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LED switching power supply PCB board design
星期五, 28 3 月, 2025

LED switching power supply PCB board design,In the design of switching power supplies, if the PCB board is not designed properly, it will radiate too much electromagnetic interference. The following seven tricks are summarized for the design of PCB boards that ensure stable power supply operation: by analyzing the matters that need to be paid attention to in each step, you can easily design the PCB board step by step!

LED switching power supply PCB board

Step 1

Design process from schematic to PCB: Establish component parameters – > Input schematic netlist – > Design parameter setting – > Manual layout – > Manual wiring – > Verify design – > Review – > CAM output.

LED switching power supply PCB board design

Step 2

Parameter setting: The spacing between adjacent wires must meet the electrical safety requirements, and the spacing should be as wide as possible for easy operation and production. The spacing should at least be suitable for the voltage to be tolerated. When the wiring density is low, the spacing between signal lines can be appropriately increased. The signal lines with high and low levels should be as short as possible and the spacing should be increased. In general, the wiring spacing is set to 8mil. The distance from the edge of the inner hole of the pad to the edge of the printed circuit board should be greater than 1mm to avoid pad defects during processing. When the trace connected to the pad is thin, the connection between the pad and the trace should be designed into a water drop shape. The advantage of this is that the pad is not easy to peel, but the trace and the pad are not easy to disconnect.

Step 3

Component layout practice has proved that even if the circuit schematic is designed correctly, improper printed circuit board design will have an adverse effect on the reliability of electronic equipment. For example, if two thin parallel lines on a printed circuit board are very close to each other, a delay in the signal waveform will be formed, and reflected noise will be formed at the end of the transmission line; interference caused by inconsiderate consideration of the power supply and ground line will reduce the performance of the product. Therefore, when designing a printed circuit board, you should pay attention to using the correct method. Each switching power supply has four current loops:
(1) Power switch AC loop
(2) Output rectifier AC loop
(3) Input signal source current loop
(4) Output load current loop
The input loop charges the input capacitor through a current that is close to DC, and the filter capacitor mainly plays a broadband energy storage role; similarly, the output filter capacitor is also used to store high-frequency energy from the output rectifier and eliminate the DC energy of the output load loop. Therefore, the terminals of the input and output filter capacitors are very important. The input and output current loops should be connected to the power supply only from the terminals of the filter capacitors; if the connection between the input/output loop and the power switch/rectifier loop cannot be directly connected to the terminals of the capacitor, the AC energy will be radiated from the input or output filter capacitor to the environment. The AC circuit of the power switch and the AC circuit of the rectifier contain high-amplitude trapezoidal currents. The harmonic components in these currents are very high, and their frequencies are much higher than the switching base frequency. The peak amplitude can be as high as 5 times the continuous input/output DC current amplitude, and the transition time is usually about 50ns. These two circuits are prone to electromagnetic interference, so these AC circuits must be laid out before other printed wiring in the power supply. The three main components of each circuit, filter capacitors, power switches or rectifiers, and inductors or transformers, should be placed adjacent to each other, and the positions of the components should be adjusted to make the current path between them as short as possible.
The method of establishing the layout of the switching power supply is similar to its electrical design. The design process is as follows:
Place the transformer Design the power switch current loop Design the output rectifier current loop Control circuit connected to the AC power circuit Design the input current source loop and input filter Design the output load loop and output filter According to the functional units of the circuit, when laying out all the components of the circuit, the following principles must be met:
(1) First, consider the size of the PCB. When the PCB size is too large, the printed lines are long, the impedance increases, the anti-noise ability decreases, and the cost increases; if it is too small, the heat dissipation is poor, and the adjacent lines are susceptible to interference. The shape of the circuit board is rectangular, with an aspect ratio of 3:2 or 4:3. The components located at the edge of the circuit board are generally not less than 2mm away from the edge of the circuit board.
(2) When placing components, consider the subsequent welding and do not place them too densely;
(3) The components of each functional circuit are centered and the layout is carried out around it. The components should be arranged evenly, neatly and compactly on the PCB. The leads and connections between the components should be minimized and shortened as much as possible, and the decoupling capacitor should be as close to the VCC of the device as possible.
(4) For circuits working at high frequencies, the distribution parameters between components should be considered. Generally, the components of the circuit should be arranged in parallel as much as possible. This is not only beautiful, but also easy to assemble and solder, and easy to mass produce.
(5) Arrange the positions of each functional circuit unit according to the circuit process, so that the layout is convenient for signal flow and the signal keeps the same direction as much as possible.
(6) The first principle of layout is to ensure the wiring pass rate. When moving components, pay attention to the connection of flying wires and put the components with connection relationships together.
(7) Reduce the loop area as much as possible to suppress the radiation interference of the switching power supply.

LED switching power supply PCB board

Step 4

Wiring The switching power supply contains high-frequency signals. Any trace on the PCB can act as an antenna. The length and width of the trace will affect its impedance and inductance, thereby affecting the frequency response. Even traces that pass DC signals can couple to RF signals from adjacent traces and cause circuit problems (even radiate interference signals again). Therefore, all traces that pass AC current should be designed to be as short and wide as possible, which means that all components connected to the traces and to other power lines must be placed very close. The length of the trace is proportional to the inductance and impedance it exhibits, while the width is inversely proportional to the inductance and impedance of the trace. The length reflects the wavelength of the trace response. The longer the length, the lower the frequency of the electromagnetic wave that the trace can send and receive, and it can radiate more RF energy. According to the size of the printed circuit board current, try to increase the width of the power line and reduce the loop resistance. At the same time, make the direction of the power line and ground line consistent with the direction of the current, which helps to enhance the anti-noise ability. Grounding is the bottom branch of the four current loops of the switching power supply. It plays an important role as a common reference point of the circuit. It is an important method to control interference. Therefore, the placement of the grounding wire should be carefully considered in the layout. Mixing various groundings will cause unstable power supply operation.
The following points should be noted in the grounding design:

