LED strip - a type of the same lamp, having the form of a flexible plastic base with dot elements placed on it. Such illuminators are used for decorative illumination of buildings and other objects, but are often used as an internal light source. In addition, RGB interior lighting is a universal tool that allows you to get original lighting effects. On sale RGB LED strip comes in standard plastic coils.
Types of RGB tapes and their differences
LED strips come in several types:
- monochromatic - they are also called monochrome;
- color or RGB: stands for red, blue, green;
- with large or small LEDs.
It is possible to distinguish a single-color LED ribbon from RGB according to the description by the number of conductors supplied to it. There are only two of them on a monochrome product, and four on a color product.
To connect a single-color tape, one power supply is enough, and for the operation of its RGB analogue, an additional controller is required.
By type and size of LEDs, this type of illuminator is divided into samples marked in a special way:
- SMD3528 and SMD5050 are the most popular types of LED strips;
- SMD2835 and SMD5630 (or 5730) are less common models.
To understand this notation, it is important to know that the SMD came from the English Surface Mounted Device. Translated, this means - a device for surface mounting. When applying this technology, the LEDs are located on the upper plane of the substrate.
Characteristics of RGB tapes
RGB illumination of indoor and outdoor spaces (rooms and building facades) - a proven decoration technique. To take advantage of these advantages and realize the required effects, you will need to familiarize yourself with the characteristics of LED illuminators. The main parameters that must be taken into account when choosing a tape:
- the level of illumination created by the product;
- type of LEDs used;
- density of their placement on the surface of the tape and color;
- degree of protection against external influences (IP);
- types of power and RGB lighting control.
Luminosity
This parameter is calculated for a segment of an LED strip with a length of one meter and is measured in lumens. It is completely determined by the type of LEDs installed on it.
For example, SMD 3528 allows you to get a luminosity of 5 lm, therefore, a tape with 30 such elements is able to "issue" 150 lm / meter.
A similar calculation can be done for an arbitrary number of electronic products.
Density and security
Various types of RJB backlights differ in size, color, luminous flux from the element and operating voltage. The considered indicators are directly related to the density of the diodes on the surface of the ribbon, which is calculated based on their number per linear meter. This parameter is very important during operation, since with their lack it is difficult to obtain the desired level of illumination and its uniformity. Too many dots will give the ribbon a solid, shapeless, luminous length. The degree of protection of products is important from the point of view of their operational reliability, which is especially important when installing outdoors.
Varieties of nutrition
The power supply of multi-color ribbons can be organized either directly from a 220 Volt network or from rectified 12, 24 or 36 Volts. The first option is used only for those brands of illuminators that are designed for mains voltage. In the second case, they are connected through additional devices (drivers) that provide the required voltage and limit the current in the circuit.
Management methods
To control the parameters of the multi-color strip, a special controller is required. The choice of a particular type of device is determined by the following factors:
- power calculated taking into account the total number of LED elements connected to the controller;
- a set of intended functions, depending on the specific purpose of the backlight;
- remote control capability.
Sometimes, in order to save money, it is more reasonable to choose a not very powerful RGB-controller with a special repeater, which allows to expand the load range. This is especially convenient in cases where the total power of the strip LEDs exceeds the capabilities of the control device.
Since there are a lot of applications for these products (including shop window lighting or aquarium lighting), the need for additional functionality does not always arise. In the above cases, you do not need a controller with a large number of lighting effects or with a timer on, for example.
LED illumination of interiors with a control panel looks very impressive. An even more original option is the ability to radio control the system.
Advantages and disadvantages
The advantages of LED strip lights include:
- universality of application;
- low power consumption;
- ease of installation;
- the permissibility of the formation of segments of any length;
- the possibility of obtaining shades (blue, for example);
- if there is a controller, the admissibility of controlling RGB LEDs (more precisely, the ability to create color effects).
Also noted is the safe operation of illuminators connected to a power supply with voltages of 12-36 Volts.
Among the disadvantages of products, their high cost is noted, caused by the need for additional control modules - drivers.
Types and operating modes of controllers
The type of controller selected is determined by the functionality that is supposed to be implemented in a specific situation. The simplest devices are only able to select a given color and set up simple lighting effects. In more "advanced" models, a programming function for changing colors and additional effects is provided. They have a slot for flash-memory, and are also able to respond to lighting in rooms and on the street. You can familiarize yourself with the full functionality in the user manual.
A known type of bluetooth controller that allows you to control the LED strip through the remote control. Some samples are able to connect to the "smart home" system. LEDs in the illuminator usually have the simplest design: for the dynamism of their glow, it is enough to change the magnitude of the supply voltage along the entire length of the tape. In expensive products, they are controlled by digital systems that act on each diode individually. According to these options, the controllers are able to work in two modes: analog and digital.
To connect RGB tapes, special connectors are usually used, and in their absence, the soldering method is used.
