What’s the Difference Between SMD and DIP LEDs?

What’s the Difference Between SMD and DIP LEDs?

LED is the abbreviation of “light emitting diode”. It’s a type of light bulb that has gained popularity due to its efficiency, environmental friendliness, low costs and long lifespan. It’s widely used in commercial digital signs and scoreboards. SMD and DIP LEDs are two main kinds of LEDs that commonly make up most digital signage. They are alike in mechanics but offer unique advantages.

Here’s a glimpse at what makes SMD and DIP LEDs different, and which one may work best for your business.

SMD (Surface Mounted Devices)

SMD LEDs are LED mounted on PCBs (printed circuit boards) with Surface Mounted Technology. They are small in design, offering three colors of LED bulbs. The RGB (red, green, blue) LEDs are optically rearranged into a single black or white point. As SMD LEDs are designed to be small, it can be placed closer together, thus creating a much higher resolution LED module as compared to DIP LEDs. SMD LEDs are an excellent choice for high resolution LED signage since they are not only cost-effective but also offer outstanding quality images for up-close viewing.

DIP (Dual Inline Package)

DIP LEDs are the traditional LED lights. DIP LEDs are easily identified by their “pill” or “bullet" shape and the long contacts that extend from the bottom of the LED. Three colors (RGB) of light bulbs (sometimes adding a fourth white LED) in DIP LEDs are separated from each other and are clearly visible. DIP LEDs can be soldered or inserted into PCBs directly. With the features of durability, limited visibility and high brightness, DIP LEDs are mostly used on outdoor digital signage.

What’s the difference?

Overall, SMD LEDs are enhanced and newer LEDs that are smaller in size, brighter in color and better in resolution than DIP’s. They are a more common choice when it comes to digital displays because of their capabilities and longevity. DIP LEDs are a cost-effective and reliable choice for outdoor digital signage as they can easily achieve the ultra-high brightness required by outdoor usage and they’re built to be weather-resistant.

There’s no obvious answer to which LEDs you should choose to make up your digital signs. Whatever LEDs you are going to adopt in your digital displays, one thing is clear-LEDs are of great environmental friendliness and cost-effectiveness for your business. 

If you are looking to refresh or update your signage, Dakco are here to help. Please do not hesitate to contact us for a free quote, or to have a member of our team to answer your questions. We are always happy to hear from you.