LED lights are composed of several components, such as an LED chip, LED driver, PCB, optics, heatsink, LED controller, and more. All these components work together to give the final light output. Any defect in these components affects the performance of the fixtures. Therefore, knowing about the standards and quality of the LED component is essential.
Let’s explore all the main components of LED luminaires and their function. In the later section of the discussion, I also covered a guide to picking high-quality LED components. So, let’s dive in:
What is an LED?
LED stands for ‘Light Emitting Diodes’. It is a type of semiconductor that emits visible light as electric current passes through it. LED follows the electroluminescence principle to generate light. In this process, the electrons in the semiconductor recombine with the holes as they come into contact with an electric current. This releases energy in the form of photons, which we see as visible light.
However, the color of the emitted light depends on the amount of doping and the type of semiconductor. For instance, Gallium Nitride (GaN) is used in blue and white LEDs, whereas for green and yellow LEDs, Gallium Phosphide (GaP) is used as a semiconductor.
Main Components Of LED Lights
PCB
A printed Circuit Board or PCB is the baseboard where LEDs are soldered and electrically connected. These are made of FR4, copper, aluminum, silkscreen, resin, and glass. PCBs’ are available in different shapes and sizes based on the LED application. For instance, thin and flexible PCBs are used in LED strip lights that you can bend and cut as per your sizing needs. In contrast, rigid PCBs made of FR4 are used in fixtures such as LED tube lights or LED panel lights.
LED Chip
LED chip is the main component of LED luminaires that emits light. They can be of different sizes and in different packaging. Based on technology and packaging, LED chips are of the following variants:
1. SMD LED
Surface Mount Devices or SMD LEDs are small LED chips mounted directly into the PCB. These LED packaging are used in LED strip lights, TVs, displays, etc.
The brightness of the SMD LEDs varies for different shapes and sizes. They are defined by numbers as SMD2835, SMD3528, or SMD 5050. The first two digits of the number indicate the width of the LED, and the later two digits determine its length. For example- an SMD3528 means the width of the LED is 3.5 millimeters, and its length is 2.8 millimeters.
2. COB LED
Chip-on-board or COB is a lighting technology that packs LEDs closely into a single circuit board, creating a smooth design. Unlike SMD LEDs, COB LEDs don’t have any visible gap in between. So, there are no hotspots, it offers smooth and continuous lighting.
As the LEDs in COB are packaged in high density, they offer brighter illumination. So, these are suitable for applications that require more focused and seamless light output.
3. CSP LED
Chip Scale Package (CSP) is a new LES packaging technology designed for compact, high-performance lighting. The size of these LED packages is equivalent to the size of the LED chip. Thus, these are excellent for high-density and dotless lighting effects. CSP LEDs are widely used in LED strips, downlights, panel lights, automotive lighting (headlights, taillights, etc), and more.
Now you may get confused between COB and CSP, as both are designed for high density. CSP is more compact than COB as these chips are compactly packed and don’t occupy any additional space in the PCB. Besides, they have better color consistency than COB. However, when it comes to brightness, COB LEDs are designed with higher lumen output. Therefore, if you need high brightness, go with COB, and for compactness, CSP is the better option.
4. Mini LEDs
Mini LEDs are high-tech LEDs designed as small-sized chips (less than 0.2mm in size). These mini LEDs are used in displays, particularly in TVs, tablets, and laptops. Mini LEDs are, in fact, a bridge between the traditional LED and micro LEDs. They offer higher brightness, better contrast, and improved energy efficiency.
Power Supply
The power supply is a major component of LED luminaires that power the LEDs. It converts the main’s AC current into DC which is required for LEDs. LD power supplies can be the following types:
1. Constant Current (CC) Power Supplies
Constant current power supplies keep the current output fixed; however, the voltages vary depending on the LED load. They prevent the LED from being damaged by preventing current fluctuation. High-power LEDs or fixtures with multiple LED connections in series use a CC power supply. For example, COB LED strip lights and high-power downlights use this power supply.
2. Constant Voltage (CV) Power Supplies
Constant voltage power supplies are suitable for low-voltage applications like LED strip lights. These power supplies provide a constant voltage output, e.g., 12V or 24V, allowing the current to vary depending on the load.
3. Dimmable Power Supplies
The dimmable power supplies come with built-in dimming technologies like TRIAC, PWM (Pulse Width Modulation), or 0-10V dimming. This allows you to adjust the intensity of your lighting as per your mood or preferred comfort level.
