3528 vs 5050 SMDs | All you need to know

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The 3528 LED is a smaller SMD chip compared to the 5050 model. Its dimensions measure 3.5mm x 2.8mm, and it is commonly used in LED tapes that contain 60 LEDs per meter, drawing 4.8w at 12v (frequently regarded as 4.8w p/m or 5w p/m LED tape). With this density, you can expect a smooth and bright illumination of around 330-360 lumens per meter, which is approximately equivalent to a halogen 40w light, depending on the color. The 3528 SMD comes in various colors including warm white, cool white, red, green, blue, and amber. This style of LED tape is popular for feature lighting applications such as plinth lighting and cove lighting in homes, bars, restaurants, and hotels.

In contrast, the 5050 LED tape contains 120 of these LED chips per meter and consumes 9.6w (often referred to as 9.6w p/m or 10w p/m LED tape). Although it is available in the same colors as the 3528 version, the 5050 LED tape is less commonly used. Its output is significantly higher, offering approximately 660-720 lumens per meter due to the increased LED quantity. The applications for this type of LED tape are similar, but it is ideally suited for areas requiring higher ambient light levels, necessitating more power than the 4.8w p/m version provides.

Both 3528 and 5050 LED tapes are available in an IP67 rating, ensuring they are resistant to dust and water. The cut points for the LED tapes are also different: the 60 LED per meter version can be cut every 50mm, while the 120 LED per meter version has cut points at 25mm.

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Whether you choose to use 60 or 120 LEDs per meter, SMD LEDs have the distinct advantage of low heat generation (they can be safely touched). They require a minimum width of an 8mm PCB board, while the 120 LEDs per meter version typically utilizes a 2-ounce thick PCB board. If the LED tape adheres to these specifications, it can be installed in various settings without needing additional heat sinks, providing flexibility in placement.

There are numerous brands producing SMDs. High-quality options, such as Epistar SMDs, deliver superior brightness, color consistency, and reliability, offering 70% output over a lifespan of 50,000 hours. Opting for lower-quality alternatives may result in diminished brightness and inconsistencies in color both within and between different reels.

I believe the dimensions are the same, correct? Is efficiency the primary difference? I mention this because I have an LED light fixture that I plan to replace with a cool white LED. I checked my adjustable power supply, and at 20mA, it measures around 8.2V, which confuses me. If there are multiple LEDs on one chip, would it still only have two solder pads? Is there a way to visually identify if it has multiple LEDs on the chip? If there are three LEDs, that implies each has an average Vf of 2.73V, which seems low; if two, 4.1V appears high. Any insights would be appreciated, as I often find myself puzzled by these issues. This particular light fixture consists of 15 of these in series, is powered by 120Vac rectified, and outputs 110Vdc to an 8-pin chip, which I suspect is a constant current driver. However, the specifications do not seem to match anything. There also appears to be an N-channel MOSFET present.

Thanks for the basic question here.

Dave

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