How does a dimmable led driver work

A parallel configuration is many times used in situations where you want to limit the voltage needed to operate the strings of LEDs. Parallel strings of LEDs can also be configured again, this time into what is known as a matrix. This happens when sets of parallel strings of LEDs are connected to each other in a series. Depending on the type of LED driver you select, their dimming skill can cover the full range.

Dimming is done through the driver by either shortening the amount of leading current going through it, or by a method called pulse width modulation PWM. Most drivers that offer dimming use PWM, which allows dimming without flickering and with usually very little color change in the LEDs.

It is good to note that dimming does not effect an LED's competence, nor does it have a negative impact on how long it lasts. In fact, dimming can potentially help LEDs last longer as it will reduce the amount of temperature it creates when lit. In fact, many times a "white" colored LED lamp is actually not using "white" colored LEDs, but rather different colors that when shown together produce white light.

So with a driver with this capability, you would be able to control the different colors of LEDs in the product to create a full rainbow of different colors depending on which were on and which were turned off. The store will not work correctly in the case when cookies are disabled. Request Call For Price. Request quote. It plays the same role as the older type transformers that you used to see on halogen downlights. Some LED light fittings require a constant voltage LED driver to drive them, others will require a constant current type.

Which one you need is dictated by the design of the LED light fitting itself. Though there are other light fittings that call for other voltages to be used. There is no standard outputs when it comes to constant current dimmable LED drivers.

They can range from anything as low as mA right up to 2. It is often more difficult to match a constant current LED driver to a LED light fitting than a constant voltage type. If you do find you are having difficulty, call us on We will gladly try and help you find a suitable dimable LED driver.

Read on to find out more. As mentioned, LEDs are very efficient — not a lot of power is required to light them up. LEDs actually utilize direct current DC power — operating at a low voltage, 2 to 4 volts — rather than alternating current AC like conventional light bulbs do. Because of this, they need something that converts the AC power that comes out of your power sockets into the DC power that the lights actually run on, and that will, in addition, protect them from any power surges which risk overheating the LED and causing it to malfunction.

This is basically what an LED driver does then: manage the current supplied to the LED light or lights and also act as a protective barrier against power surges and the like.

There are actually two different kinds of LED driver products out there — constant current and constant voltage LED drivers. Both have different purposes and work in different ways. When purchasing a driver with your LED light, make sure you read the product specifications contained on the packaging of each, to ensure the one is compatible with the other, and vice versa.

Constant voltage drivers are used on LED lights that depend on a steady voltage to perform at their best. Many LED lights already have a driver for the current already built into them, so all they really require is a device that maintains a steady voltage. This is what constant voltage drivers do. It is also commonly used in LED products where the LEDs are arranged in strips and lie parallel to the driver — such as LED accent and landscaping lights, backlighting for advertising signage, and HD LED lighting displays — which ensures each one receives an identical voltage from the constant voltage driver.

You can do this by using this formula:. NOTE: It is important to consider the minimum output voltage of off-line drivers when designing your application. For instance, the driver above has a minimum output of 15 volts. So now you should have a pretty good idea on what an LED driver is and on what you need to look for in selecting a driver with a power supply that is sufficient enough for your application.

I know there will still be questions and for that you can contact us here at or sales LEDsupply. We also have this Driver Selector tool that helps calculate what driver would be best by inputting your circuit specs. If your application requires custom size and output, please contact LEDdynamics. Thanks for following along and I hope this post helps all those wondering what LED drivers are all about.

Marketing and technology enthusiast helping pave the way to a more energy efficient society. Living in the beautiful state of Vermont and working for a company like LEDSupply that is helping provide LED products to save on energy is a great place to be in accomplishing this. Always exploring and staying active outdoors while keeping a close eye on different trends and new technologies that could change the world for the better.

Im looking for 30 meters of led strip with dimmable drivers to 24 volt in warm white can you suggest. So do you need a just one continuous piece that is 30 meters long?

They require only about. Thus, I want to drive 50 parallel strings of 10 using a meanwell driver rated at about 40 watts? The little leds would consume 30 watts at 1amp at 30v. It will not be flashing at all but will gradually increase to the continuous forward current and decrease over long periods.

I do want ample protection for longevity of the system so I was thinking to use resistors at each LED for a second line of protection even if I used a driver or not. My main question of course is what is the best way to do this using this system and drivers or just resistors? Another question concerning the Buck Pucks is I have to different forward currents 20mA and 30mA, does this make a difference in which driver I should be looking at? LED Optics Optics control the illumination pattern, either diffusing it or focusing it as your application requires.

Carclo Optics 10mm 20mm LED Accessories LED lighting accessories include seals for coating electronic components, premium adhesives, switches, battery-holders, wire, power connectors, soldering irons and more.