Everything You Need to Know About LED PCB

LED (light-emitting diode) lights are widely used. However, are you aware of the PCB (printed circuit board) lighting component at heart? LED PCB is one of the ground-breaking technologies that has allowed LEDs to be used in a wide range of consumer and industrial lighting applications.

LEDs produce a lot of heat, and keeping that heat under control is critical for the components’ structural integrity. Fortunately, LED PCB technology has improved heat dissipation away from the LED. Continue reading to learn more about LED circuit boards and how they work.

Table of Contents

What is LED PCB?

Let’s start with a definition of LED. The abbreviation LED stands for light-emitting diode. It is a well-known lighting technology that is employed in a variety of sectors.

They employ a semiconductor to convert electricity to light. LEDs save up to 80% more energy than standard lamps. Furthermore, they can be used for up to 25 times longer than ordinary bulbs. They are still important since they are environmentally friendly, and their compact size is a plus.

LEDs are supported by printed circuit boards (PCBs). They’re just thin boards made of several types of fiberglass and metals. The materials are used to link electronic components electrically. These boards are necessary for LED applications to perform properly. They support LEDs physically and switch heat away from the bulbs to improve performance and protect them from damage.

A LED circuit board contains characteristics that enable it to work at its best. It’s worth noting that the core of LED lighting is an LED circuit board. LED circuit boards come in a variety of shapes and sizes, making them suitable for a wide range of applications. As a result, the design of an LED circuit board is heavily dependent on its intended use. The setup, design, and materials utilized in producing these circuit boards are all considered. FR-4, Epoxies, and Metal-core are the most common materials used to make LED circuit boards.

FR-4 is made of glass and epoxy. It’s a common substance. Its downside is that it is insufficiently efficient in terms of heat transfer. For the manufacturing of LED circuit boards, epoxies are a popular choice. Their downside is that they are less durable than other materials. However, as a production material, they are known to be less expensive.

Finally, aluminum is combined with other metals and plated with copper on PCBs made with metal-core technology. The optimum uses for these materials are heat transfer applications. They excel at providing both heat conductivity and electrical insulation of the highest grade.

Metals, particularly aluminum, are the most widely utilized materials in LED circuit board applications due to their primary role in heat transfer.

Surface-Mount Device LEDs

The board becomes thinner when the circuit’s components are soldered to the PCB’s surface. LED chips are narrow, and surface-soldered electrical connections can result in extremely thin PCBs.

An SMD is a name for this configuration (Surface-Mount Device). Because individual LED PCBs do not emit enough light, a single LED light fixture contains several. Soldering numerous LED PCBs together is the most efficient technique to make a bright light source with a small number of components. They’re also more productive as a result of it.

These PCBs can be utilized to lower the size of the goods they assist in creating. SMD LEDs keep gadgets slim by eliminating the need for lightbulbs or elevated circuitry. Furthermore, they can dissipate more heat because of their larger surface area. Many current products use SMD-styled PCBs, including cell phones, calculators, and tablet computers. This enables them to be thin, light, and cool to the touch when in use.

What is LED PCB Assembly?

All the electrical components are put on a PCB, known as PCB Assembly. On the other hand, LED PCB Assembly refers to the LED lighting assembly. The LED PCB Assembly necessitates the use of several LEDs as well as a few additional components. Special adhesive can be used to adhere the many layers of LED PCBs together. Various insulators are sandwiched between these layers, keeping the LEDs from overheating and melting. Aluminum is often used in LED PCB Assembly to withstand heat and discharge heat more quickly.

Why Should We Choose LED PCB Assemblies?

As electrical items get smaller and smaller, LED PCBs are becoming more popular in a variety of applications. LED PCB assemblies to have a number of advantages, including the following:

Low Heat Emission

One of the most important reasons we use LED PCBs is because of this. Traditional circuits have long struggled with heat dissipation due to the inherent nature of electricity. On the other hand, LED PCBs offer a viable answer to this issue. Although it produces heat, it is insignificant in comparison to other types of lighting. Radiators allow the entire circuit to run at a lower temperature, and even little heat can be avoided.

Compact and Lightweight

LEDs are substantially smaller and take up much less space than other types of lighting. Regular light bulbs can’t always be fitted into tight spaces, but LEDs can. LEDs are easy to place on complicated PCBAs due to their small size. LED PCB assemblies are also tiny and light, providing more design freedom. Depending on the needs, we can create any design we want using many LEDs.

Long-Lasting

Compared to incandescent and fluorescent lights, LED lights last rough twenty-five times longer. Another key factor is the building. Traditional circuits were prone to snapping or wearing out early on. LED PCBs don’t have this problem because the circuits are printed on the board and aren’t connected by cables. Furthermore, because LEDs are made up of several solid components, the technology is more durable.

As a result, a wide range of benefits is available. Because LEDs do not need to be replaced frequently, considerable maintenance costs can be saved. Furthermore, the LED PCB assembly can effectively dissipate heat, which improves its reliability.

