As a supplier of Standard COB Modules, I get this question at least a dozen times a week from clients, engineers, and even other lighting component manufacturers: “Are there any security updates for your standard COB modules?” It’s a fair question. COB (Chip-on-Board) modules are at the heart of most modern LED lighting fixtures—from commercial office panels to residential downlights, streetlights, and even horticultural grow lights. When a component is used in hundreds of thousands of end products, security updates aren’t just a nice-to-have; they’re critical for reliability, compliance, and protecting both our clients’ investments and the end users. Standard COB Modules
Let me start by clarifying what we mean by “security” here, because for Standard COB Modules, security doesn’t work the same way it does for a smartphone or a laptop. Those devices run operating systems that get patched remotely; our COB modules are passive semiconductor components—they don’t have software, user data, or network connectivity on their own. That’s a key distinction most people miss. But “security” for COB modules still covers three core areas that directly impact performance, safety, and compliance: electrical safety standards adherence, component obsolescence mitigation, and protection against counterfeiting or tampering risks.
First, let’s talk about electrical safety updates, because that’s the foundation of what we do. In 2021, the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) released a revised version of IEC 61347, the standard governing power conversion for lighting systems, which includes new requirements for low-voltage components used in compact LED fixtures. A lot of suppliers tried to brush this off as a distant deadline, but we started rolling out updates to our standard COB modules in early 2022 to align with the new rules. The change centered on two things: thermal isolation between the COB die and the substrate, and insulation resistance for modules used in fixtures rated for wet locations.
Before 2021, our standard COB modules used a standard aluminum substrate with a 50 micron insulation layer. The new IEC update required a minimum 100 micron insulation layer for modules rated for IP65 or higher, and we found that even some of our older, widely sold modules didn’t meet that. So we didn’t just add a thicker layer—we also revised the soldering mask on the module edge to prevent micro-cracks during high-temperature reflow, which was a common failure point for modules used in outdoor fixtures. We documented every change, tested 50+ iterations of the new modules, and notified all our existing clients with over 10,000 units in the field to help them transition. That’s the kind of security update that matters for COB modules: it’s not a software patch, it’s a hardware adjustment to keep end products safe.
Next, component obsolescence is a huge security risk that people don’t talk about enough. If your design uses a COB module that’s no longer manufactured, you’re stuck either re-designing the entire fixture or using a third-party replacement that might not match the original’s light output or electrical specs. For Standard COB Modules, obsolescence is a daily risk because semiconductor manufacturers update their die lines every 2-3 years to improve efficiency. When a die manufacturer discontinues a specific LED die, we have to decide: do we just swap it for a similar one, or do we invest in a full security update for our standard COB line?
Two years ago, for example, our primary die supplier discontinued the 3030-series die that we used in our most popular 2700K 12W Standard COB Module, which made up 40% of our annual sales. Instead of just switching to a new die with similar brightness, we worked with our die partner to develop a die that matched the original’s color temperature, CRI (Color Rendering Index) of 90, and thermal performance, and we also updated the module’s solder pads to be compatible with automated assembly equipment that our clients were switching to. We published a full datasheet update, did cross-testing of 100 units against the old design, and offered a 10% trade-in credit for any clients that still had inventory of the old module. That’s a security update too: it ensures our clients don’t get stuck with obsolete components, which would force them to waste time and money reworking their products.
Another big area is counterfeit protection. Over the past five years, we’ve seen a huge rise in counterfeit Standard COB Modules coming out of Asia, especially for low-cost fixtures sold on e-commerce platforms. These counterfeits are made with low-quality die, thin substrates, and no thermal management, which means they can fail in under 10,000 hours instead of the 50,000 hours we promise. For our clients, using a counterfeit COB module doesn’t just lead to product failures—it can damage their brand reputation and even lead to liability claims if a fixture fails and causes a fire.
