LED Modules – Understanding the right LED module for the right LED sign installation

At Power Supplies Australia, we stock primarily two distinct LED module groups: edge-lit (also known as side-lit) and back-lit LED modules. As the name suggests, these LED module types serve specific lighting purposes, with bodies and lenses designed for those tasks.

Back-lit LED Modules

Back-lit LED modules are intended for back-lit lighting applications, or are applied to the back of an installation to illuminate toward the front.

Among our range at PSA, we offer linear single-, double-, triple-, and quadruple-LED modules, as well as square quad LED modules. Each of these modules features 3M adhesive strips for initial mounting and positioning; however, they will require screws or neutral glass cement for permanent fixtures.

Image

Back-let LED Module Lens Types

Back-lit LED modules typically use an optic lens that spreads light broadly, often with specially designed lenses such as the diamond back lens, also known as a batwing lens. As shown in the image below, light from the LED passes through the lens and produces a batwing spread, as simulated from a top-down view on the right.

Image

Back-lit LED Module Applications include:

• Channel Letter signage
• Intricate Font Channel Letters, such as serif and script fonts.
• Lightbox signage (shallow to deep)
• Sky Signs
• Pylon Signs
• Large Area Backlighting & luminous textile sheets.

Image

Other Backlit modules:

Users who need to expand their options for backlit applications and are constrained by internal dimensions or non-traditional geometric shapes may consider using flexible LED modules. This range can be more akin to an LED sheet.

<show image of flexible/cuttable LED modules>

Space to Depth Ratio

Space-to-depth ratio refers to the amount of space between modules relative to the depth of the LED module to the intended surface. This general ruling is intended to ensure the lighting application provides uniform light distribution within the channel, reducing instances of ‘hot spots’ where concentrated light is visible.

Typically, for LED modules with a beam angle ranging from 160° to 175°, an SD ratio of 2:1 is used.

This effectively means that for a channel depth of 50mm, each LED module must be roughly 100mm apart inside the channel.

Other factors that may change this rule include the lumens per watt and the intended façade onto which back-lit modules are projecting, such as an acrylic face panel or a fabric sheet.

Each of PSA’s backlit modules features a beam angle and a suggested Space-to-Depth ratio on its data sheet.

Edge-Lit Modules

Edge-lit LED modules, also known as side-lit modules, are designed for lighting the perimeter of LED signage applications. These can be particularly useful in lightbox signage, particularly when more sleek or slim design lightboxes are used, as they are designed for narrow profiles and extruders.

At PSA, our edge-lit modules are available in single- and triple-edge configurations.

Image

Edge-lit LED Module Lens Types

Edge-lit LED modules will typically use an asymmetric or elliptical lens, providing a 10 x 40° beam angle. Back-lit modules illuminate fixtures through the channel, while edge-lit modules illuminate from the perimeter of the sign, enabling the sign to ‘pop’ in the viewer's eyes.

Image

Edge-lit LED Module Applications:

• Shallow/Narrow Lightbox
• Double-Sided Lightbox
• External Perimeter of Channel Lighting
• Wall Wash

Image

Selecting the right LED modules can be paramount for achieving an aesthetically pleasing LED sign that remains efficient and reliable. If you have any questions in finding the right LED module for your upcoming project, the PSA team is here to help! 

Send any questions to our team here or call us on 1800 632 693