• Zhaga plans a new interchangeable-source Book including COB LEDs

    Moving below the typical LED modular light engine level, the consortium will develop a specification for the LED-source component — most prominently the COB LED.
    Dec. 15, 2014
    3 min read
    Zhaga Consortium plans a new interchangeable-light-source Book including COB LEDs

    Moving below the typical LED modular light engine level, the consortium will develop a specification for the LED-source component — most prominently the COB LED.

    The Zhaga Consortium has announced plans to develop a specification — a Book in the organization’s parlance — defining mechanical specifications for LED light sources. The Book will focus primarily on chip-on-board (COB) LED arrays, although realistically other types of products could be designed to the specification. The specification is meant to ensure that solid-state lighting (SSL) product developers have access to interchangeable LED sources in new product development.

    "We consulted many luminaire makers, and received broad support for our plans to standardize this type of LED light source," said Musa Unmehopa, secretary general of the Zhaga Consortium. "These companies asked us to standardize properties such as the mechanical dimensions of the module, the position of electrodes, and the diameter of the light-emitting surface."

    Until now, Zhaga has focused on higher-level, modular light-engine products with or without a driver or what the organization calls electronic control gear (ECG). The consortium first develops the specification and provides it to its members. Subsequently, Zhaga publishes completed Books for use by any company. For example, the consortium publicly published Book 3 for spotlight modules back in late 2012.

    The value proposition of Zhaga is focused on interoperability. The Books allows SSL luminaire makers to choose from multiple modules or sources from multiple manufacturers when the luminaire is based on a Zhaga Book.

    Typically, Zhaga defines the electrical, thermal, mechanical, and optical interfaces to light engines. The COB LED Book will be simpler and focused primarily on the mechanical dimensions for square and rectangular COB LEDs.

    The development is based on input from the COB and SSL sectors. "For Zhaga Books to be successful, they need to reflect the wishes of the market," said Unmehopa. "We welcome any input from COB makers or other companies, who are invited to join Zhaga and contribute to the ongoing discussions."

    For now, the Book will be based on COB LED sources with the following printed-circuit-board (PCB) dimensions: 12×15-, 16×19-, 19×19-, 20×24-, 24×24-, and 28×28-mm. In addition to the outer dimension, the Book will define the size of the light-emitting surface (LES) for the various PCB sizes. Indeed, COB LED makers regularly point out that their LEDs are compatible with the mechanical dimensions defined in light engine books. The COB LED sizes will comply with those defined in existing Books.

    As the Book development process ensues, Zhaga may include other elements. For example, the organization said it could add specifications for the holders commonly used with COB LEDs. The initial spec will include definition of a thermal measurement point on a COB but might yet define how a current- or temperature-sensing functionality is added.

    About the Author

    Maury Wright

    Editor in Chief

    Maury Wright is an electronics engineer turned technology journalist, who has focused specifically on the LED & Lighting industry for the past decade. Wright first wrote for LEDs Magazine as a contractor in 2010, and took over as Editor-in-Chief in 2012. He has broad experience in technology areas ranging from microprocessors to digital media to wireless networks that he gained over 30 years in the trade press. Wright has experience running global editorial operations, such as during his tenure as worldwide editorial director of EDN Magazine, and has been instrumental in launching publication websites going back to the earliest days of the Internet. Wright has won numerous industry awards, including multiple ASBPE national awards for B2B journalism excellence, and has received finalist recognition for LEDs Magazine in the FOLIO Eddie Awards. He received a BS in electrical engineering from Auburn University.

    Voice your opinion!

    To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Buildings, create an account today!

    Sponsored Recommendations

    Sign up for our Newsletter
    Get the latest news and updates.

    Latest from Interiors

    Courtesy of Hendrick and Brian Robbins Photography
    Hendrick’s design for OneDigital’s corporate headquarters in Atlanta uses a sustainable acoustic plaster. The firm installed barrel-vaulted ceilings in the reception area and boardroom and hired an acoustician to advise on the project.
    Here’s how building owners and facilities managers can use eco-conscious ceiling treatments to create spaces that are not only acoustically comfortable but visually appealing....
    May 12, 2025
    Courtesy of Zach Lyons
    Resembling two hands carved from colored pencils, “Drawn Together” reflects community and connection—core values embedded in the TIAA art experience.
    Art does more than make your building look better—it can deliver a real return on investment. Here’s how.
    April 30, 2025

    Sponsored