If you’re looking at and comparing a variety of acceptable LED strips, you’ll likely decide on the color, number of LEDs, and power supply pairing that’s right for your purchase. But have you ever wondered what the LEDs are mounted on and how they all connect? Today, we take a look at LED strips and how some overlooked features and material quality affect LED strip performance.
What is the role of the LED strip substrate?
LED strip board is a circuit board with LED chips installed on top of it. In addition to providing a structural and structural base for the LED strip, this substrate provides power through its circuitry as well as a critical path for heat dissipation.
Structure and a strip of resistive LED strip
The most popular form of LED strip is the flat-bed type, sold in 16-foot reels. The type of substrate used is commonly known as Acceptance Printed Circuit (FPC) technology. It is affordable electronics, where it is very useful in electronics that have a flat or curved surface.
LED strips indicate that they use this technology and use the same properties as the substrate. component, they use polyamide (also known as PI) as the material of choice.
Polyamides offer excellent durability and heat resistance despite their flexibility. Therefore, amide is very important in providing polymerizable materials and structural integrity for LED strips.
With a copper layer acting as the circuit, a core layer and two outer layers of a polymer such as Kapton are applied on both sides using a special primer primer. These outer polyamide layers are commonly referred to as “coatings” and can be of more colors. Normally, white color is chosen to receive reflections.
Three amides provide protection and structural integrity of the copper layer. With this, there are small areas that need to be left exposed so that the LEDs and other components can communicate with each other.
Finally, a layer of double-sided tape is applied to the back of the LED strip. Usually 3M 200MP double-sided adhesive is used for this purpose.
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LED strip with transparent coating and visible 3M adhesive:
LED strip with white coating:
Weight plays a crucial role
The selection of copper is a critical factor in any electronic circuit. While the quality and purity of copper used in electronic circuits are typically standardized, the thickness of the copper layer can vary. Copper thickness is often described in ounces (oz). When considering an LED light, thickness becomes an important factor to take into account. This is particularly true for higher-power LED strips, where it is recommended to have a minimum of 2.0 oz of copper, with an ideal thickness of 3.0 oz or more. Thicker copper offers several advantages:
Enhanced electrical conductivity: Thicker copper allows for a higher flow of electricity through the LED strip circuit. Insufficient copper thickness can result in electrical resistance, increased heat generation, voltage drops, and even premature LED failure.
Improved heat dissipation: Thicker copper enables quicker dissipation of heat generated by the LEDs. The more efficient the transfer of heat from the LEDs to the surrounding environment, the better the overall performance and longevity of the LEDs. Copper is an excellent heat conductor, so a thicker copper layer significantly enhances heat dissipation from the LEDs.
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Enhancing LED Strip Performance: Overcoming Heat Dissipation Challenges
When it comes to optimizing the performance of LED strips, addressing heat dissipation challenges is paramount. LEDs, like any electronic components, generate heat during operation. Poor heat management not only affects their longevity but also their overall efficiency. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of LED strip heat dissipation and explore strategies to overcome this common issue.
Understanding Heat Dissipation
One of the key challenges with LED strips, especially resistive ones, lies in their limited ability to dissipate heat effectively. To put this into perspective, consider the thermal conductivity values of the materials commonly used in LED strip substrates. Kapton (polyamide), a popular choice, has a thermal conductivity of 0.12 W/mK, while 3M adhesive offers 0.18 W/mK. In contrast, electronic equipment and devices boast significantly higher thermal conductivity values, often exceeding 200 W/mK, and the dielectric layers in core metal PCBs can achieve 2.0 W/mK.
The Role of Design
Optimizing the design of your LED strip setup can play a crucial role in managing heat. For instance, when using an FR-4 or MCPCB (Metal Core Printed Circuit Board) design, you can significantly improve thermal performance. While such a transition might require some compromises in other areas, the benefits in terms of heat dissipation are well worth it.
Additionally, consider the thickness of the copper traces on your LED strip. Overheating can lead to excessive energy loss through circuit resistors. By ensuring an adequate copper thickness, you can minimize this issue and boost overall efficiency.
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Managing LED Quantity
Another approach to mitigate heat-related challenges is to assess the number of LEDs on your strip. If you notice excessive heat buildup, it might be necessary to reduce the LED count. Alternatively, if you’re aiming for higher brightness, you could explore options to increase the current-carrying capacity. This could involve doubling the number of LED strips, especially if you have ample space within your cove extrusion. Doubling up on LED strips can lead to a substantial increase in brightness, providing the well-illuminated environment you desire.
Conclusion
In conclusion, effective heat dissipation is vital for optimizing LED strip performance. By understanding the materials used, optimizing your design, and managing the number of LEDs, you can overcome heat-related challenges and enjoy both enhanced longevity and superior brightness in your LED strip setups. Prioritizing heat management ensures that your LED strips not only look great but also perform flawlessly for years to come.