What is the difference between 3528 LEDs and 5050 LEDs

22, Jul. 2024

 

What is the difference between LEDs and LEDs

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Comparison between LEDs and LEDs: What are SMD and SMD LEDs?

Here's an easy-to-understand comparison between LED chip numbers and sizes.

The different numbers correlate to the different physical dimensions of the chip. The numbers , , , etc correlate to the size of the chip in millimeters. Some LEDs are brighter than others and some give off more light per watt.

 

The LED chip you will need will depend on your project. Read below for more information.

Before you start, are you new to LEDs? A few resources:

LED Strip Light Product Selector Tool - Find the perfect strip light for your project. 

What are LED strip lights and what can they do?

LED Strip Light Examples and Ideas

Showdown: The Difference Between LED vs

LED strip lighting can be manufactured with a variety of LED chips. The numbers you see such as and refer to the size of the chip. The older style strips that have been popular for a few years now are the sizes seen above. Currently, there are even smaller and more efficient LED chips on the market with the sizes of , , , and . Each have benefits when used properly. No "one" chip can rule them all. 

So, what is the difference between SMD  and LEDs and why should you care?

 

SMD LED Flex Strip light

Simply put, these LED chips are called SMD because the dimensions of the chips are 5.0mm x 5.0mm. They have 3 LED diodes in one housing (sometimes called tri-chips), and are a lot brighter than individual LED chips.

These are examples of LED light strips:


They are used when you need slight illumination for your project area and especially RGB color changing lights. Theoretically, comparing the same number of chips, SMD LEDs can offer a light output 3 times that of the strips, and therefore the LED is well suited for lighting up areas that may be subject to high levels of ambient light. However, since they are larger in size, there are only so many you can fit onto the PCB. There are some brightness restraints when using the s in this way.

Though they produce more heat than smaller chips, it is still drastically lower than other lighting options. These types of LEDs require a thicker PCB to draw the heat away form the chips.

The 's are different from the  LEDs in that s can combine the three different chips to inside the housing to create millions of color variations.

While the chip can be used in single color applications, we have found the LEDs to be better for the RGB and the SMD LEDs in high density better for single color applications.

  

SMD LED Strip light

They are called SMD because the dimension of the chip is 3.5mm * 2.8mm. These LED chips (one LED per chip) are bright but not as bright as the side by side. However, when used in higher quantity can be brighter then a comparible strip of s.

These lights are great for TV backlighting, color splashing walls, accent lighting for crown molding and pictures, under tables and cabinets, bars, etc.

LEDs can be most cost effective, but will not be as bright when compared individually to a chip, but when there are 600 of them on a reel, they can be brighter than a strip.

Buying Tip: When comparing LED strip lighting between companies, if both competing strips are using the same chips, look at how many LED are on the strip and look for lumen output to determine brightness. 

Pay attention to how many LEDs there are per foot or meter. When searching for a bright LED strip light, make sure you compare apples to apples, as not all LED strips are made in the same way. 

Watch: YouTube Video showing how our LED strip lights come with 600 LEDs per reel Instead of 300



LEDs in various lighting projects

 

 

Other sizes: LED chips and LEDs in high brightnes

s LED strip lights

The UltraBright Series are of the Brightest LED strips in the world!

 


SMD LED chips

LED chips

Though and SMD LEDs were the most popular on the market for strip lights, the LED market has changed rapidly over the past few years. 

Today, there are many LED chips available that are brighter and also more efficient. The  SMD LED chips in our High CRI UltraBright Series and SMD LED chips in our Architectural Ultra Bright and Design Series Ultra Bright LED strip lights are smaller and more efficient than their predecessors. Because the LED sizes are much smaller, we were able to fit many more of them onto the strip lights, thus creating blindingly bright LED strips. Our Industrial LED strip lights use a new advanced chip. 

 

 

 

So, What does all this mean?

Should I choose , , , , or some other size I have never heard about?

The size of the chip and how many chips you will need depend upon the use for which the LED strips are going to be used. We can help you design your project and select the strip and chip needed, for free!

We recommend doing an overview of your project and asking some main questions.

Start by deciding what you want/need the lighting for.

    1. View our Buying Guide

    2. What is the project? Do you want accent lighting, principal task lighting, color changing, lighting a display case, outdoor, etc?

