Light-emitting diodes, or LEDs, are an increasingly popular lighting technology used for residential and commercial lighting and across numerous industries including the automotive, medical and computer technology sectors. LEDs are favored for their energy efficiency, long life and compactness.

One role that PCBs play in LED applications is the transfer of heat away from the bulb. High temperatures decrease the average life of LEDs. Because of this, PCBs used for LEDs are typically made with aluminum, which can transfer heat better than other metals. This eliminates the need for an additional heat sink to a design and means it can be more compact.

You can find LED PCBs in:

Residential lighting: LED lighting, including smart bulbs, help homeowners light their property more efficiently.

Storefront lighting: Businesses can use LEDs for signage and to light their stores.

Automotive displays: Dashboard indicators, headlights, brake lights and more may use LED PCBs.

Computer displays: LED PCBs power many indicators and displays on laptop and desktop computers.

Medical lighting: LEDs provide bright light and give off little heat, making them ideal for medical applications, especially those related to surgery and emergency medicine.

LEDs are becoming increasingly common in a variety of applications, meaning LED PCBs will likely continue to play a more prominent role in lighting.