  1. Correctly select single-point grounding. Usually, the common end of the filter capacitor should be the connection point where other grounding points are coupled to the AC ground of large current. The grounding points of the same circuit should be as close as possible, and the power filter capacitor of the circuit at this level should also be connected to the grounding point of this level. The main consideration is that the current flowing back to the ground from each part of the circuit is changing. The impedance of the actual flowing line will cause the ground potential of each part of the circuit to change and introduce interference. In this switching power supply, the inductance between its wiring and devices has little effect, while the loop current formed by the grounding circuit has a greater impact on interference. Therefore, a single-point grounding is used, that is, the ground wires of several devices in the power switch current loop are connected to the ground pin, and the ground wires of several devices in the output rectifier current loop are also connected to the ground pin of the corresponding filter capacitor. In this way, the power supply works more stably and is not easy to self-excite. When a single point cannot be achieved, two diodes or a small resistor are connected to the common ground. In fact, it can be connected to a relatively concentrated piece of copper foil.
  2. Try to thicken the ground wire. If the ground wire is very thin, the ground potential changes with the change of current, causing the timing signal level of the electronic equipment to be unstable and the anti-noise performance to deteriorate. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure that each large current ground end uses a printed line as short and wide as possible, and try to widen the width of the power and ground wires. The ground wire is wider than the power line. Their relationship is: ground wire>power line>signal line. If possible, the width of the ground wire should be greater than 3mm, or a large copper layer can be used as a ground wire. On the printed circuit board, all unused areas are connected to the ground as ground wires. When performing global wiring, the following principles must be followed:
    (1) Wiring direction: From the welding surface, the arrangement of components should be kept consistent with the schematic diagram as much as possible, and the wiring direction should be consistent with the wiring direction of the circuit diagram. Because various parameters usually need to be tested on the welding surface during the production process, this is convenient for inspection, debugging and maintenance during production (Note: It refers to the premise of meeting the circuit performance and the requirements of the whole machine installation and panel layout).
    (2) When designing the wiring diagram, the wiring should have as few turns as possible, the line width on the printed arc should not change suddenly, the wire corner should be ≥90 degrees, and the lines should be simple and clear.
    (3) No cross circuits are allowed in the printed circuit. For lines that may cross, “drilling” and “winding” can be used to solve them. That is, let a lead “drill” from the gap under the feet of other resistors, capacitors, and transistors In the past, or from one end of a lead that may cross, in special cases, if the circuit is very complicated, in order to simplify the design, it is also allowed to use wire jumper to solve the problem of cross circuit. Because a single-sided board is used, the through-hole components are located on the top surface and the surface-mount components are located on the bottom surface, so when laying out, the through-hole components can overlap with the surface-mount components, but the pads must be avoided from overlapping.
  3. Input ground and output ground This switching power supply is a low-voltage DC-DC. To feed the output voltage back to the primary of the transformer, the circuits on both sides should have a common reference ground, so after the ground wires on both sides are coppered separately, they must be connected together to form a common ground.

Step 5

Inspection: After the wiring design is completed, it is necessary to carefully check whether the wiring design conforms to the rules set by the designer. At the same time, it is also necessary to confirm whether the rules set meet the requirements of the printed circuit board production process. Generally, check whether the distance between lines, lines and component pads, lines and through holes, component pads and through holes, and through holes are reasonable and meet production requirements. Whether the width of the power line and the ground line is appropriate, and whether there is any place in the PCB that can widen the ground line. Note: Some errors can be ignored. For example, part of the outline of some connectors is placed outside the board frame, which will cause errors when checking the spacing; in addition, after each modification of the routing and vias, copper must be re-coated.

LED switching power supply PCB board

Step 6

Review According to the “PCB Checklist”, the content includes design rules, layer definition, line width, spacing, pads, and via settings. It is also necessary to focus on reviewing the rationality of the device layout, the routing of the power and ground network, the routing and shielding of the high-speed clock network, and the placement and connection of the decoupling capacitors.

Step 7

a. The layers that need to be output are the wiring layer (bottom layer), the silk screen layer (including the top silk screen and the bottom silk screen), the solder mask layer (bottom solder mask), the drilling layer (bottom layer), and the drilling file (NCDrill)
b. When setting the layer of the silk screen layer, do not select PartType, select the Outline, Text, and Line of the top (bottom) and silk screen layers
c. When setting the layer of each layer, select Board Outline, and when setting the layer of the silk screen layer, do not select PartType, select the Outline, Text, and Line of the top (bottom) and silk screen layers.
d. When generating the drilling file, use the default settings of PowerPCB and do not make any changes.

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SMD LED PCB Board Design,Prototype&SMD LED PCB Manufacturer
星期二, 18 3 月, 2025

SMD LED PCB board design is very important in electronic products industry. From precise pad layout to efficient heat dissipation solutions, every detail is related to light efficiency and life. Whether it is rapid iteration in the prototype verification stage or cost optimization in the mass production stage, professional design needs to integrate electrical performance and process compatibility. In this blog, let’s learn together how to design SMD LED PCB boards and how to choose a good SMD LED PCB manufacturer.

If you want to move design to prototype and manufacture, Best technology can meet your all requirements for SMD LED PCB Board. Because we specializing in SMD LED PCB Board design, prototyping and production over 18 years, and we have an experienced PCB designers team who can give you free technical support. And we can provide you PI Analysis, SI Analysis, EMC Testing with the SMD LED PCB you designed. Then we can provide you with customized services (including customized Logo) with low MOQ (one piece is okay) at reasonable prices. You can feel free to contact us sales@bestpcbs.com if you have any request for SMD LED PCB.

What Is SMD LED PCB Board Design?