    3. Dimmable or non dimmable capability?

    4. Which color do you want?

    5. Do you require very high CRI

    6. What brightness is needed?
    7. Do you need it waterproofed?

When purchasing LEDs, please pay attention and compare the following: 

If you want to learn more, please visit our website what is smd led.

    1. Look how many LEDs are on the reel or per foot and 

      the total lumen (brightness) of the LED strip light

    2. Pay attention to the CRI ( Color Rendering Index ) - Our CRIs range between 80 - 95.

    3. How many watts does the strip use?

    4. Are the UL or ETL safety listed?

    5. Are they dimmable?

    6. How many ounces of copper do they use in their PCB to dissipate the heat? (we use 2-4oz)

    7. What type of LED chips are used?

    8. How are the LEDs binned? (will you get the same color every time you order?) 

      *Please be hesitant to purchase if the supplier does not offer this information, as these are important specifications to know when purchasing a quality product. 

 

LED strip lighting 101: Great and informative introduction pages: 

1. What is an LED strip light and what can they do?

2. What do I need to know before I choose an LED strip light?

3. LED Strip Light Examples and Ideas

4. LED strip light product comparison chart

5. How does Flexfire LEDs manufacture the highest quality LED strip lights? 

 

Have Questions? Our design experts are waiting to assist you with any question! 

 

How to Identify an SMD LED from Its Code Number

Surface Mount Device (SMD) LEDs, commonly used in various electronic devices, lighting applications, and displays, are identified by specific code numbers that convey important information about their characteristics. Understanding how to decode these numbers is crucial for selecting the right SMD LED for your application. Here's a guide on how to identify an SMD LED from its code number:

 

Understanding SMD LED Code Systems:

SMD LEDs are typically identified using alphanumeric codes that convey information about their color, size, luminous intensity, and viewing angle. Two common coding systems are used: four-digit codes and six-digit codes. The four-digit code is more straightforward and includes information about color and size, while the six-digit code provides additional details about luminous intensity and viewing angle.

Amber 1W SMD LED

Decoding a Four-Digit SMD LED Code:

The four-digit code is usually written as "ABCC" or "CCAB," where A represents the color, B indicates the size, and CC denotes the brightness rank.

 

Color Code (A):

"R" for red

"G" for green

"B" for blue

"Y" for yellow

"W" for white

 

Size Code (B):

Sizes are denoted numerically and may vary by manufacturer. Common sizes include , , and . The number represents the dimensions in tenths of millimeters (e.g., indicates 0.8mm x 0.5mm).

High Power SMD 6in1 Multicolor

Brightness Rank (CC):

The brightness rank is a two-digit number that provides information about the luminous intensity. Higher numbers generally indicate higher brightness.

 

For example, an SMD LED with the code "R 05" indicates a red LED with a size of and a brightness rank of 05.

 

Decoding a Six-Digit SMD LED Code:

The six-digit code provides more detailed information, including luminous intensity and viewing angle. It is often written as "AABBCC" or "CCAABB."

 

Color Code (AA):

Similar to the four-digit code, the first two digits represent the color.

SMD LED Chip 150mA CRI80

Size Code (BB):

The next two digits denote the size, following the same principle as in the four-digit code.

 

Brightness Rank (CC):

The final two digits represent the brightness rank.

 

Additional Information (Optional):

Some six-digit codes may include additional information, such as "D" for diffused, "W" for water clear, or "L" for low current.

 

For instance, a six-digit code like "R 05" might be expanded to "R05D," indicating a red LED with a size of , a brightness rank of 05, and a diffused lens.

High light output EMC SMD LED

Manufacturer-Specific Codes:

Keep in mind that some manufacturers may use their own coding systems. While the basic principles of color, size, and brightness rank are likely to be consistent, additional characters or variations may exist.

 

Datasheets and Catalogs:

When in doubt, consult the datasheet or catalog provided by the LED manufacturer. These documents offer detailed information about the specifications, electrical characteristics, and recommended usage of the SMD LEDs. The datasheet will explicitly outline the coding system used by the manufacturer.

 

In conclusion, decoding an SMD LED code involves understanding the color, size, and brightness rank indicated by the alphanumeric characters. The information provided by these codes is crucial for selecting the right LED for a specific application, ensuring optimal performance and compatibility with the intended use. Always refer to the manufacturer's documentation for detailed specifications and guidelines related to their specific coding system.

 

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