Can I use LEDs without PCB?

I recently purchased LEDs on ebay that were supposed to come attached to star PCB (as a heat sink). The items I received are just the LEDs (no PCB). They are listed as 3W LEDs, with a forward voltage of 3.0-3.4V, and current at 700mA.Will I damage/destroy the LEDs if I use them without a heat sink? If not, what is the best way to mount these to preserve their life during operation?

November 13, 2023

If you received actual 3W LEDs and were to run them at 3.5V, 700 mA without a heatsink, then yes, you will sooner-rather-than-later kill them.

You have three options.

Run them at a lower voltage/current.
Heat sink them, perhaps improvised out of some aluminum bar stock and metal epoxy (Home Depot)
Buy star PCB heat sinks and assemble them yourself.

#PCB Assembly

Oliver Smith

Oliver is an experienced electronics engineer skilled in PCB design, analog circuits, embedded systems, and prototyping. His deep knowledge spans schematic capture, firmware coding, simulation, layout, testing, and troubleshooting. Oliver excels at taking projects from concept to mass production using his electrical design talents and mechanical aptitude.

Oliver Smith

What Others Are Asking

Is there any problems if I change 0805 too 0402 surface mount or smaller?

In order to reduce the size of a PCB, I will probably have to use smaller SM components. I currently use mostly 0805 passives, and am thinking about going to 0402 or smaller. Apart from power dissipation considerations, any pitfalls I should be aware of when making the transition?

Oliver Smith December 12, 2023

Is aluminium foil a good substitute for kapon tape when soldering?

I want to desolder a tiny surface mount button from the motherboard of a phone. There are a lot of similarly tiny components surrounding it that I do not want to damage with heat from the soldering iron. Can I use aluminium foil in lieu of kapton tape to protect these components?

Oliver Smith December 5, 2023

What equipment is used by professional PCB manufacturers?

This month we plan to find a proper suppliers to produce PCB for our new products, a healthcare watch. One of our supplier assessment items is about production equipment, which I know few about them. Can you share some common equipment which professional factory may use?

Oliver Smith September 19, 2023

Can I use LEDs without PCB?

Oliver Smith

Oliver Smith

What Others Are Asking

Is there any problems if I change 0805 too 0402 surface mount or smaller?

Is aluminium foil a good substitute for kapon tape when soldering?

What equipment is used by professional PCB manufacturers?

Read Detailed Advice From Blog Articles