SMD LED PCB board design refers to the process of designing printed circuit boards that support Surface Mount Device (SMD) LEDs. These boards are commonly used in lighting applications, display panels, and electronic signage. Unlike through-hole LEDs, SMD LEDs are mounted directly onto the PCB surface, enhancing efficiency and reducing assembly costs.

SMD LED PCB Design Software 

Here are common SMD LED PCB design software:

  • Altium Designer-Offers comprehensive PCB design tools with 3D visualization.
  • KiCad: A free, open-source option for designing SMD LED PCBs.
  • EAGLE: User friendly and widely used in hobbyist and professional projects.
  • Cadence Allegro: Suitable for High-speed signal design field

SMD LED PCB Design Layout

The design layout of SMD LED PCBs mainly includes the following aspects:

  • Heat dissipation priority‌: copper is laid in the concentrated area of ​​LED for heat dissipation, away from high-temperature components to avoid heat accumulation.
  • ‌Wire optimization‌: the power line is short and wide to reduce impedance; the signal line and the power line are layered or spaced to prevent interference.
  • ‌Uniform arrangement‌: the LED spacing is consistent, avoiding obstructions to ensure that the light-emitting surface faces the same direction.
  • ‌Pad matching‌: the pad is designed according to the package size to avoid cold soldering; sufficient soldering spacing is reserved.
  • ‌Polarity identification‌: clearly mark the positive and negative poles of the LED to avoid reverse patch; leave debugging marks on the board.

SMD LED PCB Design Layout

SMD LED Circuit Board Diagram

Here is an example of SMD LED Circuit Board Diagram for reference:

This picture is only for reference, please refer to the actual SMD LED Circuit board design diagram. If you need support on this aspect, please contact us.( the email is at the beginning of this blog)

SMD LED PCB Board Manufacturer

When you have finished the design and want to find a SMD LED PCB Board Manufacturer to verify your design. At Best Technology, we can provide affordable prototyping cost with fast delivery, Here are more information about us:

  • Focus on SMD LED PCB Board design, prototype and manufacturing over 18 years and have an experienced designers team. We can provide you professional and free technical support quickly.
  • Have a complete electronic manufacturing supply chain, providing one-stop solutions and PCBA services. All components you needed we can help you purchase and assemble with PCB.
  • Strong process capability

Here is a chart of our process capabilities:

Base materialAluminum/Copper/Iron Alloy
Thermal Conductivity  0.8, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 3.0 W/m.K.
Board Thickness0.5mm~3.0mm(0.02″~0.12″)
Copper thickness:0.5 OZ, 1.0 OZ, 2.0 OZ, 3.0 OZ, up to 10 OZ
Outline:Routing, punching, V-Cut
Solder mask:White/Black/Blue/Green/Red Oil
Legend/Silkscreen Color:Black/White
Surface finishing:Immersion Gold, HASL, OSP
Max Panel size: 600*500mm(23.62″*19.68″)
Packing:Vacuum/Plastic bag
Samples L/T:4~6 Days
MP L/T:5~7 Days

How To Design SMD LED PCB Board?

1. Parameter confirmation and selection ‌

  • Single LED operating voltage (such as 3V), current (20mA) and maximum power consumption (power = voltage × current).
  • Series/parallel configuration: series voltage superposition (total voltage = single voltage × quantity), parallel connection requires current equalization design.
  • Materials For general scenario‌: FR4 board (cost-effective, temperature resistance 130℃).
  • Materials For high power scenario‌: Aluminum substrate (thermal conductivity ≥2.0W/m·K, temperature resistance 150℃).

‌2. Layout design‌

  • ‌Similar LED spacing‌ rule: ≥0.3mm (to prevent solder bridging).
  • ‌Dissimilar device spacing‌ rule: calculated according to the formula ‌0.13×height difference (mm)+0.3mm‌ (such as LED height 1mm, resistor height 0.5mm, spacing = 0.13×0.5+0.3≈0.365mm).
  • All LEDs have the same long axis direction and are perpendicular to the reflow soldering direction (to prevent hot air from causing deviation).
  • The distance between the component and the edge of the PCB is ≥3mm. If it cannot be avoided.
  • V-Cut board division‌: Cut after extending the board edge, and wiring is prohibited at the cut.
  • ‌Stamp hole board division‌: Separated by a 0.8mm diameter hole array, the hole center is ≥1.5mm from the board edge

‌3. Routing and power design‌

  • Line width calculation‌: Under 1oz copper thickness, line width (mil) = current (A) ÷ 0.024 (such as 1A current requires ≥42mil).
  • ‌Copper plating stiffener: The LED negative pad is connected to a large area of ​​copper plating (to reduce impedance and assist heat dissipation).
  • Filter capacitor layout‌: Each LED is connected in parallel with a 0.1μF ceramic capacitor (mounting distance ≤5mm).
  • Add 10μF~100μF electrolytic capacitors to the power inlet (to suppress low-frequency ripple).
  • ‌Ground plane division‌: Single-point connection between digital ground and power ground to avoid noise coupling.

‌4. Thermal management design‌

  • Heat dissipation hole array‌: 0.3~0.5mm diameter through holes (1~2mm spacing) are drilled directly below the high-power LED, and the inner wall of the hole is metallized (to enhance thermal conductivity).
  • Copper foil area expansion‌: The copper area under the LED is ≥ 3 times the pad area (the aluminum substrate can be omitted).
  • The distance between LED and heating components such as driver IC and MOS tube is ≥ 5mm.
  • Avoid arranging electrolytic capacitors in high-temperature areas.

