{"id":662,"date":"2022-08-23T07:57:29","date_gmt":"2022-08-23T07:57:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ledask.com\/?p=662"},"modified":"2022-09-04T14:33:45","modified_gmt":"2022-09-04T14:33:45","slug":"led-drivers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ledask.com\/led-drivers\/","title":{"rendered":"LED Drivers: The Ultimate Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Are you into energy-saving electronics? If yes, you know LED light bulbs have extraordinary energy-saving abilities and a long life span. But most people don’t know that the LED PCB light bulbs require specific operating devices—called LED drivers. Hence, they resemble the ballasts in low-voltage bulb transformers or fluorescent lamps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Therefore, they are responsible for the electricity that feeds into the LEDs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But LED drivers could be a tricky technology because there are various types. And it’s a bit overwhelming most times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That’s why we’ll discuss LED drivers extensively in this article. Are you interested in finding out more about this topic?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then, stick around a little while.<\/p>\n\n\n

What Is an LED Driver?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n
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\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

LED lighting power supply isolated on white background<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Simple. It’s an electrical component that controls the power of an LED or multiple-layer<\/a> LED PCBs. In short, it’s a vital part of an LED circuit<\/a>. Thus, operating without an LED driver means doom for an LED system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

LED drivers are the ideal go-to if you want your LEDs to last long. How? They help to safeguard LEDs from high-temperature mishaps or high-power faults.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a self-contained power supply with similar features as LEDs, an LED driver helps to prevent thermal runaway. Plus, it makes up for the forward voltage changes while offering a stable current.<\/p>\n\n\n

What Are the Benefits of LED Drivers?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n
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\"Led<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Led lights panel<\/p>\n\n\n\n

LEDs run on a low voltage between 12 – 24 volts for direct current. So, an LED driver will rectify the current even if you’re running on a high voltage between 120 – 277 volts on AC. In short, it helps to step down alternating current to direct current. Or even balance high voltage to low voltage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

LED drivers keep LEDs from current or voltage instabilities. Voltage changes in LEDs could lead to a fluctuation in the current supply. That’s why the output for LED lights is proportional to their collection. And LEDs have a particular rating to operate within a specific range. Hence, too little or too much current will cause the light output to vary or damage quickly because of higher temperatures in the LED.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Overall, the LED drivers have two main benefits:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. It helps to translate AC to DC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. The drivers help maintain the current or voltage flowing through a circuit without going below its rated level.<\/p>\n\n\n

When Does an LED Driver Become Necessary?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n
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\"Lighted<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Lighted diodes on reel LED tape, and voltage converter<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Generally, every LED light source needs<\/a> an LED driver. However, the main question should be; “do I need to buy one separately?” The thing<\/a> is, some LEDs come with an integrated driver in the bulb. Plus, LEDs created for home use often come with LED drivers. And a great example is bulbs with GU24 \/ GU10 or E26 \/ E27 bases—running on 120 volts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But low voltage LEDs like; tape lights, MR-bulbs, outdoor-rated lights, panels, and certain light fixtures, need an LED driver to perform well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, the short answer is that when dealing with low-voltage LEDs, you need LED drivers. But we can’t say the same for household LED bulbs on 120 volts.<\/p>\n\n\n

Types of LED Drivers<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n
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\"A<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

A closeup of the led Strip<\/a> on the plastic spool attached to the current converter<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Every LED driver listed here operates with specific electrical requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n

Constant-Current<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n

This LED driver only needs a range of output voltages and a fixed amount of output current. Constant current entails a specific output current—labeled in milliamps or amps with an array of voltages that vary on LED’s load\/wattage.<\/p>\n\n\n

Constant-Voltage<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n

Constant-voltage LED drivers to involve a fixed output voltage alongside a max output current. Plus, this LED’s current comes with a regulated system powered by an internal constant-current driver or simple resistors—wrapped in the LED module<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also, they only need one stable voltage, usually 12- or 24-volts DC.<\/p>\n\n\n

AC LED Drivers<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n

This type of LED driver technically runs incandescent or low-voltage halogen bulbs<\/a>. But, the AC LED drivers can’t work with conventional transformers because of their inability to detect low voltage. Hence, they have no-minimum load transformers.<\/p>\n\n\n

Dimmable LED Drivers<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n

These LED drivers enable you to dim your LED lights. Plus, it permits the dimming of constant voltage LEDs. And it achieves this by reducing the amount of leading current going to the LED bulb.<\/p>\n\n\n

Applications of LED Drivers<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n
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\"Mounting<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Mounting new technology special led ceiling lamp<\/p>\n\n\n

Automotive LED Drivers<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n
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\"LED<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

You can distinguish your vehicle’s interior and exterior lighting system with quality automotive LED drivers in the various areas:<\/p>\n\n\n\n