4. Plug-and-Play Power Supplies
Plug-and-play power supplies are designed for low-power LED applications like LED strips, desk lamps, and decorative lights. For instance, a 5V USB power LED strip uses such a plug-and-play adapter. Plug-and-play power supplies are very easy to connect. These read-to-use power supplies require no wiring hassles as they come with a standard plug and an inbuilt transformer..
LED Driver
The LED driver regulates the voltage and current of the LED lighting for safe operation. However, LED drivers are often interchanged with power supply, but they have significant differences.
AC/DC power supplies provide a wide range of voltage for household appliances. On the other hand, LED drivers are specifically designed to regulate the power of LEDs. It maintains the ideal voltage and current flow for the LED by preventing voltage and current fluctuation. The buzzing noise or flickering of the LED is caused due to faulty LED drivers.
LED Controller
LED controllers allow you to adjust the light intensity, change the light’s color, its effect, and more. LED controllers can be of different types based on the light you are using. Here are common LED controllers:
1. PWM LED Dimmer
PWM stands for Pulse Width Modulation. It dims the light by flickering it at a pulse rate that is undetectable to the human eye. You can’t see the flickering of the light and instead find it to be dimmed. However, cameras can detect this flickering; this is why the PWM LED dimmer is not suitable for applications that deal with photography.
2. IR LED Controller
IR LED controllers use infrared (IR) signals to control LEDs. This controller is very affordable and has a very simple configuration. IR LED controllers are mostly used for basic house light control. Though they are not infrared (IR) signals to control LEDs, they support a very short distance for control. Besides, the face-to-face approach of the controller and the light is essential to pass the IR signal.
3. RF LED Controller
Radiofrequency (RF) LED controllers are medium-range controllers. Unlike the IR LED controller, RF doesn’t need direct sight of the eye; it can pass signals through walls or other objects. Thus, RF LED controllers offer long-distance communication.
4. Wi-Fi LED Controller
Wi-Fi LED controllers use Wi-Fi signals to control the light via phone, remote, or any wireless device. It offers a vast area to control your lighting. These are easy to operate as you can control the light via your smartphone using apps. It further provides smart features like voice control.
5. Bluetooth LED Controller
As the name suggests, Bluetooth signals are used in these controllers to connect to the light. These are easy to install and can be operated with your smartphone. However, compared to Wi-Fi LED controllers, Bluetooth LED controllers have a limited coverage range.
6. 0/1-10V LED Controller
This is an analog LED controller that controls the brightness of the LED by adjusting the voltage between 0/1 to 10V. At 10V, the LED offers 100% brightness, whereas at 0/1V, it provides a minimal brightness level. These controllers don’t need any additional switches. Besides, the RGBW 0/1-10V LED controllers feature full touch control features. Here, each RGBW offers quick color adjustment, brightness control, and many styles and effects.
7. DMX LED Controller
Digital Multiplex or DMX LED controller uses the DMX512 protocol to control the LED lighting. Using this controller, you can control multiple LEDs in a single unit. Besides brightness adjustment, if offers control over light color changing, pre-programmed light shows, custom scenes, and dynamic effects.
DMX LED controllers offer multiple channel control; it can operate single-color, RGB, RGBW, and even addressable pixel LEDs. These LED controllers are mostly used for stage, theatre, and other professional lighting applications.
8. DALI LED Controller
DALI stands for “Digital Addressable Lighting Interface.” It offers two-way communication for controlling multiple LED lights from a single source. Though expensive, it offers greater control for automating the lighting system of your residential and commercial spaces. Moreover, it integrates with building security management (BSM) to control centralized light.
Heat Sink
Though LED operates at low temperatures, it can get overheated due to voltage overload or insufficient ventilation facility. To maintain safe operation, a heat sink is installed in the PCB to take the heat away from the LED. This way, it maintains cool operation, prevents overheating, and protects the LEDs from damage.
Casing or Housing
Casing or housing is the enclosure that works as a protection shield. It surrounds the LEDs and other electrical components and prevents them from coming in contact with dirt, dust, or moisture. Housing can be made of different materials based on the application of the light.
| Casing or Housing material | LED Application |
| Aluminum | High-power LEDs, floodlights, industrial lighting |
| Polycarbonate (PC) | LED street lights, tube lights, outdoor lighting |
| Acrylic (PMMA) | Decorative LED panels, signage, displays |
| Die-Cast Metal | Outdoor LED fixtures, high-bay lights |
| Glass | Decorative bulbs, vintage-style LEDs |
| Silicone | LED strips, underwater lighting |
Base
The base connects the LED bulb to the power source. It provides electrical and mechanical support to the bulb, ensuring the fixture remains stable in the installed location. Based on application, voltage, and installation, the base of LED light can be of different types. For instance, chandeliers, decorative, and standard household bulbs use an E26/E27 base. Again, for LED tube lights T-series bases like T5, T8, or T12 are used.
