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Proper current regulation is crucial for optimal performance and longevity when powering any high-power LED. This article explains why current-regulating drivers are essential and why resistors are not recommended.
Why Resistors Are Not Recommended
- Inability to Respond to Voltage Changes: Resistors cannot adapt to fluctuations in input voltage, leading to significant variations in the current supplied to the LED. This can result in overdriving an LED with excessive current, which can significantly reduce its lifespan or cause immediate failure. This can be particularly problematic with battery power sources, as voltage levels vary considerably during charge/discharge cycles.
- Inefficiency: Resistors regulate current by converting excess energy into heat, requiring high-wattage resistors and additional cooling mechanisms. This will also result in increased power consumption and potential thermal management issues.
Benefits of Current-Regulating Drivers
- Consistent Current Output: Drivers maintain a steady current regardless of input voltage fluctuations.
- Startup Spike Protection: Properly designed drivers will include a soft start function to prevent the LED from being spiked with overvoltage or overcurrents.
- Improved Efficiency: Less energy is wasted as heat compared to resistor-based solutions.
- Enhanced LED Lifespan: Proper current regulation prevents overdriving, extending the LED’s operational life.
- Flexibility: Many drivers offer additional features like dimming or multiple output channels.
Product Guarantee
Important! Our product guarantee is only valid when LEDs are powered using an appropriate LED driver. The use of resistors or other non-approved current regulation methods will void the guarantee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What qualifies as a “high-power” LED?
A: Generally, LEDs requiring more than 100mA of current are considered high-power.
Q: Are there any situations where resistors are acceptable for LED current regulation?
A: Resistors may be suitable for low-power indicator LEDs or temporary testing scenarios. However, for any permanent or high-power application, current-regulating drivers are required.
Q: How do current-regulating drivers work?
A: These drivers use electronic circuits or software to continuously monitor and adjust the current flow, ensuring a constant output regardless of input voltage variations.
Conclusion
To protect your investment and ensure optimal performance of Luxeon LEDs, always use a current-regulating driver specifically designed for high-power LEDs. This approach guarantees consistent performance, improved efficiency, and a longer LED lifespan.
Visit our LED driver product page for more information on our offerings.
