What is COB LED technology?

COB (Chip-on-Board) bonds LED chips directly onto the circuit board, then encapsulates the entire surface with a protective epoxy/resin layer. This creates a fully smooth, sealed surface with no exposed components. The result is the highest contrast ratio in mainstream LED (15,000-20,000:1), superior durability, and excellent close-viewing quality.

COB vs SMD LED: when to specify each?

Specify COB when: viewing distance is under 3m, contrast is critical, durability matters (high-traffic areas), or 24/7 operation is required. Specify SMD when: budget is the primary concern, pixel pitch is P2.5 or larger, or the application is large-format with viewing distances above 5m. COB costs 2-3x more than equivalent SMD.

Why is COB LED more expensive?

COB manufacturing is more complex: individual LED chips are bonded directly to PCB (vs pre-packaged SMD components), then the entire surface is encapsulated. This process yields superior performance but has lower production yields, especially at very fine pitches. As manufacturing matures, prices are declining 15-20% annually.

Can COB modules be repaired?

COB uses module-level service: the entire module (typically 100x100mm to 200x200mm) is swapped out. Individual pixel repair is not possible because the surface is fully encapsulated. This means spare module stock is essential. Specify 5% spare modules from the same production batch for colour consistency.

What is COB LED technology?

COB (Chip-on-Board) bonds LED chips directly onto the circuit board, then encapsulates the entire surface with a protective epoxy/resin layer. This creates a fully smooth, sealed surface with no exposed components. The result is the highest contrast ratio in mainstream LED (15,000-20,000:1), superior durability, and excellent close-viewing quality.

COB vs SMD LED: when to specify each?

Specify COB when: viewing distance is under 3m, contrast is critical, durability matters (high-traffic areas), or 24/7 operation is required. Specify SMD when: budget is the primary concern, pixel pitch is P2.5 or larger, or the application is large-format with viewing distances above 5m. COB costs 2-3x more than equivalent SMD.

Why is COB LED more expensive?

COB manufacturing is more complex: individual LED chips are bonded directly to PCB (vs pre-packaged SMD components), then the entire surface is encapsulated. This process yields superior performance but has lower production yields, especially at very fine pitches. As manufacturing matures, prices are declining 15-20% annually.

Can COB modules be repaired?

COB uses module-level service: the entire module (typically 100x100mm to 200x200mm) is swapped out. Individual pixel repair is not possible because the surface is fully encapsulated. This means spare module stock is essential. Specify 5% spare modules from the same production batch for colour consistency.

Home TechnologyCOB LED

THE PREMIUM STANDARD FOR FINE PITCH

COB LED Displays

Chip-on-Board (COB) LED delivers the highest contrast and durability in mainstream LED technology. Fully encapsulated surface with no exposed components — ideal for high-traffic, close-viewing environments where image quality is paramount.

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COB LED — Specifier Quick Reference

COB = Chip on Board: LED chips bonded directly to the PCB, then fully encapsulated with epoxy/resin
Highest contrast in mainstream LED: 15,000-20,000:1
Fully smooth, matte surface — no visible pixel structure, even close up
Superior durability: fully sealed against dust, moisture, and physical contact
Pixel pitch range: P0.4 to P1.9 for fine-pitch applications
Service method: module-level swap (entire module replaced, not individual pixels)
Industry-proven technology: the go-to specification for premium fine-pitch installations
Price: $4,000-$20,000/sqm depending on pixel pitch

Best For

Control rooms, broadcast studios, boardrooms, luxury lobbies, museums, high-security installations

Technical Specifications

Pixel Pitch	P0.4 — P1.9
Brightness	600 — 1,500 nits
Contrast Ratio	15,000 — 20,000:1
Colour Gamut	sRGB 120%+
Bit Depth	16-bit
Viewing Angle	170° horizontal / vertical
Refresh Rate	3,840 Hz+
Power (avg)	150 — 250 W/sqm
Lifespan	100,000+ hours
Service	Front-service, module-level swap
HDR	HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision
Price Range	$4,000 — $20,000/sqm

Technology Comparison

COB LED COMPARISON

Specification	COB	MiP	SMD
Contrast	15-20K:1	8-12K:1	3-5K:1
Surface	Fully smooth matte	Smooth, low-profile	Individual bumps
Durability	Highest (sealed)	High	Moderate (exposed)
Touch Safe	Yes	Yes	No (fragile)
Repair	Module swap	Pixel-level	Pixel-level
Power	-40% vs SMD	-20% vs SMD	Baseline
Price	$$$	$$	$
Best For	Premium fine pitch	Mid-premium	Budget, large format

Where to Specify COB LED

Control Room

24/7 operation with static content. COB's encapsulation prevents burn-in and handles constant use.

Broadcast Studio

Camera-friendly with 3,840Hz+ refresh rate. Perfect blacks for on-camera backgrounds.

Luxury Boardroom

Close viewing distance requires smooth surface. No visible pixel grid at 1-2m.

Museum / Gallery

Art-quality display in high-traffic environment. Resistant to accidental touch.

COB LED FAQ

Specifying COB LED?

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