Knowledge · LED technology for lightboxes
LED frame modules compared
LED frame modules compared
1.5 W, 2.4 W, 2.8 W or Ultra Edgelit Bar? All four systems illuminate lightboxes from the frame – but not equally far, not equally wide and not at the same price per metre. Here you will find the differences that matter on site, plus a selection matrix for every SMP profile.
Three key figures decide
Three key figures decide
Edge-lit means: the LEDs sit in the edge of the profile – in the frame – and emit light sideways into the box. As a rule, two opposing frame sides are fitted: the light from both sides must meet in the centre of the box and fill the area in between evenly. Whether this works depends on three values that appear in every data sheet but are rarely explained.
Illumination depth
The most important value.
The distance between two opposing frame sides fitted with LEDs that the module can still illuminate evenly – i.e. the box height or width, not half the distance to the centre. If the distance is too large, the centre of the box remains visibly darker than the edge. The value results from the lens, beam angle, power and installation depth of the profile.
Beam angle
Rectangular, e.g. 45° × 15°.
The wide angle spreads the light along the frame so that no hotspots appear between the modules. The narrow angle keeps the beam tight so that it reaches far into the box. Narrower angle = more depth.
Lumens per metre
Luminous flux per LED × modules per metre.
This is the light that goes into the box per metre of frame – and, together with the watts per metre, the basis for sizing the power supply.
Edge-lit principle in cross-section:
The modules sit in two opposite frame sides and emit a narrow beam into the box until both light cones meet in the middle. The throw depth is the entire distance from frame to frame – i.e. the full box height or width between the populated sides. The depth of the profile also determines which module can be used at all.
Beam angles compared (to scale):
The 2.4 W module spreads widest along the frame at 60°, while the 2.8 W module keeps the beam narrowest at 12° – which is why it reaches deepest. The Ultra bar reverses the principle: the cone lens focuses the beam to 7° or 9°, while the LEDs sit close enough together on a 50 mm pitch that 35° along the frame is sufficient.
The four systems at a glance
The four systems at a glance
All systems run on 24 V DC, are dimmable and are designed for SMP edge-lit frame profiles. The difference lies in reach, optics, light colour and IP rating.
Standard
Edge-lit frame module 1.5 W
Edge-lit frame module 1.5 W
- Illumination depthup to 130 cm
- Luminous flux160 – 180 lm · 45° × 15°
- Modules / m12 pcs · 18 W/m
- Light colour6,500 K · IP65
Ideal for:
single-sided lightboxes and illuminated signs in common sizes, slim profiles (Eco 65es, Eco 90es). The most economical module when the illumination depth stays below 130 cm.
Greater reach
Edge-lit module 2.4 W
Edge-lit module 2.4 W
- Lighting depth130 – 200 cm
- Luminous flux240 – 260 lm · 60° × 20°
- Modules / m11 pcs · 26.4 W/m
- Light colour6,500 K · IP65 · down to –40 °C
Ideal for:
single-sided boxes with 130 – 200 cm illumination depth, double-sided boxes in Eco 130bs / 200bs and outdoor installations in cold locations.
Deep boxes · Osram
HP edge-lit module 2.8 W
HP edge-lit module 2.8 W
- Illumination depthup to 300 cm
- Luminous flux260 – 280 lm · 56° × 12°
- Modules / m9 pcs · 25.2 W/m
- Light colour3,000 K or 6,500 K · IP65
Ideal for:
large single- and double-sided boxes from 12 cm depth (Eco 120es, 130es Out, 200bs, Multi Plus). The only edge-lit module in warm white, 5-year warranty.
Large format · Indoor
Ultra Edgelit-Bar 2W / 3W
Ultra Edgelit-Bar 2W / 3W
- Light throw2 – 3 m (2W) · 3 – 5 m (3W)
- Luminous flux240 / 310 lm · Cone 9° or 7° × 35°
- LEDs / m20 pcs · 40 / 60 W/m
- Light colour6,500 K · IP53 (indoor)
Ideal for:
large-area and double-sided lightboxes, fabric tension frames, exhibition stand construction and shop windows – rigid bars in 200 / 480 / 960 mm, box depth 120 – 200 mm.
