Detailed Tutorial Teaches You How to Choose The Right LED Driver
Detailed Tutorial Teaches You How to Choose The Right LED Driver
An LED driver is a device that regulates and delivers the optimal current and voltage to LED lights. All LED lights require a driver. Without a driver, the main power supply will be too strong and could damage our LED lamps. When choosing an LED driver, it's important to consider multiple factors and combine different usage scenarios to select a suitable driver. This article will assist you in choosing a suitable LED driver from various perspectives.
1. Determine LED Driver Type
Constant current LED driver
Single LED: A single LED requires constant current to ensure stable brightness.
Series-connected LED lamps: Series-connected LED lamps require the same current on each LED. Using a constant current driver can ensure consistent brightness of series-connected LEDs.
*Provides stable current output, while voltage changes according to load. Suitable for LED lamps that require precise current control to ensure constant current for each LED to achieve consistent brightness and lifespan. Typically used in single LEDs, series LED fixtures, high-power LED, LED backlighting and RGB LED lighting.
Advantage:
Brightness consistency: The brightness of each LED can be consistent.
Long life: Reduce current fluctuations and extend the life of the LED.
High reliability: Stable current output, reducing LED damage caused by excessive current
Constant voltage LED driver
Parallel configuration: Multiple LEDs are connected in parallel, and each LED or LED module has independent current control (such as resistor, current ).
*Lamp strips and modules usually require a constant voltage, such as 12V or 24V, which is controlled by a current-limiting resistor or circuit inside the strip.
*Provides stable voltage output, while the current will vary according to the load. Suitable for LED lamps that require stable voltage, usually used in parallel LED configurations. Usually used in LED light strips, LED modules, low-voltage landscape lighting, home and commercial decorative lighting.
Advantage:
Simple wiring: Parallel configuration simplifies wiring and facilitates expansion and maintenance.
Lower cost: Suitable for large-scale, low-cost LED lighting applications.
High flexibility: Easy to expand and adjust the number of LEDs.
Choose IP Rate according to the application environment
IP20: Dry indoor environment.
IP44: Humid indoor environments (such as kitchens, and bathrooms).
IP54/IP65: Sheltered outdoor environment.
IP66/IP67: Unshielded outdoor environment.
IP68: Extreme outdoor environments and long-term water immersion.
IP65/IP66: Industrial environment.
IP66/IP68: Humid or corrosive environments.
2. Calculate The Power of LED Lamps
Step 1: Determine the basic parameters of LED lamps
LED quantity: Determine the number of LED strips used in the lamp.
LED current: The operating current of each LED strip is mA.
LED voltage: The working voltage V of each LED strip.
Step 2: Calculate Total Power
Tandem configuration
If the LED fixtures are configured in a series connection, the total voltage is the sum of the individual LED voltages, and the total current is equal to the current of a single LED.
Total Voltage (V Total) = Voltage per LED ( V ) × Number of LEDs
Total Current ( I Total ) = Current per LED ( I )
Parallel configuration
If the LED fixtures are configured in parallel connection, the total current is the sum of the individual LED currents, and the total voltage is equal to the voltage of a single LED.
Total voltage ( V Total ) = LED Voltage
Total current ( I Total) = LED Current × Number of LEDs
Calculate total power
Total power ( P Total ) = ( VTotal ) × ( I Total )
Step 3: Consider the power headroom of the drive
To ensure drive reliability and longevity, it is common to select a drive with 20% to 30% more power than the calculated total power. This practice prevents the drive from running at full capacity for long periods.
Recommended drive power = Total power ( P Total )× 1.2 or Total power( P Total ) × 1.3
Constant current driver:
Suitable for series LED lamps.
The output current of the driver should be selected to match the total current of the LED fixture.
The output voltage range of the driver should be selected to cover the total voltage of the LED lamp.
Constant voltage driver:
Suitable for parallel LED lamps.
The output voltage of the selected driver should match the total voltage of the LED fixture.
The output current of the selected driver should be ≥ the total current of the LED lamp.
3. Several Factors That Determine The Size of the LED Driver
Installation environment and form:
Flush installation: A compact, flat design is required to fit into the flush space.
Surface mounting: allows more design freedom and can be relatively large.
Outdoor installation: requires a strong housing and protective design, and the size will increase accordingly
Power, current capacity, and heat dissipation requirements:
High-power drivers: require larger circuit boards, larger heat sinks, and higher component ratings, so the LED driver will be larger.
