Kinds and types of light-emitting diodes: classification, characteristics, purpose

LEDs are becoming more in demandsolutions, and in a variety of areas. They can be used as decorative items or for lighting purposes, as well as for various areas outside the buildings. LEDs are delivered to the market in a fairly wide range of modifications. At the same time, developers of the respective products periodically offer innovative solutions, which in the future are able to form new market niches. What are the most common types of LEDs today? For what purposes can they be used?

What are LEDs?

Before considering common typesLEDs, we will study general information about the corresponding devices. The LED is a semiconductor that is able to convert an electric current into light. In this case, the semiconductor crystal, which is its main component, consists of several layers characterized by two types of conductivity. Namely - hole and electronic.

Conductivity of the first type implies the transitionan electron from one atom to another, on which there is free space. In turn, another electron arrives at the first atom, the next one - the next one, etc. This mechanism acts due to the covalent bonds between the atoms. At the same time, they do not move. As a matter of fact, a positive charge moves, which physically is called a hole. In this case, the passage of an electron into holes produces light.

The structure of the LED in general is similar torectifying diode. That is, it has 2 outputs - an anode and a cathode. This feature predetermines the need for polarity to be observed when the LED is connected to an electrical power source.

The corresponding products are calculated in the general caseto a direct current of 20 milliamps. In principle, this value can be reduced, however, in this case, the color may change and the brightness of the LED may decrease. In turn, it is undesirable to increase the corresponding parameter. If the current exceeds the optimum value, then in order to reduce it to the required level, a limiting resistor is applied.

There are quite a few nuances thatshould be borne in mind when installing the LEDs. This is predetermined by their internal structure, form of execution. In some cases, it may be necessary to use a stabilizer for LEDs and other electronic components to ensure the functioning of the device in which the product in question is being installed.

Depending on the composition of the semiconductors inLED it can be red, yellow, green or blue. For example, if the structure of the corresponding electronic component contains gallium nitride, the LED will glow blue. Actually, one of the criteria, based on which these or other types of LEDs are allocated, can be their color.

Application

The first LEDs on the market,were produced in metal casings. Gradually, it began to replace plastic. In this case, according to color, it is usually chosen taking into account the color of the LED's emission. However, transparent plastic enclosures are also quite common.

The considered electronic devices find wide application in the most different spheres. This is due to the fact that almost all types of LEDs are characterized by:

- energy efficiency;

- long service life;

- the ability to determine the color of the glow, as well as to regulate its power;

- security;

- ecological compatibility.

If we talk about energy efficiency, LEDswith the same light output can have significantly less power than conventional lamps. The smaller power LEDs at the same time reduces the overall load on the energy system of the building. The service life of devices can be several tens of times higher than what characterizes ordinary lamps. In this case, in terms of functions, LEDs can not be inferior to them at all.

As mass demand for suchproducts, as well as their cheaper products, LEDs are increasingly being used for the same purposes as conventional lamps. There are no difficulties in installing the corresponding solutions in comparison with traditional lighting devices. It is important only to make sure whether a particular LED is suitable for installation in the grid. For this, it may be necessary in advance - before purchasing LEDs - to reveal its main parameters.

What other advantages can the considered solutions have?

So, it can be noted that the color temperatureLED can be almost any - including the combination of the above colors. In addition, the devices can be supplemented with different filters, which can significantly expand the scope of application of LEDs in terms of selecting the required color temperature.

The ability to control the power of the glow - moreone advantage of the devices under consideration. This option is perfectly combined with their high energy efficiency. The power of the LED can be adjusted in automatic mode - based on the actual conditions of use of lighting devices. And this practically does not affect their service life.

LEDs are environmentally friendly, since they do not emit harmful radiation for humans. This feature, again, extends the possibilities of using the devices under consideration.

