COB LED Strip

COB strips are characterized by a particularly high pixel density. Several hundred LEDs per meter are mounted on a carrier board. The LED strip is then coated with a phosphor layer, which, in addition to its luminescent properties, also acts as a diffuser for the emitted light.
In many COB strips, the beam angle of the light is increased thanks to the phosphor coating. Light dispersion of 120° or more is common practice here.

COB stands for “Chip-on-Board,” a design in which many small LED chips are mounted directly and closely together on the printed circuit board (PCB). Unlike conventional SMD LEDs, which are visible as individual components, COB chips are arranged in a continuous layer and then covered with a phosphor coating. This creates an even light pattern without visible dots.
The result is a continuous strip of light that looks particularly harmonious and elegant—ideal for visible applications with high light-quality requirements.

Depending on the version (single-color, CCT, RGB, RGBW), COB strips can be operated with the same controllers and dimmers as conventional LED strips. As with SMD strips, the crucial factor is whether it is an analog or addressable LED strip:

Analog COB strips (PWM-controlled) can be operated with conventional dimmers, RGB/RGBW controllers, or app-controlled systems.

Addressable COB strips (e.g. with ICs such as UCS1903 or WS2811), on the other hand, require digital SPI controllers that support the respective protocol.

It is also important that the voltage (e.g. 24 V) and number of channels (e.g. RGBW) match the control solution.

COB LED strips are usually connected to a suitable controller, which is placed between the power supply and the strip. The controller controls the brightness, color, and effects—depending on the type, via remote control, app, or switch.
For single-color strips only, direct connection to a dimmable power supply or switch is also possible.
For particularly simple installations, combination solutions that house the power supply and controller in a single compact device are also available.

• Seamless light band without visible light spots
• Homogeneous light distribution even without a diffuser profile
• High LED density for uniform illumination
• Wide beam angle (approx. 120°)
• Available in single-color, CCT, RGB, RGBW or even RGBCCT
• Depending on the model, also available addressable

Yes. Both single-color and multi-color models can be dimmed continuously using a suitable dimmer or controller. It is important that the control system is compatible with the voltage, power, and color(s) of the strip.

COB LED strips can be cut at specific intervals, just like standard SMD strips. You can find the cutting intervals in the product description for the respective strip.

• Visible light lines in furniture, display cabinets, or ceiling profiles
• Frontally visible lighting, e.g., in shelving units or work areas
• Homogeneous accent lighting in kitchens, hallways, or bedrooms
• Ambient lighting in vehicles or trade show installations
• Addressable COB: dynamic effects in displays, lightboxes, staircases, or events

With conventional SMD strips (Surface Mounted Device), the individual LEDs are mounted on the top side of a printed circuit board (PCB strip), which creates the impression of a row of individual points of light when viewed directly.
To counteract this dotted lighting effect, SMD LED strips are usually used for indirect lighting to create a homogeneous light pattern.

COB strips, on the other hand, can be installed within the field of vision. They differ from "normal LED strips" mainly in two characteristics. COB strips have a significantly higher pixel density than SMD strips, which results in a continuous light pattern. Furthermore, they are entirely covered with a phosphor layer, which serves as a diffuser for the individual LED pixels, among other things. Depending on the number of LEDs, a pixel-free light pattern can thus be created even when viewed directly.

Yes, in addition to classic analog COB strips, there are also addressable COB variants in which individual segments or even pixels can be controlled individually. These combine the uniform appearance of COB with the dynamism of digital LED strips – ideal for chasing effects, animations, or zone-based lighting control.
Typical chips are, for example, WS2811, UCS1903, or similar SPI-based ICs.