‌5. Design for manufacturability (DFM)‌

  • ‌Pad design‌: The pad size is 0.2mm larger than the LED pin (e.g. LED pin is 1.6×0.8mm, and the pad design is 1.8×1.0mm).
  • The solder mask opening is 0.05~0.1mm wider than the pad (to prevent the solder mask from covering the pad).
  • Polarity mark‌: Add a “+” symbol or silk screen frame next to the LED pad (to prevent reverse connection).
  • Mark point: a solid copper point with a diameter of 1mm is arranged diagonally, and there is no component within 3mm around it. ‌

‌6. Test and debugging reservation‌

  • Reserve a 30mil diameter circular test point for each LED string circuit (connect to the positive pole of the power supply, ground and dimming signal).
  • The test point spacing is ≥2mm to avoid probe short circuit.
  • Reserve ≥1.5mm channels in dense LED arrays to facilitate hot air gun rework.

7. Design verification and simulation‌

  • ‌Thermal simulation‌: Use ANSYS Icepak or similar tools to verify the high temperature area (the temperature rise of the aluminum substrate should be ≤30℃).
  • ‌Power integrity simulation‌: Check the power ripple through Sigrity or HyperLynx (target ≤5% rated voltage).
  • DRC inspection‌: Focus on checking line spacing (≥0.2mm), aperture (≥0.3mm), and pad and through-hole avoidance (≥0.15mm).

‌8. Production file output‌

  • ‌Gerber file‌: Contains circuit layer, solder mask layer, silk screen layer, and drilling file (aperture tolerance ±0.05mm).
  • Process marking‌: Clearly specify the solder mask color (white is preferred), surface treatment (immersion gold/OSP), and whether the aluminum substrate needs an insulation layer.

Lastly, you can move the production file to the make a SMD LED PCB board prototype.

What Are SMD LED PCB Board Design Rules?

  • Minimum spacing rule: When SMD layout is in progress, ensuring a certain spacing between components can reduce the probability of problems such as cold soldering, bridging, and shadow effects during welding.
  • PCB edge requirements: SMD components should not be laid out within 3mm from the two sides of the SMD PCB. This is because the guide groove of the placement machine requires that no components are allowed within 3 to 5mm of the PCB board edge. If this size cannot be guaranteed, consider using V-grooves or stamp holes to lengthen the board, and then remove the excess board after welding.
  • Arrangement direction: The arrangement direction of the same components should be as consistent as possible, and a test point with a diameter of 30mil must be left on the same gold track. In addition, the arrangement direction of CHIP, SOT, and SOIC components should be perpendicular to the tinning direction as much as possible to avoid shadow effects.
  • Shadow effect: When wave soldering is used, components with large height differences should not be arranged close together to prevent the shadow effect of high components from affecting the soldering of low components.
  • Test point requirements: When a right-angle (vertical) arrangement is required, sufficient tinning space must be reserved. The distance of this space should be 0.635mm.
What Are SMD LED PCB Board Design Rules?

SMD LED PCB Board Design Rules

FAQ of SMD LED PCB Board Design

1. ‌Improper pad design leads to welding defects‌

  • Use “water drop” routing transition to avoid right-angle connection of pads.
  • Symmetrically design the pad size to ensure balanced heat capacity on both sides.

2. ‌Insufficient heat dissipation leads to shortened LED life‌

  • Lay a sufficient area of heat dissipation copper foil (≥50mm²/W) under the LED and add heat dissipation through holes.
  • Aluminum substrate or metal core PCB is preferred for high-power scenarios.

3. ‌Uneven current distribution of parallel LEDs‌

  • Use star topology wiring to ensure that the length and impedance of each parallel branch are consistent.
  • Use constant current driver chip instead of traditional resistor current limiting solution.

4. ‌Process problems caused by overly dense component layout‌

  • Ensure that the LED spacing is ≥0.5mm and is more than 3mm away from the board edge.
  • During wave soldering, adjust the LED arrangement direction perpendicular to the tinning direction, and use a stepped steel mesh to control the amount of solder paste.

5. ‌Polarity marking error or silk screen blocking the pad‌

  • Clearly mark the LED polarity (such as the “+” symbol), and keep the silk screen away from the edge of the pad by ≥0.2mm.
  • During design verification, check whether the solder mask opening fully exposes the pad.

To sum up, the above is about SMD LED PCB design and how to select a good PCB supplier. If you have any other questions about designing SMD LED PCB, please leave a message below our blog. Looking forward to hearing from you soon!

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How To Make a LED PCB Board Design For Beginners?
星期五, 14 3 月, 2025

LED PCB Board design is very important for modern lighting systems, so learning how to design LED PCB Board is a necessary step for both beginners and engineers. As a beginner, you may be confused about how to start LED PCB design. This article will explore the design tools, design principles, design layout of LED PCB. Let’s start the discussion now! 

If you want to find a supplier to help you design, prototyping and production, Best technology would be a good choice. Because we focus on LED PCB design, prototyping and production for 18 years, and we have a complete PCB production chain that can respond to your needs quickly and achieve fast delivery. We can provide you with customized services (including customized Logo) with low MOQ at affordable prices. which can turn your good design into high quality PCB products. Then you can have one piece LED PCB that only belongs to you. Please feel free to contact us at sales@bestpcbs.com if you’re interested in us.

What is LED PCB Board Design?

‌LED PCB board design‌ refers to the process of designing PCBs for packaging and mounting LED chips. The main purpose of LED PCB design is to ensure that the LED chip can emit light efficiently and then the entire circuit board has good electrical performance and thermal management capabilities.

led pcb board design

Which Software Tool is Used for LED PCB Board Design?

Here are some common LED board design software as below:

  • Altium Designer– best for complex, professional designs, high cost, hard to learn.
  • KiCad-best for open-source, hobbyist projects, Free cost, Not too easy and not too hard to learn.
  • Autodesk Eagle– best for small-scale designs, Freemium cost, easy to learn.
  • Proteus– best for simulation-driven workflows, need to be paid, Not too easy and not too hard to learn.

‌Here is a small tip can help you how to choose the right software tool:

‌Beginners‌: Start with KiCad or Eagle for affordability.

