- What is LED printed circuit board (PCB)
- LED printed circuit board working principle
- Types of LED PCBs
- Considerations when designing LED PCBs
- Applications of LED printed circuit board PCBs
- Advantages of LEDs
- Summary
As the world of technology continues to evolve, so does the field of LEDs. The LED case is a field that involves combining two technological approaches to come up with more effective alternatives for solving the intended purpose. This LED PCB has the advantage of longevity and durability, and this article will allow you to learn how LED printed circuit boards (PCBs) work how they are designed and, assembled, and processed.
What is LED printed circuit board (PCB)
This PCB is used for lighting in modern LED bulbs and other lighting appliances. The material used in the current process of PCB manufacturing is a metal-clad copper with very good heat dissipation. In general, we should note that the single-layer LED printed circuit board PCB consists of three layers: the circuit layer, the ceramic layer, and the insulation layer. The LEDs are placed directly in the circuit layer where they are mounted. The heat emitted from the LEDs is quickly connected to the substrate layer for heat dissipation, which is done through the insulation layer, and then dissipated through the substrate layer. Copper, aluminum, and iron are the most commonly used materials for thermal conductive layers because they are readily available. Iron cores are mostly used in high-end PCBs for motors with high heat dissipation.
LED printed circuit board working principle
Any electrical equipment needs to be matched with the power supply to carry out normal work; if the voltage is too low, the electrical equipment will not work, or power halving work, the voltage is too high is likely to burn the electrical equipment to cause unnecessary economic and property losses.
LED lights have a relatively high luminous efficiency, using the same power emitted light, much higher than the same power incandescent lamps; now, more and more places use LED lights. Still, the LED lights themselves use a relatively low voltage, 220 volts for the LED lights themselves is quite large and can be said to be unbearable weight. So it can not be connected directly with 220 volts like incandescent lamps, which will burn the LED lamp itself. So there needs to be an intermediate device; at least the 220-volt voltage into the LED lamp itself needs a low voltage. Anyway, I did not see a small circuit board in this intermediate equipment, also known as the driver board, a level for driving LED light-emitting PCB board. LED installed in the surface of the circuit layer; the PCB work generated heat through the insulation layer quickly transferred to the metal base, and then this heat through the metal base to pass out to achieve the purpose of device heat dissipation. The main thing on it is the buck chip; the 220-volt voltage into LED lights needs low-voltage electricity so that the LED can work properly; each LED lamps and lanterns have a driver board, its role is quite important, and even the driver board is good or bad directly determines the life of the LED lamps and lanterns.
Types of LED PCBs
Single-layer LED PCB
This consists of a substrate layer and a conductive layer. Solder resist layers, together with screen printing, protect these layers. This type of LED PCB has no circuit layers on the back side; they are very thin in construction and weightless.
Double-layer LED PCBs
When you compare it to a single-layer PCB, you will notice that it has two copper layers, which makes them heavier because the number of conductive layers has also increased to two. Double-layer PCBs are durable because this circuit layer can withstand the high currents applied and has the best heat dissipation mechanism.
Assembly method for LED PCBs
In the case of LED PCBs, two assembly methods can be used. These methods are used to attach the components to the board and are
This method involves mounting the electronic components directly into the copper layer of the board. The process is highly automated, offers flexible connections, and provides space for high-density connections, and they play an important role in circuits that require high connectivity and precision.
This method involves drilling holes in the PCB board, mounting the components into the holes using long leads, and soldering and filling with flux. The process involves extensive checks to ensure high precision and effectiveness, and this method provides robust and durable boards.
Considerations when designing LED PCBs
Ideal LED PCB design: You must figure out which ideal printed circuit board design should be used. In engineering, it all starts with design.
Choosing the right orientation: When we talk about orientation, we are concerned with how to achieve the flow of the circuit from one end to the other. The way data and current flow in the circuit are what we call orientation.
Component Placement: In addition to the circuit and the obvious LED, there are many other components that make up the LED printed circuit board. These components include resistors, capacitors, Etc. Component placement should avoid the solder side of the board, as the solder is located behind the through-hole side.
Definition of net width design: Due to the different currents consumed in the circuit, the design path will vary with the alignment size, affecting the net width of this design result.
Cost optimization and budget issues: This is how the overall budget for designing the PCB will rise. Therefore, this must also be considered when proposing LED-printed circuit boards.
Applications of LED printed circuit board PCBs
Consumer Lighting
This is one of the common applications of LED PCBs, and they are greatly used in consumer lighting, from flashing lights, lamps, spotlights, and lanterns to solar lighting applications.
Consumer Electronics
LEDs are also becoming common in electronic devices, such as computer keyboard backlights. Other devices using this technology are smartphones, tablets, and TVs.
Telecommunications
Telecom displays and indicators use LED PCBs because of their durability, heat transfer capability, and long life, as telecom gadgets generate heat.
Transportation
LEDs have many uses in transportation and traffic, from parking lights to cars. In automobiles, such PCs can be found in headlights, fog lights, brake lights, reverse lights, and indicators. Highway tunnel lighting also uses this technology. Modern street lighting systems are completed using LED PCBs.
Medical field
Medical lighting and equipment lighting for medical examinations and procedures often use this LED PCB.
Advantages of LEDs
Lower power consumption: The replacement of incandescent lamps with LED lamps can reduce power consumption by more than 80 percent.
Longer life: LEDs generally last more than 20,000 hours or more and can be used 24/7 for 3 years, 25 times longer than incandescent lamps. Not only can you save money, but you also reduce the frequency of replacement.
Higher efficiency: incandescent lamps will release more heat. LED lights can reduce it by up to 20%. This indicates that unnecessary heating can be reduced while using more powerful LED lights.
Smaller size: Because of their small size, LED lights can come in a variety of sizes and can be used in separate applications. Manufacturers can add LEDs to anything, whether electronic devices or cars or even traffic signals on the road and signage.
Environmentally friendly: In contrast to other light bulbs, LED lights do not contain mercury. Therefore, LEDs have a less environmental impact and are easier to dispose of.
Summary
Over the years, innovations in PCB design have allowed the creation of various products, such as PCBs designed around LEDs. LED PCBs can be defined as LEDs soldered into the PCB as chips that light up whenever the circuit is connected in some way. These types of PCBs also typically have heat sinks and ceramic bases to keep the circuit in place and allow for the smooth operation of the circuit. Heat sinks are necessary because LEDs generate much heat, damaging the PCB and the device to which the circuit is connected.
Because of the high heat generated by the LEDs, these devices are preferably attached to a printed board with a metal substrate. Metal can dissipate heat quickly and therefore proves to be a better choice. Usually, whenever a led printed circuit board is designed, an aluminum-based printed circuit board is preferred. Aluminum PCBs also usually contain a thin layer of dielectric that dissipates heat faster.
The LED PCB development team should spend time and effort to ensure the best thermal cancellation method and improve the LED’s strength and efficiency, all while ensuring that the price remains acceptable without compromising quality. Thermal conduction is a major reason printed circuit boards supporting LEDs may stop working long before their time. LED PCB development teams should simultaneously ensure that each board can be used throughout its life cycle without causing heavy holes in the pocket.
We specialize in different types of LEDs, such as high-intensity or low-power LEDs; we also offer a range of boards best suited to your application. These include aluminum-based and ceramic-based PCBs, often used for various LED-printed circuit board requirements. Likewise, to ensure minimal maintenance and long life of the PCB, we also focus on solder masks that protect the PCB and require minimal retention. Our R&D team also designs PCBs for certain LED lumens based on customer requirements.