Classification: indicator and lighting solutions

Experts identify 2 main categoriesLED - indicator, as well as lighting. The first are mainly designed to create a decorative light effect and are used as an element of decorating a building, room, vehicle. Or as a tool for text styling - for example, on an advertising banner.

In turn, there are lighting LEDs. They are designed to increase the brightness of lighting in a room or in a certain area of ​​the territory - for example, if we consider LEDs for cars. Appropriate type of solutions are an alternative to the use of conventional lamps and in many cases more beneficial in terms of energy efficiency and environmental friendliness.

Types of performance

But back to the classification of LEDs. You can determine the widest range of grounds for their classification as one or another category. The approach widely used in the expert environment involves the allocation of the following main types of LEDs:

- DIP;

- Spider LED;

- SMD;

- COB;

- Fiber;

- Filament.

Let us consider them in more detail.

What is the specificity of DIP-LEDs?

If you study in more detail howthese types of LEDs appeared on the market, then devices of the DIP class can be attributed to the first, which began to be sold massively. These solutions are crystals that are housed in cases with optical components, in particular a lens that creates a light beam.

It can be noted that the category under considerationLEDs, despite the general prevalence, are rarely used in the high-tech sphere. Most often, these solutions are used as components of light advertising, tapes, highlights, ornaments.

LEDs DIP are classified as indicator. They have one more name - DIL. They are installed on the board, on which you first need to make holes. It can be noted that within the category under consideration, different types of LEDs can be distinguished, which differ in the diameter of the bulb, in color, in the material of manufacture. In this case, the corresponding parameters can be represented in the widest spectrum. In form, the solutions under consideration are cylindrical. Among the corresponding LEDs are both monochrome and multicolor devices.

Spider LED

This type of LEDs in general are very similar toprevious devices. But they have twice as many leads as 4. While the DIP LEDs have 2. The fact that the type of solutions presented has more outputs, optimizes the heat sink and increases the reliability of the corresponding components. In practice, they are used in various areas, in particular as LEDs for cars.

SMD type LEDs

These solutions are produced usingconcept of surface mounting. That is, they are LEDs that are installed on a surface, while other solutions can be installed through through-wiring.

Dimensions of LEDs of this type can beis significantly less than that of alternative solutions, as well as those structures for which they are installed. Again, in this case it is legitimate to talk about a more optimal heat sink. Using LEDs such as SMD In many cases, it makes it possible to expand the variability of the design of lighting structures.

SMD-LEDs are classified aslighting. Characterized by a rather complex structure. So, the LED itself consists of a metal substrate. It fixes the crystal, which is soldered directly to the contacts of the substrate body. A lens is placed above the crystal. In this case, 1-3 LEDs can be installed on one substrate. SMDs include common types of ultra-bright LEDs, such as 3528. These solutions have a high level of demand.

COB-type LEDs

The next popular type of LED is COB. It is made with the use of technology, which involves the installation of the crystal directly on the board. This solution is characterized by a large number of advantages:

- the protection of the compound from oxidation;

- small dimensions of the structure;

- Heat sink efficiency;

- Reducing the cost of installing LEDs - in comparison, in particular, with devices such as SMD.

If we consider the above typeslight-emitting diodes, it can be noted that the solutions of the COB brand can be attributed to the most innovative. This technology was first implemented by Japanese engineers in the late 2000s. Now these types of LEDs continue to gain popularity.

According to experts, the solutions in questioncan and do become the most in demand on the market, especially if we talk about the commercial segment, the sphere of household lighting. It is worth noting that there are areas within which the use of COB LEDs can be difficult. Among them - the production of professional lighting equipment. The fact is that the LEDs under consideration are not very optimal from the point of view of adapting to the organization of lighting with the established light intensity curve. In such cases, devices such as SMD may be more suitable.

The described diodes refer to lighting. As the experts note, they can be attributed to the best, based on the characteristics of the light flux. Supplied on the market in different colors, for example red, green, blue, and also white. The luminous flux of these models has a scattering angle of 40-120 degrees.