‌Professionals‌: Altium for advanced features like 3D modeling.

led pcb design software

What Is the Best Practice for LED PCB Board Design Layout?

LED PCB Board Design Layout best practices include the following aspects:

  • ‌Design optimization‌: During the design phase, DFM (design for manufacturability) checks are required to avoid concentrated distribution of high-heat generating components and to design heat dissipation channels reasonably. Ensure that pad size, line width and line spacing meet process capabilities.
  • Layout principles‌: Layout designers usually use schematics as a guide for placing components on the board to ensure optimal network connectivity between parts. Fixed-position parts such as connectors and switches should be placed first, and processors and memory components should be placed close to their connectors for optimal routing.
  • ‌Signal routing tips‌: Add a common ground layer under the signal routing to minimize the impedance between ground points. Add vias in the grid to avoid hot spots, and use 135° routing bends when routing high-speed signals to reduce characteristic impedance changes and signal loss of transmission lines. Increase signal spacing outside the bottleneck area to avoid crosstalk, use daisy chains to maintain signal integrity, and maintain a constant distance when laying out differential pairs to achieve the specified differential impedance.
  • ‌Power supply layout‌: The power supply should be placed near the load to prevent long traces from affecting power supply accuracy and dynamic load response. In multi-layer PCB design, a ground or DC voltage layer should be added between the high current layer and the sensitive small signal layer as a shielding layer to reduce interference.

What Is the Basic Rule of LED PCB Board Design?

The basic rules of LED PCB Board Design is mainly about the following aspects:

  • Control trace length: In design, it is advisable to control the trace length as much as possible, especially for important signal lines such as clock signals. The oscillator should be placed very close to the device to reduce unnecessary interference.
  • Control trace width and spacing: To reduce crosstalk between lines, ensure that the line spacing is sufficient. When the center-to-center distance of lines is no less than three times the width of the lines, 70% of the electric field can remain unperturbed from each other, known as the 3W rule.
  • Avoid sharp corners and right angles: In PCB design, avoid creating sharp corners and right angles, as they can produce unnecessary radiation and affect process performance. All line-to-line angles should be ≥135°.
  • Avoid self-looping traces: During design, pay attention to whether signal lines form self-loops between different layers, especially when routing on multilayer boards. Self-loops can cause radiated interference.
  • Avoid ‘antenna effect’: Generally, do not allow one end of a trace to be suspended to avoid the ‘antenna effect’, which reduces unnecessary interference radiation and reception.
  • Crosstalk control: Crosstalk refers to the mutual interference caused by long parallel traces between different networks. The main measures to overcome crosstalk are to increase the spacing between parallel traces, follow the 3W rule; insert grounded isolation lines between parallel lines; and reduce the distance between the wiring layer and the ground plane.
  • Ground loop rule: The area enclosed by the signal line and its return path should be as small as possible. The smaller the loop area, the less external radiation there is, and the less interference from the outside world.

How To Design a LED PCB for Beginners?

That’s all you need to know about how to make LED PCB Board Design for beginners:

1. Define Your Requirements

‌Start with the basics‌:

  • ‌Voltage‌: Will it run on 5V (USB), 12V (car battery), or 24V (industrial)?
  • ‌Current‌: Calculate total current = Number of LEDs × Forward Current per LED.
  • Example: 10 LEDs × 20mA each = 200mA (0.2A).

LED Type‌:

  • Low-power‌: 5mm LEDs (0.1W each, good for indicators).
  • ‌High-power‌: COB (Chip-on-Board) LEDs (3W+, for lighting).
  • ‌Small Tips‌: Always add a 20% safety margin to your current/voltage calculations.

2.‌ Draw the Schematic

‌Tools for Beginners‌:

  • ‌KiCad‌ (free): Easy-to-use symbol libraries.
  • ‌Easy EDA‌ (web-based): Drag-and-drop interface.

Add LEDs: Place symbols in series/parallel.

  • Series‌: Higher voltage requirement (e.g., 3 LEDs × 3V = 9V).
  • ‌Parallel‌: Same voltage, independent control (add resistors to each branch).
  • Add Resistors: Use Ohm’s Law
  • Include Drivers: For high-power LEDs, use constant-current drivers (e.g., LM3414).
  • ‌Common Mistake‌: Forgetting reverse polarity protection (add a diode in series).

3. Choose Components

‌Critical Parts‌: ‌LEDs‌ and ‌PCB Substrate‌

‌LEDs‌:

  • CREE XML2 (for high brightness)
  • WS2812B (addressable RGB LEDs)
  • Resistors‌: 1/4W for low-power, 1W+ for high-current.

‌PCB Substrate‌:

  • ‌FR4‌: Cheap, good for low-power (<1W/LED).
  • Aluminum Core (MCPCB)‌: Mandatory for high-power LEDs (3W+).

Small Tips‌: Buy extra components – beginners often burn LEDs during testing!

4. Points of Wiring Technology

Power supply line

  • Main power line width ≥ 0.5mm (1A current corresponds to a line width of about 0.8mm)
  • Use star topology for power supply to avoid cascade voltage drop

Signal line

  • The distance between the control signal line (such as PWM dimming line) and the power line ≥ 3 times the line width.
  • Add terminal matching resistors to long-distance signal lines

Special treatment

  • Large-area copper grounding (grid copper can reduce thermal stress)
  • Avoid routing under the LED (to prevent light interference)

5. Design Verification

Electrical inspection‌:

  • Use DRC to check the minimum line spacing (recommended ≥0.2mm) and pad spacing‌
  • Verify current carrying capacity: 1oz copper thickness carries 1A current per mm line width‌

‌Actual test‌:

  • Use a multimeter to test short circuit/open circuit before welding
  • Use an infrared thermometer to detect LED temperature rise after power on (≤60℃)‌

6. Production File Output
When you are generating Gerber files, please pay attention to:

  • Mark the polarity of LEDs (+/- symbols)
  • Add silk screen layer positioning marks
  • Indicate board thickness (recommended 1.6mm) and surface process (recommended immersion gold)

7. Prototype & Test

If you have made a LED PCB prototype, the next step is testing. Here are three steps for testing:

‌Safety Checks‌:

  • Visual Inspection‌: Look for solder bridges or misaligned components.
  • Continuity Test‌: Use a multimeter to check shorts.

