LED Drivers

The LED Driver is a self-contained power supply which has outputs that are matched to the electrical characteristics of the LED(s). This helps avoid thermal runaway as the constant current LED driver compensates for the changes in the forward voltage while delivering a constant current to the LED. LED Drivers Explained As we transition from older and less efficient Fluorescent and HID lighting systems, it becomes more important to understand some basic technology that relates to LED Drivers. Much in the same way that a fluorescent or HID ballast is the control gear for their respective systems, the right choice in LED Drivers is critical to not only the performance of an LED light source, but also the life of said source - whether it is just a single LED Diode, or multiple diodes, like in the form of strips or arrays that we typically see in high wattage LED Highbays and Area luminaires. In order to ensure proper performance and life, when either designing an LED luminaire or repairing an existing one where the Driver has failed, we must understand the differences between Constant Current and Constant Voltage Drivers. Further to this, it may also be a requirement to determine whether the fixture in question is dimmable and what type of dimmability option is required from the LED Driver – Triac, O-10V Continuous Dimming, 1-10V, PWM, DALI, for examples. You may also need to provide an LED Driver that meets certain Ingress protection levels – IP65, IP66, IP67.

Questions to be answered in making the right choice:

• Do I need a Constant Current or Constant Voltage LED Driver?
• Is the luminaire in question to be dimmed? What type of dimming will it use?
• Are there shape and wiring requirements for the Driver?
• What is the maximum wattage load (power/wattage) of the luminaire?
The LED Driver wattage load must match or be slightly higher than the luminaire wattage.

NEED HELP? HOW TO FIND THE RIGHT LED DRIVER?