Illumination depth compared
Illumination depth compared
The graphic shows the range in which each system is used according to the datasheet and the SMP selection matrix. The light part of the bar indicates that a more powerful module also illuminates smaller depths – but there it is rarely the economical choice.
Illumination depth in cm, measured as the distance between the two opposite frame sides fitted with LEDs. For Ultra bars, the datasheet specifies the light throw (2W: 2 – 3 m, 3W: 3 – 5 m). You will find the exact values for each profile in the selection matrix below, and all technical data in the datasheets.
Rule of thumb:
Always fit the LEDs along the longer sides of the box. A 3,000 × 1,000 mm box with LEDs at the top and bottom has a light throw depth of 100 cm – with LEDs on the left and right it would be 300 cm, requiring a significantly more powerful module.
Selection matrix: Which module for which profile?
Selection matrix: Which module for which profile?
Select the profile, read off the light throw depth, fit the module. The matrix takes the depth of each profile into account – which is why the Ultra-Bar is used from 150 cm in shallow profiles such as Eco 90, whereas the 2.8 W module is used in deep profiles such as Eco 120es or Eco 200bs.
1.5 W edge-lit module
2.4 W edge-lit module
2.8 W HP edge-lit module
Ultra 2W-Cone (indoor)
Ultra 3W-Cone (indoor)
Ultra 3W-Cone OUT (Outdoor)
Profile | 30 – 50 cm | 50 – 130 cm | 130 – 150 cm | 150 – 180 cm | 180 – 200 cm | 200 – 300 cm | 300 – 500 cm |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Eco 65es | 1.5 W | – | – | – | – | – | – |
Eco 90es | 1.5 W | 1.5 W | 2.4 W | Ultra 2 W | Ultra 2 W | Ultra 2 W | – |
Eco 90 OUT | 1.5 W | 1.5 W | – | – | – | – | – |
Eco 100es Out | 1.5 W | 1.5 W | 2.4 W | – | – | – | – |
Eco 120es | 1.5 W | 1.5 W | 2.4 W | 2.4 W | 2.8 W | 2.8 W | Ultra 3 W |
Eco 130es OUT | 1.5 W | 1.5 W | 2.4 W | 2.4 W | 2.8 W | 2.8 W | Ultra 3 W OUT |
Eco 60bs | 1.5 W | – | – | – | – | – | – |
Eco 90bs | 1.5 W | Ultra 2 W | Ultra 2 W | – | – | – | – |
Eco 130bs | 1.5 W | 1.5 W | 2.4 W | 2.4 W | Ultra 2 W | Ultra 2 W | – |
Eco 130bs OUT | 1.5 W | 1.5 W | 2.4 W | – | – | – | – |
Eco 200bs | 1.5 W | 1.5 W | 2.4 W | 2.4 W | 2.8 W | 2.8 W | Ultra 3 W |
Multi Plus 120 | 1.5 W | 1.5 W | 2.4 W | 2.4 W | 2.8 W | 2.8 W | Ultra 3 W OUT |
Multi Plus 150 anodised | 1.5 W | 1.5 W | 2.4 W | 2.4 W | 2.8 W | 2.8 W | Ultra 3 W OUT |
Columns = illumination depth in cm, i.e. the distance between the two opposite frame sides fitted with LEDs. “es” = single-sided lightbox, “bs” = double-sided lightbox, “OUT” = outdoor version. Empty fields = not intended for this profile, please consult us. The standard Ultra Bars (2 W / 3 W) are IP53 and for indoor use only – in Eco 130es OUT, Multi Plus 120 and Multi Plus 150 anodised, the outdoor version Ultra 3 W OUT is used from 300 cm.
How to plan the illumination in five steps
How to plan the illumination in five steps
- Define the profile and depth.Single- or double-sided, indoor or outdoor, what depth does the mounting location allow? The depth limits the choice of modules: 2.8 W requires at least 12 cm, the Ultra-Bar 12 – 20 cm.
- Calculate the illumination depth.LEDs on the two longer frame sides: illumination depth = shorter side of the box, i.e. the full distance between the populated frame sides – do not halve it.