Low-power drivers: Circuit boards and components can be smaller, heat dissipation needs are lower, simple heat dissipation designs may be required, and drivers can be more compact.
Power supply type
Constant current driver: Usually requires more complex circuit design to ensure constant current, and may require more components.
Constant voltage driver: The circuit design is relatively simple, requires fewer components and the overall size may be smaller.
Input and output voltage range
Wide input voltage range: requires more complex power management circuitry, which may increase the size of the driver.
Fixed input voltage: The circuit design can be simpler and the size can be smaller.
Functional requirements impact
Dimming function: requires additional circuits and control chips, increasing the size of the driver.
Intelligent control (such as wireless control): It is necessary to integrate wireless communication modules, antennas, etc., which increases the size of the driver.
Manufacturer design and technology
Highly integrated design: By using highly integrated chips and components, the circuit board area and driver size can be reduced.
Traditional design: using discrete components, which may require larger circuit boards and larger driver sizes.
Common drive shapes on the market
Rectangular LED driver
Linear LED drive
Round LED drive
Ultra-thin LED drive
Compact LED drive
Junction Box LED driver
4. Select the LED Driver According to The Required Functions
Determine whether dimming is needed
Application scenarios:
Home lighting: Dimming can increase comfort and adapt to different usage scenarios (such as reading, entertainment, rest, etc.).
Commercial lighting: Dimming can save energy and create different atmospheres (such as restaurants, conference rooms, showrooms, etc.).
Outdoor lighting: In some cases, it may be necessary to adjust the brightness (such as landscape lighting, billboard lighting, etc.).
User needs:
Adjustable brightness: Users hope to be able to adjust the brightness of lamps as needed.
Fixed brightness: Users only need the lamp to maintain constant brightness without a dimming function.
Dimming functions:
0-10V Dimming: Adjust brightness through 0-10V signal, suitable for commercial and industrial lighting.
PWM Dimming: Adjusts the brightness through pulse width modulation signal, often used in LED light strips and other LED lighting.
Triac Dimming: Compatible with traditional dimmable switches, suitable for home lighting.
DALI Dimming: Digital addressable lighting interface, suitable for intelligent lighting systems and complex commercial lighting.
DMX Dimming: Use DMX512 protocol to control LED brightness through digital signals, often used for stage and theater lighting
Potentiometer Dimming: Refers to a method of controlling the brightness of a light source using a potentiometer, which is a type of variable resistor.
Wireless Dimming: Control dimming through wireless protocols such as Zigbee, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, etc., suitable for smart homes and modern offices.
Driver Compatibility:
Lamp compatibility: Ensure the driver is compatible with the LED lamps, including voltage, current and dimming signals.
Dimming controller compatibility: Ensure the driver is compatible with existing dimming control systems.
Dimming performance:
Dimming range: Choose a driver with a wide and smooth dimming effect.
No flicker: Ensure that there is no obvious flicker during the dimming process to protect eye health.
Color temperature adjustment:
Adjustable color temperature driver: Able to adjust the color temperature of LED lamps from warm to cool white light.
Dynamic adjustment:
Scene mode: Preset different lighting scenes, such as working mode, reading mode, rest mode, etc.
Sunrise and sunset simulation: simulate the sunrise and sunset process, and adjust the brightness and color temperature of the light.
Programming function
The programming function of the LED driver goes a step further, allowing users to customize and optimize the lighting control scheme according to specific needs.
Intelligent control:
Integrated control interface: Such as DALI (Digital Address Lighting Interface), DMX (Digital Multiplex Light Signal), Modbus, etc., supporting integration with building automation systems.
Wireless control: Remote control and monitoring are achieved through wireless communication protocols (such as Zigbee, Bluetooth, etc.).
Time scheduling:
Timing adjustment: Set the timing switch and brightness adjustment, such as adjusting the light brightness and color temperature according to the schedule.
Energy efficiency management:
Energy efficiency optimization: Adjust the LED working mode and brightness according to actual usage to save energy and extend the life of the lamp.
Remote management:
Cloud control: Remote monitoring and management are achieved through the cloud platform, which facilitates centralized management and maintenance of multiple devices.
5. LED Driver Voltage Input Range Selection
Ensure the input voltage range supported by the drive matches the site power supply. Generally, the driver will indicate the supported voltage range, such as 90-264V AC, etc.