‌Power Up‌:

  • Start with 50% of max voltage.
  • Measure temperature with a ‌thermal camera‌ or IR thermometer.

‌Troubleshooting‌:

  • LEDs Not Lighting‌: Check polarity and resistor values.
  • Overheating‌: Reduce current or improve heat dissipation.

If you have any issues about this design process, welcome to leave a message below this blog.

How To Make LED Circuit Board?

Here are the production processes of how to make LED circuit board:

  • Cutting Materials: Cut the copper clad board into the required size to ensure that the material size meets the requirements of subsequent processing.
  • Drilling Holes: Use a high-precision drilling machine to drill precise through holes on the circuit board. The hole wall is smooth and burr-free to ensure that the hole wall has good adhesion.
  • Copper Plating: Chemically treat the hole wall of the PCB to ensure that the hole wall has good adhesion. The copper ions in the electrolyte are evenly deposited on the hole wall by electrochemical methods to form a thin and uniform copper foil layer.
  • Graphic Transfer: Use LDI (laser direct imaging) technology to accurately project the circuit diagram onto the copper clad layer of the PCB, and display the prototype of the circuit diagram through exposure and development processes
  • Electroplating: Further increase the thickness of the copper layer on the developed circuit and hole wall to ensure Its conductive properties and mechanical strength
  • Etching: Remove unnecessary copper foil through etching process and retain the required circuit pattern.
  • Solder Mask: Apply solder mask on PCB board to reduce short circuit risk and provide electrical insulation.
  • Legends Identification: Identify different component types through a combination of letters and numbers to avoid mounting errors.
  • Surface Treatment: Protect copper layer, improve welding performance, enhance corrosion resistance, etc., including hot air solder leveling (HASL), immersion tin (IMSN), chemical nickel immersion gold (ENIG), etc.
  • Molding: Cut into specific shapes as needed.
  • Testing: Detect defects such as open circuit and short circuit that affect functionality through electronic testing.
  • Final inspection: Visually inspect the appearance defects of the board and repair minor defects.

LED PCB Manufacturers

When you have completed the design and want to find a LED PCB Manufacturer to produce samples to verify your design. Are you worried about the high cost and long delivery time of PCB prototyping? Choose Best Technology, we can provide affordable prototyping cost with fast delivery, so you don’t worry about these problems. Here are more information about us.

  • Specialize in high quality LED PCB design, prototype and manufacturing over 18 years and have an experienced production teams. We can handle a lot of issues quickly if there is any issue with the production and achieve fast delivery.
  • Providing customized services based on customer’s need with low MOQ and competitive price.
  • Strict Quality Management Systems. We have obtained ISO certificate and adopted automatic optical inspection (AOI) and X-ray machines.
  • Have a complete electronic manufacturing supply chain, providing one-stop solutions and PCBA services. You don’t need to spending time and energy to purchase electronic parts everywhere.
  • Have professional pre-sales and after-sales team. Pre-sales can help you solve various design and production questions. and after-sales can help you deal with after-sales problems if your goods have any quality problem.
  • Have a branch factory in Vietnam to respond to fast delivery.

FAQs of LED PCB Board Design

1. What is the best material for LED PCB?

Aluminum are preferred for their heat dissipation properties.

FR4 is another option but requires additional cooling mechanisms.

2. Can I design an LED PCB without software?

While hand-drawing is possible, software provides accuracy, efficiency, and simulation capabilities for better results.

3. What are the challenges in LED PCB design?

Managing heat, ensuring uniform brightness, and optimizing power efficiency are key challenges. Proper layout and material selection help overcome these issues.

4. How to reduce heat in an LED PCB?

Use aluminum substrates, thermal vias, and heat sinks. Proper component placement and copper pours also improve heat dissipation.

If you want to know more about how to design a LED PCB board, welcome to contact us. (The email is at the beginning of this blog) Looking forward to hearing from you soon!

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Led PCB Board Design, Led Light PCB Circuit Design​, PCB Design Service
星期三, 12 3 月, 2025

LED PCB Board Design is essential for creating efficient and durable LED lighting solutions. Whether for consumer electronics, automotive applications, or industrial lighting, a well-designed LED Light PCB Circuit Design ensures optimal performance and longevity. With the right PCB Design Service, you can achieve improved heat dissipation, electrical efficiency, and seamless integration of LEDs onto circuit boards.
This led pcb design guide will walk you through everything you need to know about LED PCB design, from materials and circuit design to mounting methods and cost considerations.

Led PCB Board Design, Led Light PCB Circuit Design​, PCB Design Service

What is an LED PCB Board?

An LED PCB board is a printed circuit board (PCB) specifically designed to support and power light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Unlike standard PCBs, LED PCBs focus on thermal management since LEDs generate heat, which, if not managed properly, can reduce efficiency and lifespan.
Common applications of LED PCB boards include:

  • LED lighting strips for residential and commercial use
  • Automotive headlights and dashboards
  • Medical equipment displays
  • Smartphones, TVs, and digital billboards

A well-planned LED PCB design ensures even light distribution, durability, and energy efficiency.

What Materials Are Used in LED PCB?

