SMD LED lights have replaced traditional DIP LEDs in most applications. But what are these LED lights actually? Let’s learn about SMD LED lights in detail. We will talk about what they are, how they work, and their types. We will help you understand the difference between different types of SMD LEDs to help you choose the right one.
Part 1. What is a SMD LED Light?
SMD stands for Surface Mount Device. It’s a kind of electronic component directly mounted on the surface of a PCB. Thus, there are no leads like the conventional electronic components.
Now, an SMD LED Light uses SMD LEDs instead of the traditional LED lights that have legs. These LEDs are flat, compact, and exceptionally versatile.
Part 2. How Does SMD LED Work?
An SMD LED also produces light through the semiconductor process similar to typical LED lights. It does not have legs, but it has anode and cathode pads on the package.
An SMD LED is placed over the PCB, and its pads are directly soldered to the copper tracks on the circuit board.
When forward voltage passes through the PN-junction of the semiconductor diode, the electrons from the N-type cross the junction and fall into the holes of the P-type through the junction.
During this process, the electrons actually fall from the higher energy level to the lower energy level. That said, they emit energy in the form of light or photons. Thus, you see visible light coming from the LED.
The notable feature of SMD LEDs is heat dissipation. As they are directly mounted on an aluminum PCB, the heat spreads across the board.
Secondly, SMD LEDs have a wider beam angle around 120⁰, which is much wider than the beam angle (25⁰-40⁰) of DIP LEDs. Thus, it covers a wide area with the light output.
Part 3. Different Types of SMD LED Chips
SMD LED chips are available in different types based on the chip size, power consumption, flux output, efficiency, and application.
| SMD Type | Size (mm) | Lumens | Wattage | Applications |
| SMD 2835 | 2.8 x 3.5 | 22-26 | 0.2W-0.5W | General lighting, Décor, under-cabinet lighting |
| SMD 3528 | 3.5 x 2.8 | 6-8 | 0.08W | Accent lighting, Décor |
| SMD 5050 | 5.0 x 5.0 | 16-22 | 0.5W | RGB general and accent lighting |
| SMD 5630 | 5.6 x 3.0 | 45-55 | 0.5W | Commercial lighting, high-intensity uses |
| SMD 3014 | 3.0 x 1.4 | 10-12 | 0.1W | TV panels and signage |
SMD 2835
SMD 2835 LED chip has a dimension of 2.8mm x 3.5mm. It consumes around 0.2W-0.5W per chip and delivers around 22-26 lumens. It is a high-efficiency LED package in the mid-power range.
The notable feature is the heat sink pad on the back. Its thermal copper plate allows it to handle higher currents and dissipate heat efficiently.
SMD 3528
The SMD 3528 is one of the most-used SMD LEDs because it is one of the earliest designs. It has dimensions of 3.5mm x 2.8mm. It consumes around 0.08W per chip, which is quite less compared to other SMDs, but it offers only 6-8 lumens.
Thus, it’s a small SMD LED that produces less light, but also consumes less power. At the same time, it produces minimal heat.
SMD 5050
The SMD 5050 is a high-power LED in a large size of 5.0mm x 5.0mm. At a consumption of only 0.5W, it offers 16-22 lumens, which is incredible.
It’s one of the most popular SMD LED types because of its versatility. It usually has three LED chips for red, green, and blue in a single housing, so it offers a massive color range with high brightness.
SMD 5630
The SMD 5630 has dimensions of 5.6mm x 3.0mm. It offers very high brightness, so you can use it for applications where intense lighting is required.
The wattage is usually 0.5W per chip, which produces around 45-55 lumens. It’s capable of handling high wattage due to its large thermal pad, which assists in thermal dissipation.
SMD 3014
The SMD 3014 is a compact package that delivers 10-12 lumens at a consumption of 0.1W per chip. Its dimensions are 3.0mm x 1.4mm, which is why it takes very little space on the circuit board. Despite its small size, it offers excellent heat dissipation.