So we implemented two security updates specifically to combat counterfeiting in 2023. First, we added a unique micro-etched code on every COB module’s substrate that can be scanned with a free mobile app to verify authenticity. The code is too small to be replicated in counterfeits, which usually skip that step to cut costs. Second, we changed our packaging: every box of Standard COB Modules now has a tamper-evident seal with a QR code that links to our official inventory system, so clients can confirm that the modules they’re receiving are from our authorized batch, not a diverted or counterfeit lot. We’ve had clients tell us this has cut their counterfeit-related failures by 90% since the update launched, which is a direct win for product security.
That said, I want to be clear: not all security updates for COB modules are proactive. Sometimes, clients come to us with a specific need that requires a targeted update. Last year, a client that makes emergency lighting fixtures for hospitals approached us because they needed Standard COB Modules that met UL 924 requirements, which mandate that emergency lighting components can withstand high temperatures for extended periods. Our standard modules were tested to UL 1598, but not UL 924, so we worked on an update that added a ceramic substrate instead of aluminum, which can withstand 180°C for 100 hours without failing. We rolled that out as a dedicated variant of our standard COB line, and it’s now one of our fastest-selling products for commercial emergency lighting.
I also get questions about remote updates, and I understand why people ask—we’re all used to updating our phones. But for passive COB modules, remote updates just aren’t feasible, and trying to add that capability would be a bad investment for most of our clients. A Standard COB Module is a low-cost component, usually selling for $1-$5 per unit depending on wattage. Adding connectivity, firmware, and a processor would triple the cost, and for most applications—like a residential downlight or a warehouse bay light—there’s no need for remote control or updates. That doesn’t mean we’re ignoring digital security for the end systems that use our modules, though. We work closely with power supply manufacturers to ensure that our modules’ electrical profiles are compatible with their secure power systems, and we share datasheet details that help them avoid compatibility issues.
One of the biggest mistakes suppliers make with security updates is leaving their existing clients in the dark. A few years ago, a competitor of ours updated their standard COB modules to meet a new RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) directive, but they didn’t notify clients who had already incorporated the old modules into their designs. Those clients had to pull all their products from shelves when the update went into effect, which cost them hundreds of thousands of dollars. That’s why we have a dedicated client update team that sends out a monthly newsletter, and we flag any changes to our standard modules at least six months in advance, with test reports and transition support. We also keep a archived version of every old module’s datasheet available on our website for 10 years, so clients can reference past specs if they need to maintain older products.
Looking ahead, what security updates can we expect for Standard COB Modules in the next two years? The biggest one will be compliance with the new IEC 62717 standard, which covers the photobiological safety of LED products. That means testing modules to ensure they don’t emit harmful blue light, especially for applications like school lighting and hospital operating rooms. We’re already working on prototype modules that meet the new standard, and we plan to roll out the update to our entire standard line by the end of 2024. We’re also investing in a new obsolescence tracking system that will alert clients 18 months before any die or substrate is set to be discontinued, so they can plan transitions without disruption.
At the end of the day, when a client asks about security updates for Standard COB Modules, they’re not just asking if we fixed a bug or added a feature. They’re asking if we’ll protect their investment, keep their end products safe, and help them avoid costly mistakes. For our part, we’ve built our supplier model around making security updates accessible and transparent, not just for new clients but for the thousands of clients who’ve been using our modules for over a decade.
If you’re looking for reliable, up-to-date Standard COB Modules, or if you have specific needs for electrical safety, obsolescence management, or counterfeit protection, feel free to reach out to our team to discuss your project. We’ll work with you to find the right modules and any necessary updates to fit your application.
Non-Standard TFT Displays References
International Electrotechnical Commission. (2021). IEC 61347: Lamp controlgear.
Underwriters Laboratories. (2022). UL 1598: Standard for Luminaires.
International Electrotechnical Commission. (2023). IEC 62717: Photobiological safety of lamps and lamp systems.
LED Professional Components Association. (2023). Counterfeit LED Module Industry Report.
Yueqing Bolong LCD Technology Co., Ltd.
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