Types of LEDs: All you need to know

FACTS CHECKED BY  Bob Smith

LED technology has been in existence since the 1970s. However, it is only recently that it has become commonplace. As newer materials continue to feature in its development, the technology is more affordable and spans multiple applications. There are now different types of LEDs to suit several applications. Throughout this article, you will find information on the history of the technology and its current applications.

Understanding led lights.

George Crawford first used LED technology in 1972.  His invention, the yellow LED, is the blueprint other innovators use to improve. You can now find purpose-specific LEDs for traffic lights, display panels, and remote controls. However, the lighting principle remains the same. Light emits from the unit due to electrons moving from the N-region to the P-Region.

What are the different types of LED lights?

Currently, eight criteria determine the types of LED lights. These are forward voltage, forward current, luminous flux, intensity, efficiency, wattage, viewing angle, and energy level. Using these measures, you can find the below types of LED lights.

Dimmer switches

Dimmer switches

A dimmer switch regulates the amount of current that reaches the diode. The difference in current allows you to adjust the LED’s illumination level. Besides, dimmer switches use significantly lower energy than standard buttons. For this reason, you can now find them in many establishments.

Color LED

An LED uses semiconductors to produce light. So, by adjusting the energy gap of the semiconductor, you can have different colors from the LED. There are now multiple varieties of Color LEDs for use either as decorative pieces or lighting fixtures. For example, cool white LEDs are the preference for many households.

LED tubes for lighting

LED tubes for lighting

Fluorescent tubes have long been the preferred lighting in many spaces, offering better illumination and longevity. Consequently, more homes and commercial places are turning to them to save costs.

SMD LED

SMD LED

SMD stands for surface-mounted devices. These types of LED lights feature several SMD chips that add to the brightness level of the bulb. Luckily, they come as a single unit, which allows you to mount them on virtually any surface. You can find SMD lights in bars, discotheques, and trail lights.

COB LED

COB LED

The chip on board LEDs is an upgrade to SMD LEDs. They offer more excellent illumination due to their fantastic lumen to watt ratio. COB LEDs feature a group of individual lights attached to a substrate from a single module. Once an electrical current passes through the circuitry, all the lights illuminate to form a single lighting panel.

Graphene LED

Graphene LED

Graphene LEDs are the most recent innovation in LED technology. They are similar in appearance to incandescent filament bulbs. However, the LED filament is lined with graphene, which results in more energy-efficient bulbs, with users reporting savings of close to ten percent in annual costs.

Traditional and Inorganic LED

Before climate conservation became a vital issue, there were traditional and inorganic LEDs. During their heyday, the lights were used as alphanumeric displays for calculators and digital watches. However, the use of inorganic materials in their construction causes many conservationists to condemn their use.

Maximum Brightness LED

As the name suggests, maximum brightness LEDs offer considerably more significant amounts of light than other conventional light sources and LED varieties. Therefore, they are an ideal solution for decorative lamps and household luminaires. However, given their light, these units also require a heatsink to help with heat management.

Organic LEDs

These are the most recent innovations in LED technology. They consist of an emissive electroluminescent layer. It can light up when an electrical current passes. Furthermore, they have two electrodes with an organic layer between them. One of the electrodes is usually transparent, as seen in most digital displays. Organic LEDs do not require a backlight to function as they produce a visible light when current passes through them.

Types of LED light bulbs

Now that you understand the different LED lights available, below are the types of bulbs where the technology is in use.

Standard light bulbs

These types of LED bulbs are in most households. They are ideal for illuminating different spaces around the home, like corridors and bathrooms.

Can light bulbs

These types of LED bulbs feature a reflector to maximize their brightness level. For example, they work best as recessed lights in your home. Furthermore, they offer you substantial savings given their low energy consumption and come in multiple colors to suit your decor.

Floodlight bulbs

These types of lights are applied in outdoor venues such as security lights or sports arenas. In contrast to conventional bulbs, floodlight bulbs emit a focused beam of light to a particular area.

Globe bulbs

These types of LED bulbs emit light in multiple directions. Consequently, these bulbs are ideal for settings that require maximum illumination. For example, you can install globe lights as pendant lights for your home lighting.

Candle Light bulbs

As the name suggests, candlelight bulbs are more of decorative lights within the home. They have a stable light and make for great chandelier bulbs or tabletops in restaurants. Additionally, they offer a neater and greener alternative compared to standard candles.

Tube light bulbs

These are the replacement for conventional fluorescent tubes. They are a common feature in many offices and classrooms. The light generates from a series of tiny LEDs that line up the entire length of the tube.

Types of LEDs– Track light bulbs

These types of LED light bulbs work best as illumination for specific areas. These bulbs are a favorite for art galleries, where they light up some of your favorite paintings.

Types of LEDs– Vintage light bulbs

Vintage light bulbs are more of a decorative feature of many spaces. They come in different designs to match the desired décor.

Types of LEDs lighting

Aircraft LED

Airplane manufacturers are increasingly using LED technology in their products. Some manufacturers opt for LEDs as their primary lighting source. For example, LEDs are used as a landing, cockpit, and taxi lights. LED lights are preferred as they last longer and require less energy than traditional lighting.

Grow LED

Grow LED

Grow LEDs are in use in the farming industry. Unlike standard HID lights, grow LEDs are much brighter and produce little heat. You can find grow LEDs in greenhouses and as lighting sources for most indoor plants.

Types of LEDs– Rope LED

The use of rope LEDs is for decorative purposes. However, rope LEDs do not provide much illumination and are unsuitable for lighting purposes.

Types of LEDs– Strip LED

Strip LEDs feature a flexible circuit board with adhesive. As a result, strip LEDs are highly customizable, making them perfect for many installations. You can find strip LEDs in conference rooms and display cabinets.

Types of LEDs– Commercial LED

Commercial LEDs offer a more sustainable lighting solution for businesses globally. They use less energy and last far longer than the more conventional fluorescent lighting solutions. For instance, you can find commercial LEDs used to light up display cases and menu items.

Types of LEDs– Industrial LED

Industrial LEDs are increasingly becoming a viable solution for most industrial locations. Their high illumination levels make them ideal for many installations, namely floodlights and streetlights.

Types of LEDs– Portable/ Workshop LED

These movable lights are the preference for workshop and garage owners. Besides, they are a cheap solution to HID lights and fluorescent tubes.

Types of LEDs– Wet Location LED

These types of LED bulbs are in areas with significant amounts of moisture. The bulbs are in watertight cases that limit the fixture’s exposure to water.

High-Temperature Operation LED

These types of LED lighting are applicable in areas with a significant amount of heat. They come built-in with efficient cooling technology making them operational at temperatures exceeding 24 degrees Celsius.

Conclusion

In summary, LED technology continues to be the preference in many industries. It provides a more cost-effective solution in terms of energy consumption and production. Consequently, its applications span commercial, industrial and personal use. Finally, according to recent forecasts, you should expect the technology to become a staple across the board in the coming years. If you have any questions on any of the above or are looking for LED PCB, do not hesitate to contact us.

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