Choosing the right material is crucial for LED PCB circuit design, as it directly affects heat dissipation, durability, and cost. The most commonly used materials are:

1. Aluminum Core PCB

  • The best choice for high-power LED PCB design
  • Features a metal core that dissipates heat efficiently
  • Commonly used in LED strip PCB design and automotive lighting
Led PCB Board Design

2. FR-4 (Fiberglass) PCB

  • A cost-effective choice but requires additional heat dissipation measures
  • Used in low-power LED applications
 PCB Design Service

3. Ceramic PCB

  • Offers superior thermal conductivity
  • Used in high-end LED lighting applications requiring maximum heat resistance

Selecting the right material ensures that LED boards operate efficiently without overheating.

How to Make LED PCB Design?

When working on PCB design for LED light applications, especially for high power LED PCB design, it’s crucial to focus on efficient thermal management and optimized circuit layout to ensure longevity and performance. Proper LED PCB circuit design involves strategic LED placement, adequate heat dissipation, and careful component selection.
Specifically, creating a simple LED PCB design involves several key steps:

1. Schematic Design

Use LED PCB design software like Altium Designer, Eagle PCB, or KiCad to create the electrical layout, including:

  • LED placement
  • Resistor and capacitor positioning
  • Power supply routing

2. PCB Layout

  • Optimize trace width and routing for efficient current flow
  • Use wide copper traces to prevent overheating
  • Implement thermal vias for heat dissipation

3. Simulation & Prototyping

Before manufacturing, test the PCB LED design using simulation software to detect issues early.

How to Build a Basic LED Circuit?

A basic LED circuit consists of:

  • LEDs (Light-emitting diodes)
  • A power source (battery or DC supply)
  • Resistors (to limit current and prevent damage)
  • Wires or PCB traces (to connect components)

Simple LED PCB Design Example

Step 1: Connect the LED anode (+) to the power supply via a resistor.

Step 2: Connect the LED cathode (-) to the ground.

Step 3: Ensure the resistor value matches the LED voltage and current ratings.

This simple circuit is the foundation of LED matrix PCB design, LED driver PCB design, and more.

What is the Width of LED PCB?

The width (thickness) of an LED PCB board depends on its application:

Standard LED PCBs: 1.6mm (most common for general applications)

High-power LED PCBs: 2.0mm – 3.2mm (for better heat dissipation)

Flexible LED PCBs: 0.2mm – 1.0mm (used in LED strips)

The correct PCB width prevents overheating and ensures mechanical stability.

Led Light PCB Circuit Design

How Do You Mount LEDs on a PCB?

LEDs can be mounted on PCBs using different methods, depending on the design and application:

1. Surface Mount Technology (SMT) – Best for SMD LED PCB Design

  • Uses solder paste and reflow soldering
  • Ideal for compact LED light PCB design

2. Through-Hole Technology (THT) – Used for High-Power LEDs

  • LEDs are inserted into holes and soldered on the other side
  • Ensures stronger mechanical bonds

3. Chip-on-Board (COB) – Used in LED Matrix PCB Design

  • LED chips are placed directly on the PCB for high efficiency and compact design

Choosing the right mounting method improves LED performance and durability.

Led PCB Board Design

Where Are LED Boards Used?

LED PCBs are found in a wide range of industries due to their energy efficiency and durability. Common applications include:

1. Consumer Electronics

  • Smartphones, tablets, and TVs
  • Digital clocks and smart home devices

2. Automotive Industry

  • Headlights, dashboard displays, brake lights

3. Industrial and Commercial Lighting

  • LED streetlights, floodlights, warehouse lighting

4. Medical Equipment

  • LED-based X-ray displays
  • Surgical lighting and phototherapy devices

These applications highlight why LED PCB circuit design must be robust and customized for each use case.

How Much Does a Custom PCB Board Cost?

The cost of a custom PCB board can vary significantly depending on several factors. The primary considerations include: ‌

  • Size and Number of Layers‌: Larger PCBs or those with more layers tend to cost more. For instance, a simple two-layer PCB may cost around $5−$15 per board, while multilayer PCBs are generally more expensive. The specific price needs to be determined based on factors such as the actual design, materials, and process requirements. ‌
  • Material Type‌: The choice of material also plays a crucial role. FR-4, a common and cost-effective material, typically costs less than aluminum or ceramic PCBs. ‌
  • Manufacturing Volume‌: The quantity produced affects the unit cost. Prototypes and small batches tend to be more expensive due to setup and engineering costs. As the production volume increases, the unit cost decreases, with prices potentially dropping for mass production.
  • ‌Special Processes and Quality Standards‌: Additional factors such as surface treatment (e.g., OSP, lead-free soldering, gold plating), copper foil thickness, design complexity, quality inspection standards, mold fees, and testing jigs can further influence the overall cost. Higher-end processes and stricter quality standards will increase the price.

Therefore, for an accurate quotation, it is advisable to consult with a PCB manufacturing service that can provide customized pricing based on your specific project requirements.

In a nutshell, designing an LED PCB board requires careful planning, right material selection, and thermal management strategies. Whether you’re working on a simple LED PCB design, an SMD LED PCB board design, or a high-power LED PCB design, the key to success lies in proper circuit design, component placement, and manufacturing methods.

If you’re looking for expert support, consider a PCB Design Service to streamline your LED light PCB circuit design and ensure the highest quality for your LED projects. With the right LED PCB design software and PCB manufacturing partner, you can create efficient, cost-effective, and long-lasting LED lighting solutions for various applications.

Best Technology offers a full range of Led PCB Board Design, customized to match the unique requirements of each customer. With competitive ODM & OEM pricing, we deliver reliable custom led pcb solutions to support your projects from initial design to final production. For more information or inquiries, feel free to contact Best Technology at sales@bestpcbs.com.

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LED PCB: What Are the Different Types of LED PCB?
星期五, 14 2 月, 2025

LED PCB (Light Emitting Diode Printed Circuit Board) is an essential component in modern lighting solutions. This type of PCB integrates LEDs onto a circuit board to power and control them efficiently. In this article, we’ll explore the key aspects of LED PCBs, including how to design them, solder LEDs, and the different types available.

