Sustainability has never been higher on the agenda, but what does ＆’sustainable’ really mean when it comes to LED displays? Ross Noonan, Technical Sales and Marketing Manager at LED Studio explores how COB with Common Cathode is driving a sustainable future for LED display design and delivery.
As we continue to build towards a sustainable future for LED display technology, we need to cut through the buzzwords and look at what is really being done to help end-users reach their sustainability goals. This needs to take into account the whole manufacturing process, not just the display credentials.
One of the primary concerns in the Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance (ESG) framework is reducing energy consumption and carbon footprint. The LED display manufacturing scene is a complex place, with multiple manufacturing methods, chip packaging solutions, and PCB surface coatings hitting the market.
In my five years of selling and installing LED solutions, I’ve noticed a common oversight: end-users often overlook or are not informed of the continuous energy expenses. This is usually because the stakeholders want a solution, and someone has to deliver it! With the proven effectiveness of COB display technology, customers now have a golden opportunity to slash their display running costs, significantly. The vital first step is ensuring they’re well-informed, empowering them to make savvy choices.
COB LED displays are leading the way
Leading the way in the display sustainability stakes for ESG-driven companies is the innovation of Chip On Board (COB) LED displays. COB displays have the diodes directly mounted onto a single substrate or circuit board. This arrangement allows for a concentrated and powerful illumination source in a compact package, leading to significant advantages that make them a top choice for sustainability-conscious businesses.
COB LED displays excel at reducing energy consumption through their efficient design, which converts a larger percentage of input power into visible light. This means they produce significantly less heat and require less electricity to deliver the same level of brightness as conventional LEDs, reducing energy bills and CO2 emissions.
On average, our tests have proved a 130 COB display at a resolution of 1080p to be up to 46% more energy-efficient than an SMD display of the same size, resolution, and brightness.
To put this into context, if we look at the max energy consumption of a traditional SMD, 130 1080p display (a very popular corporate display solution) for 8 hours a day, running costs can hit 6.72 per day (based on the latest EU average per kW 0.283). Over the lifespan of an LED display, which typically exceeds 10 years, these costs can quickly accumulate. However, with the introduction of COB technology, you can significantly reduce running costs.
COB meets Common Cathode
When combined with the Common Cathode Technology driver method, we’re onto a real sustainability winner. Firstly, Common Cathode technology isn’t new. It is available with legacy SMD technology, but many customers don＊t know its benefits or aren’t being offered it as a solution that adds to their sustainability credentials.
If the SMD displays you＊re sourcing aren’t using Common Cathode, the first question you should be asking is, ＆why not?.
Common Cathode refers to the method driving LEDs in a display by connecting the cathodes of the LEDs together and driving them independently.
This flips the script from the traditional Common Anode driving method, enhancing energy efficiency and optimizing power consumption by enabling precise control over each LED’s cathode. Energy wastage is minimized through enhanced thermal management. In addition to this, Common Cathode displays offer superior colour performance resulting in a display that also looks better!
At LED Studio we have been incorporating the energy saving benefits of Common Cathode technology, not just on our indoor SMD products but also our DOOH signage solutions resulting in displays that lead the way in terms of energy efficiency and wasted heat output.
A heated debate
Another important factor to consider for sustainability is how the display will impact the temperature of its surroundings. For large displays in confined or immersive spaces or areas with poor ventilation, additional cooling in the form of air conditioning may be needed, adding to power consumption specifications.
COB and Common Cathode displays, however, run cool to the touch, further adding to the overall efficiency and sustainability of the install for years to come.
The bigger picture
Looking beyond energy-efficient design, to be more eco-friendly we also need to consider the manufacturing process.Once again, with COB and Common Cathode joining forces, we can deliver.
An ESG framework requirement is to minimise electronic waste and extend the life of their equipment. COB with Common Cathode delivers a longer product lifespan because with less heat output components last longer. The fact that the diodes are attached directly to the circuit board also contributes as fewer components are needed to physically build the modules.
Once finished, the applied resin makes the modules more robust and less likely to result in dead or damaged pixels.