- Select the module from the selection matrix.If in doubt between two columns: choose the stronger module – the centre of the box does not forgive insufficient light. Warm white required? Then 2.8 W.
- Size the power supply.Running metres of frame × modules per metre × watts per module, plus at least 20 % reserve. Example: 6 m frame × 12 × 1.5 W = 108 W → 24V/150W power supply.
- Wire in parallel.Each chain is connected directly to the power supply – in a star configuration via distribution points, never with chains connected in series. Maximum 20 modules (1.5 W / 2.4 W) or 15 modules (2.8 W) per chain. Mount modules in rails: contact with the aluminium dissipates heat and extends service life.
Three practical calculation examples
Three practical calculation examples
Shop sign, single-sided
Shop sign, single-sided
- Format
- 3,000 × 1,000 mm
- Profile
- Eco 90es (90 mm)
- LEDs
- top + bottom
- Illumination depth
- 100 cm (box height)
- Frame
- 2 × 3 m = 6 m
1.5 W · 72 modules · 108 W → 24V/150W power supply
Pylon, double-sided
Pylon, double-sided
- Format
- 1,500 × 4,000 mm
- Profile
- Eco 200bs (200 mm)
- LEDs
- left + right
- Light throw depth
- 150 cm (box width)
- Frame
- 2 × 4 m = 8 m
2.4 W · 88 modules · 211 W → 2 × 24V/150W power supply
Large-format textile, indoor
Large-format textile, indoor
- Format
- 5,000 × 2,500 mm
- Depth
- 150 mm
- LEDs
- left + right, 5 × 480 mm each
- Throw depth
- 500 cm (box width)
- Measured value
- 2,048 – 2,680 lux (white fabric)
Ultra 3W-Cone · 10 bars · 300 W
Most common mistake:
Connecting chains in series. The modules at the far end receive less voltage, become visibly dimmer and age faster. Connect each chain individually to the distribution point – always.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Can I mix 1.5 W and 2.4 W modules in one box?
Can I mix 1.5 W and 2.4 W modules in one box?
Not recommended. Different brightness levels and beam angles lead to visible transitions on the illuminated surface. Use one module type per box.
Which module is available in warm white?
Which module is available in warm white?
The 2.8 W HP module is available in 3,000 K. The 1.5 W and 2.4 W modules are available exclusively in 6,500 K; for the Ultra-Bar, other colour temperatures are available on request.
What is suitable for outdoor use?
What is suitable for outdoor use?
All three frame modules (1.5 W, 2.4 W, 2.8 W) are IP65 and suitable for indoor and outdoor use. The standard Ultra Edgelit-Bar is IP53 and is limited to indoor use. For very large outdoor lightboxes in Eco 130es OUT, Multi Plus 120 and Multi Plus 150 anodised, the Ultra 3 W in an outdoor version is available from 300 cm light penetration depth. For frost-prone locations below –25 °C, the 2.4 W and Ultra are specified down to –40 °C.
Is the 1.5 W module sufficient for my box?
Is the 1.5 W module sufficient for my box?
With LEDs on both long sides and a distance between the fitted frame sides of up to 1.3 m (= 130 cm light penetration depth), generally yes – except in the slim Eco 90bs, where it is only suitable up to 50 cm. In Eco 65es, Eco 60bs and Eco 90 OUT, only the 1.5 W module is intended anyway. Beyond that, use 2.4 W; from 2 m light penetration depth, 2.8 W or Ultra.
How many modules do I need?
How many modules do I need?
Running metres of return × modules per metre: 12 (1.5 W), 11 (2.4 W) or 9 (2.8 W). Chains can be cut at every module, and offcuts can be reused. Ultra-Bars are combined in fixed lengths of 200, 480 and 960 mm.
Are all modules dimmable?
Are all modules dimmable?
Yes. The 2.4 W module works with all PWM dimmers, the 2.8 W module via 0–5 V. Ultra-Bars are also dimmable. Dimmer and power supply must be compatible – if in doubt, check with us briefly.
Not sure which module is right?
Not sure which module is right?
Send us the format, profile and installation location – we will calculate the number of modules and the power supply for your project. Delivered unbranded, within 24 h from stock.