Optics
Optics is the small dome structure covering placed directly over the LED. It is made of shatter-resistant plastic that ensures the proper direction of the lighting. Optics includes- primary optics and secondary optics.
The primary optics act as the encapsulation of the LED to provide basic light direction. Whereas the secondary optics refine the light beam, it covers- the lens, reflector, and diffusers. Lenses are used to focus or spread the light rays. In contrast, reflectors redirect stray light for improved light efficiency, such as in floodlights and headlights. The LED diffusers are used to reduce glare and produce an even light outcome. They can be of different types- transparent, frosted, and opal.
Optics is a crucial component of LED as it impacts the beam angle of the light. The optical components like- lenses, reflectors, and diffusers modify the light beam to produce narrow, medium, or wide beam patterns.
| Optic Type | Beam Angle Range | Light Effect | Ideal Applications |
| Lenses (Convex, TIR) | 10° – 30° | Focuses light into narrow beams | Spotlights, accent lighting |
| Reflectors | 30° – 60° | Redirects light for medium beams | Downlights, track lights |
| Diffusers | 60° – 180° | Scatters light for wide beams | General/ambient lighting, area coverage |
Wires
Different types of wires are used in LED lighting. These are used to connect the light to the power supply or connect one light to the other. Here are the common types of wirings used in LED lights:
1. Connection Wires
Connection wires connect the LED lights to the power supply. These wires are usually made of copper or aluminum and come with PVC or Teflon insulation for safety. The most common variant of connection wire includes single-core wires for simple circuits, multi-core wires for applications where multiple connections with the same cable are required, and flex wires where wire flexibility or movement is needed.
2. Lighting Connectors
Lighting connectors join multiple lights together. For instance, LED strip connectors are used to join multiple LED strip lights together. These connectors come in 2-pin, 3-pin, 4-pin, 5-pin, and 6-pin styles based on the type of LED strip lights. For example- 2-pin LED strip connectors are used for single-color LED strips, and 4-pins are used to connect RGB LED strips.
3. Wall Plug Power Cords
These wires connect the LED lights to the wall outlet. Depending on the local standards, these power cords are available as 2-prong or 3-prong plugs
How Do LED Components Work?
Firstly, the electric current from the power supply flows through the LED chip. The semiconductor material inside the cheap produces light following the electroluminescence. Then, the optics direct and focus the emitted light as per the desired beam pattern based on application.
To ensure proper, efficient operation, the LED driver regulates the voltage and current for optimal performance. The heat sink in the LED light drives away the generated heat to keep the LED cool.
Lastly, the housing or the casing protects all these components, acting as a shield. It prevents air, moisture, and dust from entering the LED.
Guide To Choose High-Quality LED Light Components
- Purchase LED light components from reputed brands to ensure quality
- Check the compatibility between the LED chip and the LED driver
- Go for a heat sink made of material with good thermal conductivity for effective heat dispersion
- The optics and lenses should be made of high quality to get the desired beam angle
- Buy a durable and corrosion-resistant base for your LED. You must also consider the local standard while purchasing a base; for instance, the E26 base is for the US standard, and the E27 base is for the European standard.
- The IP rating is a crucial factor to consider when purchasing outdoor LED components. A high IP rating means better protection against dust and moisture.
- Purchase LED with high CRI for better color accuracy
- Certifications are essential to ensure your LED components meet international standards. So, before purchasing, look for certifications like- CE, UL, ETL, and other relevant certifications. Also, look for Energy Star certification to ensure your lighting is energy-efficient.
Questions to Ask Your Supplier to Determine LED Fitting Quality
While purchasing LED components, here are the questions to ask the supplier to ensure they fit your needs:
Questions About the LED Driver
- Is the LED driver dimmable?
- What is the lifespan of the LED driver?
- What is the historic failure rate of the driver for the first 5 years?
- Does your LEd driver have built-in protection features to prevent excess current and voltage flow?
Questions About the Heat Sink
- What materials are used in the heat sink?
- Do the heat sinks go through a test, or are they certified?
- Can you please provide the design of the heat sink and details of how it helps the cooling process?
Questions About the LED Chips
- Where did the LED chips originate, and what’s the brand?
- What is the lifespan of the LED chip?
- Can you tell me about the luminous output and efficiency of the LED chip?
- Is the LED chip certified?
