As LED displays are more widely used in different applications, there are higher requirements for LED screen quality and display effects. In the LED packaging process, traditional DIP and SMD technologies can no longer meet the application needs of some scenarios. Therefore, some manufacturers change packaging technology and choose to lay out COB technology. And some manufacturers also choose to improve SMD technology, so GOB technology is an iterative technology after the improvement of SMD packaging process.
We have introduced the differences between DIP LED displays and SMD LED displays. Please click the below "Button" and check the blog for “SMD LED Displays and DIP LED Displays”.
SMD LED Display VS COB LED Display
SMD, COB and GOB are the packaging technologies for LED.
What is SMD LED?
SMD is short for Surface-Mounted Device. SMD LEDs are a type of LED technology where the LED chips are mounted directly onto a printed circuit board (PCB). The design of an SMD LED typically consists of three primary components: the LED chip, a phosphor coating, and a small reflective cavity.
What is COB LED?
COB is short for Chip-on-Board. COB LEDs are a type of LED technology involves mounting multiple LED chips directly onto a single substrate, creating a unified light-emitting surface.
What is GOB LED?
GOB is short for Glue-On-Board. GOB LEDs are a type of LED technology which uses transparent glue to cover the entire surface of the SMD LED display modules. GOB is an upgraded version of SMD.
15 Differences between COB, SMD and GOB.
1. Pixel Density and Resolutions
COB supports smaller pixel pitch which is less than 1mm. COB LED displays have a high packaging density since multiple LED chips are closely arranged on a single substrate. This results in a higher pixel density, resolutions and better color uniformity in COB LED displays.
SMD and GOB support pixel pitch which is higher than 1mm. SMD and GOB LED displays have a lower packaging density compared to COB displays, because each LED is individually packaged. The individual packaging can result in larger pixel sizes and slightly lower color uniformity, although advancements in SMD technology have significantly improved these aspects.
Here goes: COB>SMD=GOB.
2. Color Uniformity
The close arrangement of LED chips in COB LED displays helps achieve better color uniformity across the display surface. This means that the colors displayed will be consistent and accurate across the entire screen, without noticeable variations or color shifts.
The arrangement of LED chips in SMD and GOB LED displays is individually packaged that can result in larger pixel sizes and slightly lower color uniformity, although advancements in SMD and GOB technology have significantly improved these aspects.
Here goes: COB>GOB>SMD.
3. Brightness
COB LED displays generally have the potential for higher brightness levels compared to SMD and GOB LED displays for smaller pixel pitch. The close arrangement of LED chips in COB displays allows for better heat dissipation, which can help in achieving higher brightness outputs.
SMD and GOB generally have the potential for higher brightness levels compared to COB LED displays for bigger pixel pitch, and mostly for outdoor applications.
Indoor: COB>SMD=GOB. Outdoor: SMD=GOB>COB.
4. Viewing Angle
COB LED displays typically have a wider viewing angle due to the proximity of LED chips. The proximity of the LED chips ensures that the display can be viewed from different angles without significant color or brightness distortion. This makes COB LED displays suitable for applications where viewers may be scattered across a wide area. COB ELD displays supports viewing angle which can reach 175° to 180° with a better optical diffuse color muddy light effect.
SMD and GOB LED displays may have a narrower viewing angle compared to COB LED displays due to SMD LED chip structure limitations. However, modern SMD technologies have made significant improvements in viewing angles, and high-quality SMD and GOB LED displays can offer wide viewing angles as well which is up to 160°.
Here goes: COB>SMD=GOB.
5. Image Quality
The high packaging density and improved color uniformity of COB LED displays contribute to enhanced image quality. These COB LED displays can produce vibrant and vivid images with high contrast ratios and excellent color reproduction.
It's worth noting that advancements in SMD and GOB LED technology have resulted in significant improvements in image quality over the years. But COB LED displays have obvious advantages in fine pixel pitch LED displays.
Through the GOB process, the granularpixels on the surface of the LED display have been transformed into overall flat pixels, realizing the transformation from point pixel source to area pixel source. The entire GOB LED display is more uniform and the display effect is clearer, which significantly improves contrast ratio, reduces glare, reduces visual fatigue, and improves the overall image quality.
Here goes: COB>GOB>SMD.
6. Thickness
Since the COB LEDs will be directly and accurately mounted into the PCB board, which saves a lot of design space, the thickness of the entire COB LED displays can be smaller than SMD and GOB LED displays. Because the SMD and GOB LEDs are mounted on the surface of PCB board and the LEDs is about 1mm in height.
Here goes: GOB>SMD>COB.
7. Seamless Design
Imagine a display with no visible lines or seams—that is what COB LED displays aim to achieve. The close arrangement of LED chips in COB LED displays allows for a seamless design with minimal visible gaps between pixels. This design eliminates the need for individual LED packages and minimizes the gaps between adjacent LEDs, resulting in a nearly seamless display surface. The close proximity of the LED chips in COB displays allows for a smoother and more uniform visual appearance, with minimal visible gaps between pixels. This results in a more visually appealing display, especially when viewed up close.
SMD and GOB LED displays typically have a small gap or black matrix between each individual LED. This gap is necessary due to the packaging and mounting process of SMD LEDs onto the PCB. While advancements in SMD technology have reduced the size of these gaps over the years, there may still be visible seams or gridlines between pixels in SMD LED displays, especially when viewed up close. However, the size of the gap is usually small enough that it doesn't significantly impact the overall viewing experience, especially when viewed from a recommended viewing distance.
Here goes: COB>SMD=GOB.
