LED Modules: Types, Technical Parameters and Backlighting Applications

What are LED modules

LED modules are self-contained light sources consisting of one or more LEDs mounted on a PCB (printed circuit board). Each module contains an LED chip, a current-limiting resistor and, optionally, a lens to direct the light beam. Modules are connected in chains via power cables and mounted using 3M self-adhesive tape.

Unlike LED strips, modules are point sources: each module emits light independently. This makes them the optimal solution for backlighting large surfaces (stretch ceilings, light boxes) and three-dimensional objects (built-up letters, signs), where a linear strip cannot provide even light distribution.

LED module types from 2K-Trade

The 2K-Trade LED modules catalogue includes six series differing in power, voltage, beam angle and light colour. The parameters below come from the product pages.

MINI lens modules

MINI LED modules are the smallest in the range, designed for backlighting thin light boxes, display cabinets and small surfaces. Parameters:

• Power / voltage: 1.0 W / 24 V DC
• Beam angle: 175 degrees (diffusing lens)
• Light colour: 3000 K, 4000 K, 5000 K, 6500 K
• Minimum distance to the membrane: 60 mm
• Application: thin light boxes, display cabinets, small built-up letters

HIGH EFFICIENCY modules

HIGH EFFICIENCY LED modules deliver high luminous flux at low energy consumption and are the standard choice for light-box stretch ceilings:

• Power / voltage: 1.5 W / 24 V DC
• Beam angle: 170 degrees
• Efficacy: approx. 150 lm/W (per product page)
• Light colour: 4000 K, 6500 K
• Minimum distance to the membrane: 100 mm; IP65 housing
• Application: light-box stretch ceilings, large light boxes, also outdoors

This module has its own article on the use of HIGH EFFICIENCY modules in stretch ceilings.

POWER modules

POWER LED modules are the highest-output series, designed for backlighting large surfaces from a greater distance:

• Power / voltage: 5.0 W / 12 V DC
• Beam angle: 170 degrees
• Light colour: 4000 K, 6500 K
• Minimum distance to the membrane: 200 mm
• Application: stretch ceilings with a deep light box, backlit facades, pylon signs

UNI CCT modules

UNI CCT LED modules offer tuneable colour temperature in the 3000-6500 K range via a CCT controller. Each module contains two LED types (warm and cool), enabling smooth colour temperature transitions:

• Power / voltage: 0.72 W / 12 V DC
• CCT range: 3000-6500 K
• Beam angle: 170 degrees
• Minimum distance to the membrane: 100 mm
• Application: stretch ceilings in mood-lit rooms, hotel receptions, restaurants

RGB and RGBW modules

RGB LENS and RGBW CHIP modules produce full-spectrum colour light. RGBW modules include an additional white LED (6000 K), enabling colour mixing with white light:

• Power / voltage: RGB LENS 0.72 W / 12 V DC, RGBW CHIP 0.96 W / 12 V DC
• Beam angle: RGB LENS 170 degrees, RGBW CHIP 140 degrees
• Minimum distance to the membrane: RGB LENS 80 mm, RGBW CHIP 100 mm
• Control: RGB or RGBW controller with remote, Wi-Fi or Zigbee
• Application: decorative stretch ceilings, backlit wall panels, event staging

LED module series comparison

The product pages of all six series state a 5-year warranty.

Applications

Stretch ceiling backlighting

LED modules are the primary light source for light-box stretch ceilings. They are mounted on the ceiling slab in an even grid and the light passes through a translucent membrane. Wide-angle lens modules ensure even light distribution across the entire ceiling surface and eliminate visible hot spots, provided the minimum distance to the membrane stated on the product page is kept.

For ceilings with a typical light-box depth use HIGH EFFICIENCY modules (minimum distance 100 mm). For a greater membrane-to-slab distance POWER modules can be used (minimum distance 200 mm), and in shallow builds MINI modules (60 mm). Printed backlit ceilings are covered in our article on 3D stretch ceilings.

