What is COB？

COB, which stands for "Chip on Board" in the LED industry, refers to a packaging technology where the LED chip is mounted directly onto a printed circuit board (PCB). In the context of flexible LED strip lights, such Chip-on-Board LEDs are also commonly known as flip-chips.

Flip-chip LEDs represent a minimalist approach to LED design. Compared to a standard SMD (Surface Mount Device) LED—which houses the chip within a lamp bead holder sealed with a phosphor coating—the flip-chip structure used in COB strips eliminates all non-essential components. It retains only the LED chip itself, a yellow phosphor coating, and the electrical connection pads.

What is COB LED Strip?

COB stands for "Chip on Board," a technology where multiple LED chips are directly encapsulated onto a flexible PCB. In a COB LED strip, these chips—typically arranged in a linear flip-chip configuration—are mounted directly onto the board. A phosphor-containing encapsulation gel is then applied over the chips. As light emits from the chips, it undergoes refraction, reflection, and interaction with the phosphors, resulting in uniform light output in various colors and color temperatures.

Thanks to this seamless construction, COB LED strips are also known as continuous or dotless LED strips, as they produce a smooth, uninterrupted line of light without visible individual points.

Features & Benefits of COB LED Strip

Features of COB LED Strips
Uniform, Dot-Free Lighting: COB (Chip-on-Board) technology enables seamless linear illumination without visible dots or dark spots, creating smooth, continuous light ideal for aesthetic applications .

High Color Rendering Index (CRI): Many COB strips offer CRI ≥ 90 (even up to 97 in premium variants), ensuring accurate color representation and enhanced visual quality for retail, galleries, and homes .

Flexibility and Thin Profile: Built on flexible printed circuit boards (FPCs), these strips are ultra-thin (e.g., 8–10 mm width) and bendable, allowing installation in tight spaces like curved surfaces, cabinets, and coves .

High Density and Customization: Available in high LED densities (e.g., 280–720 LEDs/meter) with options for single-color, dual-color, RGB, and tunable white, supporting tailored lighting designs .

Efficient Heat Dissipation: Direct chip mounting on substrates like ceramic or aluminum improves thermal management, reducing light decay and extending lifespan .

Wide Viewing Angles: Typically offering 140°–180° beam angles, COB strips provide broad, even illumination without hotspots .

Benefits of COB LED Strips
Superior Aesthetics and Application Versatility: The dotless output is preferred by designers for linear lighting in residential, commercial (e.g., hotels, retail displays), and architectural projects .

Energy Efficiency and Long Life: High luminous efficacy (e.g., up to 153 lm/W) and low thermal resistance ensure energy savings and durability, with reduced failure rates due to fewer solder points .

Enhanced Reliability: Elimination of traditional packaging components minimizes risks like sulfurization, oxidation, and dead LEDs, ensuring stability in humid or demanding environments .

Ease of Installation and Control: Supports long runs (e.g., up to 10 meters without voltage drop), DIY-friendly cutting intervals (e.g., every 4 cm), and compatibility with smart controllers for dynamic effects .

Space-Saving Design: Their slim form factor allows discreet integration into profiles, furniture, and architectural elements .