LED strip lights function because LED chips and other electronic components are mounted on a flexible circuit board. This board not only provides structural support but also facilitates the distribution of power from an LED power supply throughout the entire strip.
Here's a breakdown:
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Flexible Circuit Board: The foundation of the strip is a thin, flexible circuit board, often made of materials like flexible PCB (FPCB). This allows the strip to bend and conform to different surfaces.
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LED Chips: These are the light-emitting diodes that produce the light. They are surface-mounted directly onto the circuit board. Different types of LEDs exist (e.g., SMD 3528, SMD 5050), each with varying sizes and light output.
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Resistors: Resistors are crucial for regulating the current flowing through the LEDs. Without them, the LEDs would quickly burn out due to excessive current. They are placed in series with the LEDs.
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Circuitry: The circuit board has conductive pathways (copper traces) that connect the LEDs, resistors, and power input points. This circuitry creates a series-parallel arrangement, ensuring that if one LED fails, the entire strip doesn't go dark. Typically, LEDs are arranged in series groupings, and these groupings are wired in parallel.
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Power Supply: LED strips require a direct current (DC) power supply, typically 12V or 24V. This converts the alternating current (AC) from a wall outlet into the required DC voltage.
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Adhesive Backing (Optional): Many LED strips come with an adhesive backing, making them easy to install on various surfaces.
Process Summary:
- A DC power supply provides power to the LED strip.
- The circuit board distributes the power along its conductive pathways.
- Resistors limit the current flowing to each LED, protecting them from damage.
- LEDs receive the appropriate amount of current and emit light.
- The flexible circuit board allows the strip to be easily mounted on curved or irregular surfaces.
In essence, LED strip lights cleverly combine the efficiency of LEDs with a flexible circuit design to create a versatile and energy-efficient lighting solution.