What is PCB in LED?

PCB in LED refers to the printed circuit board that hosts light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The purpose of the PCB is to provide electrical connections for the LEDs and facilitate heat dissipation, which is crucial for maintaining their performance and longevity. LED PCBs can be made from various materials, but aluminum-based PCBs are often preferred due to their excellent heat dissipation properties.

How Do You Add LED to PCB?

Adding an LED to a PCB is a simple process, but it requires attention to detail. First, the LED components are placed on the board in a specific pattern. Then, the LED leads are connected to the copper traces on the PCB using soldering. The PCB design ensures that the correct electrical pathways are established, enabling the LED to light up when powered. The placement of the LEDs on the PCB also plays a crucial role in the overall performance, affecting light distribution and heat management.

How Do You Solder LED with PCB?

Soldering LEDs onto a PCB involves several key steps. Begin by preparing the PCB, ensuring the copper pads are clean and ready for soldering. Next, position the LED onto the PCB in the correct orientation. Using a soldering iron, heat the pad and the LED lead, applying solder to form a secure electrical connection. It’s important to avoid overheating the LED, as excessive heat can damage the component. For high-density PCBs, such as SMD (Surface-Mounted Device) LED PCBs, using a reflow oven or wave soldering can improve precision and efficiency.

How to Build an LED PCB Board Step by Step?

Building an LED PCB board involves several steps:

Design the PCB Layout: Use PCB design software to create the layout. Include positions for the LEDs and traces for electrical connections.

Choose the Right Material: Select materials based on heat dissipation needs. For higher power LEDs, consider using aluminum PCBs.

Etch the PCB: After printing the design onto a copper-clad board, use an etching process to remove excess copper, leaving behind the circuit traces.

Apply Solder Paste: For SMD LED boards, apply solder paste to the pads where the LEDs will be placed.

Place the LEDs: Position the LEDs on the pads using a pick-and-place machine or manually, depending on the complexity of the design.

Solder the LEDs: Use a soldering iron or reflow oven to attach the LEDs securely to the board.

Testing: Finally, test the board to ensure proper function. This includes verifying electrical connections and light output.

How Much Amperage Can LED PCB Handle?

The amount of amperage an LED PCB can handle depends on several factors, including the type of LED, the design of the PCB, and the materials used. A standard LED typically operates at around 20mA, but high-power LEDs may require more amperage. To ensure safety and optimal performance, it’s crucial to design the PCB to accommodate the required current, using larger traces or heat dissipation features when necessary. For example, a typical 12V LED PCB board may handle around 1 to 2A, depending on the number of LEDs and their power requirements.

What Materials Make Up a Flexible LED PCB (Flex Circuit)?

Flexible LED PCBs, often referred to as flex circuits, are made from a combination of flexible base materials like polyimide or polyester film, which allow them to bend and conform to various shapes. The base material is coated with a thin layer of copper, which forms the electrical pathways for the LEDs. To ensure durability, the PCB may also include protective layers such as solder mask and a topcoat. The flexibility of these boards makes them ideal for applications that require curved or compact installations, such as in wearable devices or automotive lighting.

What Are the Different Types of LED PCB?

Firstly, Classification Based On Substrate Material

A. FR4 Standard PCB

Characteristics: Low cost, mature technology, but poor heat dissipation.

Applications: Low-power LEDs (e.g., indicator lights, decorative light strips).

B. Metal-Based PCB (MCPCB)

Characteristics: Uses a metal layer (usually 1-3mm thick) for rapid heat transfer, preventing LED light degradation.

Applications: High-power LEDs (e.g., automotive headlights, industrial lighting, stage lighting).

C. Ceramic PCB

Characteristics: Ultra-high thermal conductivity, heat resistance, good insulation, but very high cost.

Applications: UV LEDs, laser diodes, aerospace lighting.

D. Flexible PCB

Characteristics: Flexible, thin, suitable for non-flat installations.

Applications: Curved screen backlighting, wearable devices (e.g., smart wristbands), automotive interior ambient lighting.

Secondly, Classification Based On Packaging Technology

A. SMD (Surface-Mount Device) LED PCB

Characteristics: Compact, suitable for automated production, supports high-density layouts.

Applications: LED TV backlighting, advertising displays, general lighting modules.

B. COB (Chip-on-Board) LED PCB

Characteristics: High luminous efficiency, no glare, low thermal resistance.

Applications: Photography light, surgical shadowless lights, high-lumen street lights.

C. HDI (High-Density Interconnect) PCB

Characteristics: Uses micro-holes and blind/buried vias for fine circuit traces, supporting complex circuit designs.

Applications: Mini/Micro LED display driver boards, ultra-thin lighting modules.

What Is the Difference Between White and Black PCB LED Strips?

When it comes to LED PCB strips, the color of the PCB itself can affect both aesthetics and performance. White PCBs are the most common, offering a clean, neutral look that works well with most environments. They also reflect light better, improving the brightness and efficiency of the LEDs. On the other hand, black PCB LED strips are often chosen for their sleek, modern appearance. The black surface absorbs more light, which can reduce the reflection of stray light, creating a more focused illumination. Additionally, black PCBs tend to provide better thermal management due to their heat-absorbing properties.

In summary, LED PCBs are integral to modern lighting technology, offering a wide range of possibilities for various applications. From designing your own 12V LED PCB to understanding the differences between aluminum and flexible types, there’s a lot to learn about this versatile component. Whether you need a custom LED PCB or are interested in SMD LED PCBs, the technology behind them continues to evolve, making it easier to integrate LEDs into a multitude of devices.

At Best Technology, we specialize in providing high-quality LED PCBs tailored to your specific needs. Our experienced team ensures that every product meets the highest standards, delivering efficient, long-lasting solutions. For details or inquiries, feel free to contact us at sales@bestpcbs.com.

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