- What is the CCT, CRI, and IP rating of the LED chips?
Questions About the Housing
- What is the IP rating of the housing?
- What material is used in the housing?
- How is the housing designed and how does it manage heat dispersion?
Standards and Regulations For LED Components
To ensure the safety and optimal performance of the LED, you must maintain international or regional standards and regulations. Here are the most popular standards for LED components:
| Category | Standard/Regulation | Description |
| Safety Standards | UL 8750 | Covers safety requirements for LED drivers, controllers, modules, and packages. |
| IEC 62560 | Ensures safety for self-ballasted LED lamps operating above 50V. | |
| IEC 62838 | It covers the safety of LED lamps with voltages under 50V AC or 120V DC. | |
| Performance Standards | ENERGY STAR® | Certifies LEDs based on energy efficiency, CRI, lumen maintenance, and power factor. |
| ANSI C78.377 | Defines chromaticity specifications for white light LEDs. | |
| NEMA SSL 7A | Provides guidelines for dimmable LED light sources and phase-cut dimmers. | |
| Environmental Standards | Ingress Protection (IP) Ratings | Defines dust and water protection levels for outdoor or industrial LEDs. |
| RoHS Directive | Restricts hazardous substances like lead and mercury in LED components. |
Besides, there are many local or regional standards that your LED components must fulfill for safety and compatibility.
Common Uses for LED Luminaires
1. Residential Lighting
LED lights are the best choice for residential use. They are widely used for general, task, accent, and decorative lighting. Ceiling lights and downlights are popular options for ceiling lighting. Again, LED strips are a popular choice for under cabinet lights. LED lights are also used in outdoor areas like gardens, poolside areas, garages, etc.
2. Commercial & Office Lighting
The energy-efficient feature of LED lights makes them popular for commercial applications where lights are kept on for long hours. Offices, hotels, restaurants, and retail stores all use LED luminaries for all types of lighting needs. Besides general and decorative lighting, fixtures like LED neon flex are also used as signage in commercial spaces like retail stores, restaurants, etc.
3. Industrial Lighting
LED high-bay and low-bay lights are widely used in warehouses and factories. Again, LED light is used for greater coverage in outdoor spaces. Besides, explosion-proof LED lights are used in industrial zones that are prone to hazards.
4. Street & Outdoor Lighting
Higher IP-rated LED lights are used in outdoor lighting. Besides, street lights are used on highways, roads, and parks. These lights are highly energy efficient, and most of them have solar systems that provide green energy.
5. Others
LED lights are used in all types of sectors, including- automotive, marine, horticulture and more. These are excellent for decorative lighting. For instance, flexible LED fixtures like LED strip lights are bendable and cuttable. You can use them in thousands of creative ways. LED lights are also used as grow lights in the agriculture sector.
Troubleshooting LED Luminaires
While using LED luminaries, you may go through some issues. I’ve listed the common issues that most LED causes and ways to troubleshoot them:
| Problem | Causes | Solution |
| LED Not Turning On | • Loose wiring • Faulty power supply • Driver failure | • Check connection • Ensure the power supply is working correctly • Replace the driver if needed. |
| Flickering LEDs | • Incompatible dimmer switch • Voltage fluctuations • Issues with the LED driver | • Use an LED-compatible dimmer • Check power stability • Replace the driver if necessary |
| Dimming Issues | • Non-dimmable LEDs • Incorrect dimmer switch • Incompatible driver | • Ensure LEDs are dimmable • Use the correct dimmer • Verify driver compatibility |
| Overheating | • Poor ventilation • Faulty heat sink • Excessive wattage | • Improve airflow • Clean the heat sink • Use a lower-wattage LED |
| LED Color Shifting | • Aging phosphor coating • Overheating • Driver instability | • Replace LED components • Improve cooling conditions |
| Buzzing or Humming Sound | • Incompatible dimmer • Poor-quality driver | • Use a high-quality LED driver and an LED-compatible dimmer |
FAQs
The Bottom Line
Each of the LED components, like the LED chip, driver, wirings, PCB, etc., is an important part that brings optimal performance to the fixture. Therefore, it is mandatory to buy certified LED components from reliable manufacturers/brands.
However, if you are buying LED strip lights, LEDYi is the go-to solution. All our strip lights are made of high-quality PCB and LED drivers. Besides, we offer high CRI and multiple IP options on our LED strips. Along with this, our product list includes LED components like- LED drivers, LED controllers, LED aluminum profiles, and LED strip connectors. So, if you want certified and high-quality LED strips or LED components, contact us ASAP!
