightness: First, understand the brightness of each LED chip. As I said above, it is measured in lumens. More lumens mean higher brightness. So, if you want an LED light for a large area, go for a chip with high lumens.
- Power Consumption: Power consumption is the most critical factor when buying a chip. It is directly related to lumens. So, choose a low-wattage chip to keep your lighting energy efficient. For this, you have to pick fewer lumen chips.
- Size: LED chips come in different sizes. Choosing the right size is key for even brightness. As I said above, numbers indicate the size of each chip. So, if you want to cover more area, a large number chip such as 5630 is a more reliable option.
- Heat Dissipation: LED chips can produce heat due to continuous use. If this heat is too much, it can shorten their lifespan. So, ensure your chosen chip has enough heat sinks to avoid overheating.
- Cost and Affordability: Each type of LED chip has different prices. A chip that produces more lumens and offers color variation may have high prices. So, before buying them, keep your budget in mind. For example, you should choose 3528 chips over 5050 if you have a tight budget.
Quick Highlight: Keep in mind that higher prices mean higher quality. A low-priced LED chip will not last long and will require frequent replacements. So, it can overall increase the cost. However, an LED chip with a higher initial cost ensures high quality. You can enjoy it for several years with low maintenance costs. So, such a chip proves cost-effective in the long run.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do LED chips get hot?
Yes, due to continuous use, LED chips get hot. This heat can reduce their lifespan and performance. Therefore, manufacturers use heat sinks in these chips to dissipate heat.
How long do LED chips last?
On average, an LED chip has a lifespan of 100,000 hours. However, several factors can reduce this lifespan. Harsh external environments, less cleanliness, and low maintenance can all reduce it.
Which is better: 5050 or 3528 LED?
If brightness is your primary concern, a 5050 LED chip is better. This chip produces 15-22 lumens, which is bright enough to cover a large area. However, remember that it also consumes more power, which can increase electricity costs.