More Efficient

Because LEDs produce extremely little heat, they are more efficient than previous lighting systems. Only a small amount of energy is wasted as heat, and most of it is transformed into light. LEDs consume less energy while providing the same level of illumination. In a nutshell, switching to LED technology will save you a lot of money on your energy expenses.

Another key advantage of LED PCBs is their low power consumption. LEDs, in general, use a lot less energy than conventional lighting systems. According to the US Department of Energy, LEDs use around 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs.

Wide range of Colors and Patterns.

Another reason LED PCBs are so popular is because you can simply tweak the color by combining LED components of various hues on the same PCB. As the market for LED PCBs develops increasingly diverse, substantial customization will become necessary to meet this need. The technology, which comes in a variety of colors and designs, can be utilized for a variety of reasons.

Prevent the Circuits from Dust and Moisture

Traditional circuitry and lighting sources are significantly less robust and durable than LED PCBs. This makes them good for general-purpose and heavy-duty applications, particularly those requiring frequent contact with dust and moisture, such as outdoor applications. Component resistance will be considerably improved due to the design of sealing systems and safety features.

They are not affected by the external environment

LED PCBs can work in a wide temperature range, from hot to cold. They have numerous applications and can resist extreme temperatures.

Industry Applications of LED PCB Assemblies

Because of their specific attributes and characteristics, LED PCBs can be used in many industries and applications. So, in this chapter, we’ll look at some prominent usage cases.

Telecommunications

LED indicators and displays are frequently employed in the telecommunications industry because of their heat dissipation capability, durability, and extended life. The majority of LED PCB assemblies are mounted with aluminum, which effectively transfers and dissipates heat. As a result, with the help of LED circuit boards, the equipment will not immediately fail due to overheating and will be able to withstand the test of time.

Automotive Industry

Because of their endurance and reasonable pricing, aluminum LED, many automotive manufacturers use PCBs to make indicators, brake lights, and headlights. This could be a last-ditch effort to improve the quality and effectiveness of their automobile parts.

Medical Industry

LED PCBs are commonly utilized in-hospital medical equipment because they produce more light than standard circuit boards. LED lights with high output are frequently utilized as illumination instruments in medical tests and procedures.

In these setups, aluminum PCBs are widely utilized to disperse heat and effectively ensure medical equipment’s proper operation.

Computer Manufacturing Industry

LED displays and indicators are becoming more popular in computer applications. LED PCB Assembly has recently piqued the curiosity of several computing firms. Heat-sensitive computer components include power supplies and CPU boards. Because of their ability to transport and disperse heat, aluminum PCB LEDs are an appropriate choice.

What Are the Advantages of LED PCBs for Electronics?

There are numerous advantages of using LED PCBs in electronics. Because it is a circuit board designed just for LEDs, it has a lot to offer and allows LEDs to perform correctly.

Here is a list of advantages to employing LED circuit boards in your electronic circuit design.

Light Weight and Small Size

LED PCBs are lightweight and compact; thus, they can be used in projects that require a small, lightweight LED PCB. They will not add to the total weight of the electronic circuitry.

Low Power Consumption

LEDs consume less power than traditional light sources, such as bulbs. They don’t dissipate heat as well as standard bulbs. According to a study, LEDs consume 75% less energy than standard bulbs, and adopting LED PCBs will help you save electricity.

Long-Lasting

Using LED PCBs instead of standard bulbs will save you time and money because LEDs have a significantly longer lifespan and will last you a long period.

High Efficiency

LEDs do not generate a lot of heat; thus, they are quite efficient compared to other light energy sources. Using an LED PCB to incorporate lights into your project will save you money by transforming electrical energy into heat energy. Your project’s efficiency will improve if you use an LED PCB.

Easy to Integrate

LED PCBs are simple to build and incorporate into complex projects and electronic circuits. They don’t require a lot of wiring or skill to connect to a circuit system. Connect the positive and negative terminals on the LED circuit board to a power source.

Dust and Moisture Free

Dust and moisture are two of the most dangerous enemies of electronic circuitry. Because high-quality LED PCBs are dust and moisture resistant, you don’t have to worry about dust particles and moisture droplets destroying your LED circuit board.

Mercury-Free

Using LEDs rather than other types of lighting relieves you of the guilt of putting dangerous compounds into the environment, such as mercury. LED circuit boards are free of mercury, which is a significant advantage.

No Radiofrequency Emission

Another significant advantage of adopting LED PCBs is that they do not generate RF waves while in use. When RF waves are transmitted to a device, they will interfere with other electronic devices and components in the vicinity. Using an LED PCB eliminates the need to be concerned about RF interference.

Environmental Friendly

LED PCBs are environmentally beneficial because they do not emit dangerous substances and endure a long time, requiring occasional disposal, resulting in minimal waste.

Wide Range Availability

LED printed circuit boards are available in a variety of colors and sizes. You can select from a variety of LED colors and tailor the circuit board dimensions to your needs.

Reduces Operational Costs

Using LED PCBs instead of alternative lighting sources has been shown to minimize operational expenses. They are more efficient and last longer, allowing you to save money in the long term. What could be better than saving money while receiving a high-quality, long-lasting LED circuit board?

