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Every high-power LED needs a constant-current driver. The driver you choose depends on three things: the drive current your LED requires, the voltage of your power source, and whether you need dimming. We carry six driver families across 44 products. This guide helps you pick the right one.
Quick Reference: All Driver Families
| Family | Current Options | Input | Overhead | Dimming | Form Factors | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BuckPuck DC | 350, 500, 700, 1000mA | 5–32V DC | 2.5V | Non, Ext, Int | PCB mount, with leads | Most applications. The default choice. |
| BuckPuck AC | 350, 500, 700, 1000mA | 120VAC | N/A | Non, Ext, Int | PCB mount, with leads | Mains-powered. No separate DC supply needed. |
| PowerPuck | 350, 700, 1000mA | DC | 2.0V | Non only | With leads | Automotive/marine. Lower overhead for 12V systems. |
| BoostPuck | 350mA | DC (low voltage) | N/A | Ext, Int | PCB mount | Battery-powered. Steps voltage up. |
| BuckBlock | 1000, 1400, 2100mA | DC | Varies | Dimmable | With leads | High-power multi-LED arrays. |
| FlexBlock | 350, 500, 700mA | DC | Varies | Dimmable | With leads | Compact alternative to BuckPuck for lower currents. |
| MicroPuck | 350mA | DC | Varies | Non only | With leads | Smallest driver. Space-constrained single-LED builds. |
Step 1: Match the Drive Current
The driver’s output current must match the LED module’s rated current exactly. Check your module’s product listing for the rated drive current (typically 350mA or 700mA).
| Your LED is rated at | Driver options |
|---|---|
| 350mA | BuckPuck, PowerPuck, BoostPuck, FlexBlock, MicroPuck, BuckToot |
| 500mA | BuckPuck, FlexBlock |
| 700mA | BuckPuck, PowerPuck, FlexBlock |
| 1000mA | BuckPuck, PowerPuck, BuckBlock |
| 1400–2100mA | BuckBlock |
Step 2: Match the Input Voltage
DC power source (batteries, DC supply, solar)
DC buck drivers (BuckPuck DC, PowerPuck) step voltage down. Your supply must exceed the total LED Forward Voltage plus the driver’s overhead:
Example: 3 white LEDs in series (Tri-Star), Vf = 3.2V each. BuckPuck needs (3.2 × 3) + 2.5 = 12.1V minimum. PowerPuck needs only 11.6V — that 0.5V difference matters on a 12V battery.
PowerPuck vs BuckPuck for 12V systems: PowerPuck’s lower overhead (2.0V vs 2.5V) gives more margin on voltage-limited sources like car batteries. Choose PowerPuck for automotive, marine, and RV applications.
Low-voltage DC source (batteries below LED Vf)
The BoostPuck steps voltage up. Use it when your source voltage is lower than the LED Forward Voltage — e.g., driving a single white LED (Vf ~3.2V) from two AA batteries (3V). Only available at 350mA.
AC mains power (120V wall outlet)
BuckPuck AC accepts 120VAC directly. No separate power supply needed. Same current options and dimming variants as BuckPuck DC.
Step 3: Choose Dimming
| Option | How it works | Available on |
|---|---|---|
| Non-dimmable | Fixed output. Simplest, cheapest. | All families |
| Externally dimmable | Potentiometer or 0–5V/PWM signal. Best for custom controls. | BuckPuck, BoostPuck, FlexBlock, BuckBlock |
| Internally dimmable | Built-in pot on the driver. Set-and-forget. | BuckPuck, BoostPuck |
PCB Mount vs With Leads
Most BuckPuck and BoostPuck drivers come in both:
- PCB Mount — Bare board with solder pads. For integration into enclosures or custom PCBs.
- With Leads — Pre-attached wires. Easier for standalone builds and prototyping.
PowerPuck, BuckBlock, FlexBlock, and MicroPuck are only available with leads.
Decision Flowchart
- What current? Match to LED rating. This eliminates most families immediately.
- AC or DC input? AC mains → BuckPuck AC. DC source → continue.
- Is source voltage lower than LED Vf? Yes → BoostPuck (350mA only). No → continue.
- Is source voltage tight (e.g., 12V battery)? Yes → PowerPuck (lower overhead). No → BuckPuck DC.
- Need dimming? Choose non/ext/int variant.
- Need high current (>1000mA)? → BuckBlock.
- Need smallest possible driver? → MicroPuck (350mA, non-dimmable only).
All 44 driver products including wiring harnesses. If you are unsure, contact us or request a quote.