Part 5. SMD 5050 vs 2835 vs 3528 vs 5630 vs 3014 LED Strip Lights
SMD 5050 LED Strip Lights
SMD 5050 LED strip lights contain a tri-chip SMD. It can produce millions of colors by mixing red, green, and blue.
It’s perfect for applications where RGB lighting is required. Because of millions of colors, it can be used for almost any purpose or application, including accent lighting, backlighting, and task lighting.
Tip: Most brands' SMD 5050 LED lights are not efficient at producing pure white light, but Govee SMD 5050 LED lights feature RGBWWIC technology, which provides pure cool and warm white lighting.
SMD 3528 LED Strip Lights
It’s a low-intensity strip light, which is suitable for accent lighting, cabinet lighting, room décor, etc. The brightness is low, and so is the power consumption, which is usually 5W per meter. The notable feature is extremely low heat generation.
It’s not used for general lighting. However, it’s best for applications where minimal heat generation and low intensity are required.
SMD 2835 LED Strip Lights
It offers high brightness and excellent efficiency. It’s primarily used where a single-color strip is needed. You will find it in residential LED lights, strip lights, and general lighting. Secondly, it’s a perfect option if you want high-efficiency white light for task lighting.
It offers the best value for money and incredible performance. It has replaced old single light chips because it can handle high currents without getting too hot.
SMD 5630 LED Strip Lights
These strip lights produce extremely intense light that is perfect for commercial displays, floodlights, security lights, etc.
It works at a high intensity, which is why the energy consumption and heat generation are comparatively high. Which is why it is usually installed along with an aluminum channel for better heat dissipation.
SMD 3014 LED Strip Lights
SMD 3014 LED strip lights are common in TV panels and architectural lighting. They have an extremely compact SMD LED, and that’s the reason they can offer a high LED density for a smooth and seamless line of light.
Part 5. How to Choose the Right SMD LED Lights?
- Application: Consider the purpose and application of the SMD LED lights. For instance, if you want multiple colors, you can go with the SMD 5050. For high-intensity light, SMD 5630 is the best option. For general lighting, a good option is an SMD 2835.
- LED Density: Check the LED density. It defines the number of LED lights per unit length. For instance, a 30 LED/m strip light produces less light compared to a 60 LED/m light. You can choose according to your needs.
- Color Temperature: Consider the color temperature. For task lighting, 5,000K-6,500K is suitable. If you want to avoid a blue tone in white, go with 4,000K. For cozy yellowish light, you can select 2,700K-3,000K.
- Lumens: To get a better idea of the brightness of the light, check the lumen value. It helps you decide the light you need to get the desired brightness.
- Power Consumption: Check the wattage to get an idea of the power consumption. LED lights are efficient, but you should still know how much energy they could consume.
Part 6. Govee Smart SMD 5050 Strip Light You'll Will Love
Govee Strip Light 2 Pro is a versatile LED light strip with RGBIC+ technology. Not only does it produce millions of colors, but it also offers pure white. Thus, it’s suitable for task lighting, ambient lighting, or any other purpose. Users can customize its segments to have multiple colors on the strip at the same time. Plus, it offers 100+ preset scenes and smart controls.
Explore SMD bulbs and shop here >
FAQs About SMD LED Lights
What does SMD mean on LED lights?
SMD means Surface Mounted Device. SMD LED lights do not have legs like common LEDs. Instead, they come in a compact package that is directly soldered to the PCB.
Which is better LED or SMD?
Traditional LEDs are large with less brightness, narrow beam angle, and poor heat dissipation. Modern SMD LEDs offer a compact package, a wide beam angle, higher lumens, and excellent heat dissipation. They have now become common in light bulbs, strip lights, TV backlights, and other applications.
Conclusion
SMD LEDs are compact, but despite their small size, they offer exceptional performance. They have wider beam angles, higher lumens, and better heat dissipation. However, SMD LEDs are available in different varieties. We have explained what these types are and where they can be used to make your selection easier.
