The abbreviation COB stands for “Chip on Board”.   It refers to a newer type of technology for making LED lighting where multiple chips are mounted onto a single circuit board or substrate.  This creates a single, powerful light source module. The unit is covered with a common phosphor layer, which acts as the light-diffusing lens.

Key Characteristics of COB LED

Because the chips can be packed together so tightly this creates a very high lumen output per square inch of light giving an incredibly bright light that is efficient for the size and the wattage used.  It appears as one single illuminated area providing a uniform glare-free light. 

As this design directly connects the LED chips to the circuit board it allows for a direct thermal path to draw heat away from the chips which will contribute to the light lasting longer.  It is also a much simpler process involving only one circuit and two contacts.

COB LED technology is widely used in high-bay lights, street lights, and other applications where high brightness, efficiency, and a small area with a quality bright amount of light is required.

What is better, COB or SMD?

COB and SMD technology are two different methods of putting an LED light together.  SMD is short for "Surface Mounted Device” and it is a type of electronic component package that is made to be directly mounted onto the surface of a Printed Circuit Board (also known as PCB).  Below is a comparison of the two types of LED technology:

COB lighting is found to be better for applications requiring a singular, focused beam of light and SMD is found to be better for applications needing a diffused wide-angle light.  You will find COB lighting is used in things like track lighting and SMD lighting is used in general home lighting or decorative lighting.  It is not so much a case of which one is better but which one would be best for your lighting project.

What is the lifespan of a COB LED light?

The lifespan of a COB LED light is one of its biggest appeals due to its superior thermal management.  You can refer to the manufacturer's advice on warranty or average lifetime hours for specific advice but an average COB LED light has a rated lifetime of 40,000 to 50,000 hours.

COB LEDs are a robust, long-lasting light source thanks to their superior heat management and ability to produce a large amount of brightness within a small area.