The device and description of filament lamps
A filament lamp is one of the varieties of LED devices. Outwardly, it resembles an incandescent light bulb. Translated into Russian, "filament" means thread. It can be seen under a transparent flask. At the first stages of production, the products were positioned as an element of decor, and not a full-fledged analogue of diode lamps.
This changed in 2013 when a number of Chinese manufacturers began selling filament lamps with the same lumen output as a 60W incandescent light bulb. A few years later they were improved. The chips used bypassed the SMD2835 and SMD5730 diodes in technical terms.
What are filament lamps
Filament lamps have a transparent bulb, like incandescent bulbs, and a base. But instead of a tungsten filament, LED chips are installed here. The main functional element of the structure is the filament. Outwardly, it looks like a diode strip or a luminous thread.
It has small diodes on it.They are connected in series in a chain with a thin gold wire. The chips are so close together that when the lamp is turned on, the light forms a single line and individual LEDs are not visible. Contacts are soldered along the edges of the strip, voltage is applied through them.
Pros and cons of lamps
Characteristics
To understand whether it is worth buying a filament light bulb, you need to compare its characteristics with analogues in the table below.
Parameters that give advantages to fillament lamps:
- devices are compatible with any fixtures with standard cartridges;
- almost all models have a high light output and work with dimmers;
- on sale there are products with a classic and spherical bulb design.
The marking of the lamps contains the characteristics of the base and the appearance of the filament threads. For example, a model with an “E27” base has a classic design and a diameter of 12 to 27 mm, “A95” is spherical or round, the base diameter is correspondingly larger.
Despite the high price of products, they will help save money due to low energy consumption. Another advantage is that Russian-made devices are not inferior in quality to European, Chinese and American counterparts. The most popular Russian brand is Lisma.
Devices up to 8 W from Lisma can be purchased for about 325 rubles. Products with the same performance abroad will cost $6-7. If there is a desire to purchase a better imported lamp, it is recommended to study the models of the Osram or Paulmann brands. A high-quality light bulb will cost about 650-800 rubles.
For those who like to watch: Overview, advantages and disadvantages of filament LED lamps.
Characteristics:
- power consumption - from 4 to 8 W;
- luminous flux - up to 98 lm;
- light output - 120 lm / W;
- service life - 30,000 hours;
- light temperature - within 2700 K.
Varieties
At the moment, the following options for filament lamps are presented in stores:
- with decorative forms, they are purchased for lamps without a lampshade;
- with a flask in the form of a burning candle;
- classical form;
- in the form of a large ball.
Lamps are dimmable. If necessary, you can find models with narrow plinths. Each of these nuances affects the price.
How the Fillament lamp works
Light bulbs with filament diodes are assembled from the following elements:
- glass flask;
- plinth type E14 or E27;
- driver located in the base;
- glass leg with conductors for powering diodes;
- diode filaments.
The picture shows a lamp from the Rusled brand. The manufacturer's products can be found in stores called "Tomic's light bulb". This is a domestic manufacturer that has gained popularity in the process of import substitution. The device was positioned as a step in the development of domestic lighting.
The production of the Lisma brand mentioned above is located in Saransk. The advertisement says that this is the only production line for the base and lamp glass. But in Russia there is not a single enterprise that produces LEDs for these light bulbs, so some of the components are brought from China.
Driver circuit
Often the driver is produced according to the scheme presented below.
Sometimes a resistor is installed instead of the F1 fuse (low-resistance up to 200 ohms with a power of 1 W). The rectifier bridge is designated as DB1. It works with a reverse voltage of 400-1000 V. E2 and E1 are capacitors. The latter performs the function of powering the microcircuit. The device has a PWM controller, comparators, multiplexers and other elements.
They are necessary to compare the real and rated current and send a signal to the PWM controller that regulates the power switch. It is located in the chip package, not on the board. The scheme also includes:
- R1 - sensor for measuring current in the circuit;
- D1 - diode;
- R2 - resistor to ensure the minimum load;
- E3 is a filter capacitor.
What is used for
Experts predict that in a few years filament lamps will become as popular as LEDs, which are used in everyday life to save energy. But due to a number of advantages, filament diodes have a chance of even greater demand. For example, a transparent bulb, which provides a scattering angle of 300 °.
This type of LED light bulb is often combined with the design of a room where a standard LED device does not fit in appearance due to the white bulb. For example, if you screw filament lamps in the form of burning candles into an electric candlestick, they will look more advantageous.
Rating of filament lamps
Before purchasing filament devices, you should study the rating of the best:
- signature lamp from Paulmann. One of the most expensive models, combining the latest developments in the field of lighting. The owner will have the opportunity to adjust the color and temperature of the glow. All colors are available. The light bulb has other advantages as well;
- LED Fil AGL 1521LM. Model from a German manufacturer. Despite the high price (about 1900 rubles), the lamp is popular because it is reliable and the ability to adjust the glow temperature;
- in the form of an Airdim candle. Used for decorative purposes or as the main source of light. It does not work with conventional switches, you will need a dimmer. Base type - E14;
- FDL lamp. Base - E27. The light bulb has an original form of a spiral, so it is rarely installed in lamps with a lampshade. Often used in restaurants, bars and other establishments;
- device from the Paulmann brand with a red bulb. Popular for its looks. Looks good in interiors with red furniture, walls or ceilings.
Conclusion
Now filament lamps are rarely used as the main light source due to the high price and power limitation to 8 watts. Before purchasing a filament lamp, study the features of domestic use and install it in a lamp only if the network is stable, without drops.