Light boxes and signage

LED modules are the industry standard for backlighting light boxes, signs and built-up letters. Wide-angle lenses enable even backlighting even at a shallow box depth. Modules in an IP65 housing (e.g. HIGH EFFICIENCY) can be used for outdoor installations.

Furniture and architectural backlighting

LED modules are used for backlighting furniture recesses, curved installations and architectural elements where LED strips cannot deliver an even result. Point-source mounting allows the light distribution to be matched to the shape of the backlit object.

Installation guidelines

Correct LED module installation requires the following rules:

• Module spacing – the distance between modules depends on the lens beam angle and the light-box depth; there is no universal number of modules per square metre. For orientation: the HIGH EFFICIENCY product page gives a spacing of 10-20 cm between modules at a distance of 10 cm from the membrane.
• Mounting surface – modules are mounted on a flat, clean surface using 3M self-adhesive tape (HIGH EFFICIENCY also with screws). The surface must be degreased.
• Power supply – modules operate on 12 V or 24 V DC according to the product page; the two voltages must not be mixed in one circuit. Calculate supply wattage: (number of modules) x (module power) x 1.2 (20% headroom).
• Maximum chain length – the number of modules in one chain is stated by the manufacturer for each series. Exceeding it causes a brightness drop at the end of the chain; on large ceilings 24 V gives a smaller voltage drop than 12 V.
• Connections – modules are wired as a parallel chain via power cables. Soldered or crimped joints must be insulated with heat-shrink tubing.

LED modules vs LED strips: when to use which

In many projects modules and strips are used together: modules on the ceiling plane (light-box backlighting) and strips in LED profiles around the room perimeter (light line).

System components for LED modules

A complete LED module backlighting system consists of:

• LED modules – appropriate series and quantity.
• 12 V or 24 V DC LED power supply – voltage as on the module product page, wattage matched to the total module load + 20% headroom.
• Controller – required for CCT, RGB and RGBW modules. MONO controllers enable dimming of single-colour modules.
• Remote or wall panel – for adjusting brightness, colour or colour temperature.

Frequently asked questions

How many LED modules per square metre for a stretch ceiling?

There is no universal number: the grid density depends on the light-box depth, the lens beam angle and the brightness of the graphic, and the installer sets it for the project. The starting point is the minimum distance to the membrane from the module product page; the HIGH EFFICIENCY page gives a spacing of 10-20 cm at a distance of 10 cm from the membrane. The shallower the box, the denser the modules.

Can LED modules be dimmed?

Yes, 12 V and 24 V DC LED modules can be dimmed using PWM controllers. MONO controllers adjust the brightness of single-colour modules, CCT controllers tune the colour temperature of UNI CCT modules, and RGB/RGBW controllers manage the colour of colour modules.

How durable are LED modules?

The product pages of all module series in the 2K-Trade catalogue state a 5-year warranty. Durability in practice depends on heat dissipation: mounting on a metal surface (e.g. sheet metal) and keeping headroom in the power supply extend the life of the LEDs.

Are LED modules suitable for outdoor use?

Modules in an IP65 or higher housing are moisture-resistant and can be used outdoors; in the 2K-Trade catalogue this is the HIGH EFFICIENCY module. For indoor applications (stretch ceilings, light boxes in dry rooms) IP20 modules are sufficient. Check the IP rating on the product page of each series.

How to size a power supply for LED modules?

Calculate: (number of modules) x (module wattage) x 1.2. Example: 200 HIGH EFFICIENCY modules x 1.5 W x 1.2 = 360 W. Choose a supply rated at least 400 W with 24 V DC output. 2K-Trade stocks Mean Well power supplies from 35 W to 400 W; series selection is explained in our LED power supply guide.

2K-Trade LED module range

The complete LED modules catalogue includes six product series in various power, light colour and IP rating options. B2B orders are fulfilled from the Lodz warehouse; we ship worldwide (Poland 1-3 working days, Europe 2-9 working days) and customers talk to an account manager in their own language through our messenger. Contact us for a project quote.

Author: MB 2K-Trade