Printed circuit boards provide a versatile base for a variety of high-output LED applications. LED lighting solutions are quickly gaining steam within a variety of industries, valued for their low power consumption, high efficiency and impressive light output. When integrated with a PCB, these LEDs gain even more versatility. PCBs facilitate expanded uses for LED lighting solutions, specifically including displays and indicators.
A FEW OF THE MOST COMMON APPLICATIONS OF PCB LEDS WITHIN THE LIGHTING INDUSTRY:
The Telecommunications Industry: Telecommunications equipment often uses PCBs to control their LED indicators and displays. Within this industry, lightweight and durable PCBs tend to be favorable, primarily because of the density of machinery within the industry. Because Aluminum substrate PCB tends to feature improved heat transfer properties over FR4 variants, it is commonly found within telecommunications lighting applications.
The Automotive Industry: PCB LED displays are commonly found in the automotive industry, specifically on dashboard indicators, in headlights, brake lights and advanced panel displays. This industry particularly favors circuit board for led lights for their low manufacturing cost and impressive durability, which improve the value and longevity of the vehicle.
The Computer Technology Industry: PCB-based LEDs are becoming increasingly common within the computer technology industry, commonly found in desktop and laptop displays and indicators. Because of the heat-sensitive nature of computer technology, aluminum-based PCBs are particularly favored for LED lighting applications within computers.
The Medical Industry: Lighting tools are of immense importance in medical applications, specifically in surgical and emergency applications, where great lighting can help improve a physician’s visibility. Within these applications, LED tends to be the lighting method of choice for its power and small size. PCBs are often used as the base for these applications, specifically aluminum PCBs, which last longer and offer better heat-transfer capabilities than other PCB types. PCB LEDs guarantee long-lasting medical equipment that can repeatedly be used in a variety of medical settings.
Residential Applications: PCB LEDs are finding increased popularity within homes and businesses in the form of displays. Smart LED lighting is a cheap way for homeowners to light their homes efficiently (fall ceiling lights) .
useful in a variety of applications, LEDs tend to be temperature-sensitive, with the longevity of a LED bulb decreasing as the average temperature of the light fixture increases.
While many conventional PCBs offer excellent functionality, not all are suited for LED applications. When paired with a LED, some PCBs may not transfer heat quickly enough to provide a stable temperature environment for the LED to work at maximum efficiency. To function best within a lighting application, PCBs designed for LEDs have to be designed to maximize heat transfer ability.
Aluminum-backed PCBs are the perfect solution for led PCB. The majority of high-lumen-output LED applications use aluminum-backed PCBs, primarily for the higher levels of thermal heat transfer aluminum PCBs can achieve. This way, the PCB doesn’t need an additional heat sink in the design, though others could be added to improve the heat transfer ability of the PCB even further. Incorporating the heat sink into the PCB base itself, however, allows for more compact designs at lower costs to the manufacturer and the end user.