The Applications of the LED PCB

A light-emitting diode (LED) is an electronic component composed of a highly doped semiconductor material, most often silicon and germanium. An LED emits light energy when a specific quantity of current is supplied through it. They are formed of a p-n junction, exactly like a typical diode, except normal diodes do not emit light energy, whereas LEDs do.

LED printed circuit boards are commonly utilized in electronic circuits. You must have worked with LEDs many times as an electronic enthusiast, student, or a working professional. They have several applications and can be found in practically any other circuit. Let’s look at some LED uses.

Indicators

In electronic circuits, LEDs are most typically employed as indicators. LEDs, for example, indicate whether your computer monitor is on or off. A red light indicates that the monitor has been turned off, while a green light indicates that it has been turned on.

LEDs are also utilized in mining professionals’ portable torches, emergency lights, and cap lamps. These lights last for a long time and are tough to break. LEDs are also employed as backlights in TV displays and monitors these days.

The warm and relaxing lights found inside airline cabins are LED lights. They contribute to creating a warm, cozy, and relaxing environment for passengers. LED illuminator uses have expanded tremendously and will hopefully continue to expand.

Data Communication

LEDs are also employed in data communication, such as data transfer. LEDs are used in optical fiber technology to convey data from one location to another. Furthermore, because LEDs have a large data bandwidth, they are the primary information transfer medium in visible light communication (VLC).

Computer Construction

Because temperature control is critical for computer operation, LED, PCBs, and heat dissipation have proven useful in constructing computers. LED PCBs rarely contribute a burden to a PC’s overall heat generation. LEDs are used on other PCBs and power sources as indicator lights. LED display displays and indicators are becoming more prevalent in PC production, providing consumers with additional information about how their machines work.

Telecommunications

The heat transfers of LED displays and indicators have aided in the advancement of mobile communications device functionality. Overheated screens frequently cause further damage to the device’s circuitry. LED PCBs have significantly reduced the number of flaws detected in these devices. Because of their low cost and malleability, they are much easier to work with, allowing for more functional designs.

Machine Vision Systems

A barcode scanner is an excellent example of a machine vision system that uses LED. A red LED is commonly employed in barcode scanners, which you’ve probably seen at supermarkets and grocery stores. LEDs provide brilliant light and are small, making them ideal for machine vision systems.

The Medical Industry

Many components of surgery and medical evaluation necessitate strong visibility. As a result, LED PCBs have become a standard component in medical practitioners’ critical manufacturing tools. They are integrated into miniature torches and help general practitioners light small body regions such as ears and noses. They also power internal diagnostic instruments like endoscopic cameras and produce illumination for operating tables.

Some Points to Think About When Designing LED PCB

Designing an LED PCB is a process that necessitates the use of certain standards and criteria. You’d think that putting some LEDs on a printed circuit board would suffice, but that’s not the case. What is needed to design an LED PCB is as follows:

Component Placement

The appropriate component location is required to design an efficient LED circuit board. In PCB design, it is critical to place the proper component in the right place. Along with LEDs, an LED PCB has other components like connections, resistors, and thermistors, all of which must be spaced appropriately. When designing an LED PCB, the creepage (the lowest distance between two components) and clearance (distance measured through the air) should be considered

PCB Material

Choosing the best material for your LED PCB is difficult because numerous materials are available on the market, each with advantages and disadvantages. To figure out which material is ideal for your project, you’ll need to weigh its benefits and drawbacks.

Thermal Management

LEDs and other components on the PCB will undoubtedly dissipate heat energy, and if this energy is not channeled properly, it may harm your circuit board. The addition of vias and heat sinks will allow you to control the amount of heat energy present on the board.

Tracking

Tracking guarantees no network component is left open or forms a short circuit. Following the placement of the components, the tracking process begins. The current flow is also checked to ensure that it does not contribute to generating heat energy in the circuit.

Last But Not Least

Thanks to scientific and technological advancements, we see more streamlined and easy-to-use inventions every day. One of the inventions is the Printed Circuit Board, which uses conductive tracks to connect and mechanically support various board components. Printed circuit boards are widely utilized in industrial control, communication equipment, medical equipment, and car electronics because they create more complicated and large-scale circuits with less time and material.

A light-emitting diode (LED) is a two-lead semiconductor device that generates light when current travels through it in a specific direction. Because the setup of this device is confined to one direction, LEDs can be utilized to create patterns or generate indication signals in some instances. Modern LEDs can deliver high intensity and very bright light and a variety of forms, including visible light, ultraviolet light, and infrared light, thanks to technological advancements.

Conclusion

LED circuit boards demonstrate how far electronic technology has progressed over time. The variety of electrical applications that use LED PCBs demonstrates how popular they are in the electric world. Certainly, the popularity of LED PCBs is not without its perks. Because of these benefits, manufacturers, and users choose them over others.

Similarly, these circuit boards can be used in a variety of businesses. They may be used in various industries, demonstrating that they have various configurations, designs, and building materials. LED circuit boards will surely continue to power the operation of electronic applications for a long time.

For more details/purchase of LED PCB or any other electrical component, contact us at ICRFQ. We are the best electrical component manufacturers in China.