On one substrate, more than 9LEDs such as COB. They are covered with a phosphor, due to which they acquire a high luminosity. It can be noted that the luminous flux of these solutions is higher than that of devices of the SMD type. Thus, if we consider what type of LEDs are better, then according to the specified criterion an advantage can be a solution of the COB class.

LEDs such as COB also find use inautomotive industry. They can be used as a component of the front, rear lights, turn signals. The main thing is to properly install the purchased devices. For this it makes sense to turn to experienced specialists.

Fiber LEDs

By innovative include fiber LEDs. They appeared on the market recently, in 2015. The solutions were developed by engineers from South Korea.

You can use these types of LEDs inclothing production. That is, one of them is quite realistic to sew a shirt or a T-shirt that can glow. Production of clothing based on fiber LEDs also involves the use of various polymers, as well as aluminum compounds.

LED Filament

Another example of innovative LEDs -Filament type solutions. Their main advantage is high energy efficiency. With the same power, for example, with LEDs such as COB, Filament solutions can provide a higher level of illumination.

Considered innovative product most oftenused in the manufacture of lighting lamps. Among the remarkable characteristics of the production of the corresponding LEDs - installation directly on the substrate, made of glass. This approach makes it possible to distribute the light emitted by the LED, 360 degrees.

How to choose the best option?

How to determine the type of LED, optimal forthis or that design? There are a large number of criteria that can be guided in this matter. In principle, it is quite legitimate to determine the scope of the LED on the basis of its classification according to the features that we considered above. Let us study the specifics of choosing the appropriate electronic components, taking into account the features of the device:

- DIP;

- SMD;

- COB.

LED selection: features of DIP type solutions

As we noted above, DIP-LEDs refer tothe earliest products on the market. Thus, rather old, but still demanded technologies are involved in them. Their main advantages are ease of installation, ease of shape, low power consumption, low heat, and a fairly high degree of protection from external influences.

Most commonly considered LEDs are available.in diameter of 3 and 5 mm. If we compare the LEDs by type, we can conclude that the solutions in question are the most optimal for use:

- as elements of tuning cars;

- as decorative components;

- in the composition of low-power ones - as a version of self-made lanterns.

The LEDs under consideration are relativelylow cost and availability in the market. It may be noted that among the most frequently encountered modifications are 12 volt LEDs. They can be present in various online catalogs, as well as in a wide range of specialized stores. Actually, any 12 volt LEDs are characterized by a high demand on the market.

LED selection: features of SMD solutions

Appropriate type of solution in appearancefundamentally different from others in that they have a flat shape. Installation of these electronic components is carried out without the use of legs. The current to the SMD LEDs is applied to the terminals that are located on their reverse side.

Thus, the installation of these devicescarried out without the use of holes. The placement of the LEDs can be very compact. As a result, the design on which the corresponding devices are located may decrease.

The main methods of application are considereddevices - the same auto tuning, various types of interior lighting. Among the most significant advantages of these options - high brightness, light output. In combination with small sizes, these solutions have significant advantages over alternative product models.

Among the most common on modernThe market is a type of LED 3528. These products are widely used in the production of LED strips. The design of the corresponding products allows you to produce three-color LEDs - with red, blue, and green glow colors. Many other electronic components, such as the SMD 5050 LED, are manufactured on the basis of type 3528 solutions.

Considered products are also characterized by affordability. They are on the market, they are usually in a wide range.

LED Selection: Features of COB Type Solutions

First of all, it is worth noting that significantsome LEDs of the appropriate type are very powerful designs. Their characteristic feature is the rapid diffusion of light due to the placement of crystals on the surface, which provides dynamic heat removal.

The LEDs in question are very bright. This makes them popular just for use in the design of car headlights. It should be noted that these products should be installed taking into account a number of significant nuances - those only experienced professionals can know. Therefore, to install the appropriate solutions, it is recommended to contact the competent service departments.