8. Heat Dissipation
COB LEDs have superior heat dissipation capabilities compared to SMD and GOB LEDs, as directly mounting LED chips onto a substrate allows for more efficient thermal management. This results in improved performance, longer lifespans, and reduced risk of overheating. While still capable of dissipating heat effectively, SMD and GOB LEDs may require additional cooling solutions in certain applications. The best part of a COB LED display is that it can dissipate heat through the copper foil on the board.
Here goes: COB>SMD=GOB.
9. Scalability
Scalability refers to the ability to create larger and customized LED display modules.
COB LED modules generally offer limited scalability compared to SMD and GOB LED modules. The nature of COB technology, where LED chips are directly mounted onto the PCB without individual packaging, makes it more challenging to create large, customized LED display modules. COB LED modules are typically manufactured as relatively smaller units, and combining them to form a larger LED display.
SMD and GOB LED modules are more commonly used in scalable LED module configurations. The small, individually packaged LEDs allow for flexible module arrangements. SMD and GOB LED modules come in standardized sizes or customized sizes such as triangle and circle, and can be easily connected and aligned to create larger LED displays.
Here goes: SMD=GOB>COB.
10. Design Flexibility
The close arrangement of LED chips in COB LED displays can limit design flexibility. The size and shape of the COB LED module are predetermined, and it may not be possible to achieve complex or unconventional display shapes. This can be a limitation for projects that require unique or customized LED display designs.
SMD and GOB LED displays are more flexiblein design. The small, individually packaged LEDs allow for flexible LED module arrangements. Because of its modularity, designers can create more complex and imaginative designs. SMD and GOB LED modules come in standardized shapes or customization such as triangle or circle shapes.
Here goes: SMD=GOB>COB.
11. Assembly and Repair
COB LED modules are relatively easier to assemble since multiple LED chips are already closely packed together on a single substrate. In case of a failure, the entire COB module may need to be replaced.
SMD and GOB LED modules require more careful assembly as each LED chip needs to be individually mounted on the PCB. However, in case of a failure, individual SMD LEDs can be replaced, which can be more cost-effective and efficient.
Assembly: COB>SMD=GOB. Repair: SMD=GOB>COB.
12. Power Efficiency
SMD and GOB LEDs are known for lower power consumption and higher energy efficiency than DIP LED technologies. However, COB LEDs can also provide excellent energy efficiency, especially considering their high brightness output for indoor applications. The remarkable energy efficiency of COB LEDs is one of their most notable qualities. Compared to their conventional LED counterparts, these sophisticated displays require less power to reach brightness levels that are on par with or even higher. This contributes to substantial energy savings and positioning COB LEDs as an eco-friendly option in line with the global movement towards sustainable technologies.
Here goes: COB>SMD=GOB.
13. Reliability and Durability
COB LED modules are less susceptible to damage from vibrations and impact, thanks to their unified structure and absence of individual housings. The unified design reduces the possibility of a malfunction by integrating several LED chips into a single substrate seamlessly. Because of their sturdy design, COB LED displays have a longer lifespan, which eventually translates into fewer maintenance expenses. COB LED displays are tough enough to withstand the rigours of outdoor installations and the demands of high-traffic indoor environments, all while requiring little maintenance to retain their performance integrity. Due to its coating technology, COB LED display can be protected from moisture, water, dust, UV rays, and impacts, meaning this kind of screen have high visual performance with strong protection performance and reliability.
GOB LED modules use transparent glue to cover the entire surface of the module. Thousands of SMD LEDs were covered by glue, and finally a plastic protective layer was formed on the surface of the LED display screen. It has a highly protective LED display, which can be anti-collish, dustproof, waterproof, moisture-proof, UV-proof, and will not have a harmful effect on heat dissipation and brightness loss.
There is not protection for Single LED in SMD LED display modules.
Here goes: COB=GOB>SMD.
14. Failure Rate
Conventional SMD and GOB LED displays have a relatively high dead pixel rate, often exceeding 0.3‱. This leads to frequent occurrences of dead or malfunctioning pixels, significantly increasing the need for after-sales service. Unfortunately, due to technological limitations, this issue has yet to be resolved.
On the other hand, COB LED displays do not require reflow soldering, which eliminates the risk of pixel detachment during the soldering process. As a result, COB packaging exhibits minimal dead pixel phenomena, greatly reducing the need for after-sales service.
Here goes: SMD=GOB>COB.
15. Cost and Maintenance
COB LED displays are more expensive than SMD and GOB LED displays. The manufacturing process of COB displays involves the direct mounting of multiple LED chips onto a substrate, which can be more complex and costly compared to other methods. The higher cost may limit the feasibility of COB displays for budget-conscious projects.
In the event of a failure or damage to a COB LED display, repairing or replacing individual LED chips can be challenging. Since multiple LED chips are closely packed together as a single unit, it may be necessary to replace the entire COB LED module rather than individual components. This can result in higher maintenance costs and longer downtime.
GOB is an upgraded version of SMD. The cost and maintenance cost will be expensive than SMD.
Here goes: COB>GOB>SMD.
SMD VS COB VS GOB LED Display: Which Is Better?
It depends on the particular needs and preferences of the targeted application.
SMD and GOB LEDs perform exceptionally well in situations where design flexibility is crucial. Because of their modular design, which enables creative configurations, they are the best option for displays that call for complex layouts or unusual shapes. Whether a curved display or a design that deviates from the traditional grid, SMD LEDs offer the adaptability required to realize imaginative ideas.
Conversely, COB LED displays steal the show if seamless images and ideal viewing angles are the main priorities. COB LEDs have a consolidated design that removes the spaces between modules, giving the appearance of a single, continuous display. This feature is beneficial in applications where a smooth and consistent visual experience is essential. COB LED technology is the best option in situations where the overall aesthetic impact is crucial because it is excellent at producing displays that enthrall audiences with continuous visuals.
SMD and GOB have advantages over COB in the cost of the entire project, including production and maintenance.
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