Voltage standards of various countries
North America (United States, Canada, etc.): 110V-120Vac
Europe (UK, Germany, France, etc.): 220V-240Vac
Asia:
China: 220Vac
Japan: 100Vac
South Korea: 220Vac
Australia and New Zealand: 230V-240Vac
India: 230V-240Vac
*North American mains power 110V civilian power/277V industrial power
Determine the grid voltage standard of the country or region where the LED driver will be installed. For example, if you're in the United States, you'll want to consider 110V-120V AC, while in Europe you'll need 220V-240V AC.
Of course, you can also choose full voltage. Full voltage means it includes both 110/220v. Single voltage means it only includes 110v or 220v.
European full voltage: 100-240V (85-265V)
European single voltage: 180-265V (180-240V 200-240V)
North American single voltage: 90-130V
North American full voltage: 100-277V
6. LED Driver Efficiency Selection
Efficiency (%)=(Input Power/Output Power)×100%
Power efficiency: A measure of how effectively a device converts input electrical energy into output electrical energy, which is directly related to the energy saving and heating performance of the device.
Power efficiency is a consideration that cannot be ignored. As consumer costs are becoming more and more expensive, of course, you can save whatever you can. Efficient LED drivers can not only reduce power waste and power supply costs but also reduce heat generation. Efficient drivers generate less heat. When installation space is limited, choosing a high-efficiency driver is a good choice. High efficiency can effectively extend the life of the driver and LED lamps, which can reduce the replacement and maintenance costs of the lamps.
Power efficiency is the ratio of input power to output power, usually expressed as a percentage. Efficient drivers convert more electrical energy into light energy instead of heat energy. For example, a drive with 90% efficiency means that 90% of the input electrical energy is converted into output power and only 10% is consumed. The efficiencies of LED drivers on the market vary widely, usually between 50% and 100%. Of course, the higher the efficiency, the better. We can choose based on our needs and costs.
7. LED Driver Power Factor Selection
Power Factor (PF) = Actual Power (S)/Total Power (P)
Power Factor: A measure of how effectively a power supply device draws current from the grid, elated to grid load and electricity costs.
The power factor is affected by the nature of the load (such as inductive and capacitive loads) and the power supply design (such as whether a power factor correction circuit is used). Affecting the operating efficiency and transmission losses of the power grid, low power factor will cause the power grid to transmit more useless power and increase the burden on the power system.
When selecting the power factor of an LED driver, the application scenario, regulatory requirements, driver compensation function, and actual usage conditions should be comprehensively considered. Commercial and industrial applications often require higher power factors (usually above 0.9) to meet power company and energy conservation regulations. Household and small application scenarios have relatively low power factor requirements, but choosing a high power factor driver can still improve overall efficiency and reduce electricity bills.
8. Selection of Security Certification Requirements of Various Countries
Different countries and regions have different requirements for the safety certification of LED drivers. These certifications ensure that products comply with local safety standards and regulations, ensuring safe use and reliable performance. However, many people easily ignore the product certification mark when choosing an LED driver, resulting in the fact that the LED driver they buy cannot be used in their own country. The following are the safety certification requirements of some major countries and regions.
North America (United States and Canada)
UL Certification (Underwriters Laboratories):
· Description: Ensure that products comply with U.S. safety standards.
· Identification: Check whether the product has a UL mark and certification number. You can verify the validity of the certification through the UL official website.
cUL Certification:
· Description: Ensure that products comply with Canadian safety standards.
· Identification: Check whether there is cUL mark on the product.
ETL Certification (Intertek):
· Description: Equivalent to UL certification, indicating that the product complies with North American safety standards.
· Identification: Check whether there is an ETL mark on the product, which can be verified through the Intertek official website.
United Kingdom
UKCA Certification(UK Conformity Assessed)
· Description: After Brexit, the UKCA mark is used to indicate conformity with UK regulations.
· Identification: Look for the UKCA mark on the product or packaging.
Germany
VDE Certification(Verband der Elektrotechnik)
· Description: VDE certification indicates compliance with German safety standards for electrical products.
· Identification: Look for the VDE mark on the product or packaging.
China
CCC Certification(China Compulsory Certificate)
· Description: CCC certification is mandatory for many products sold in China, ensuring they meet Chinese safety standards.
· Identification: Look for the CCC mark on the product or packaging.
Japan
PSE Certification (Product Safety of Electrical Appliances and Materials)
· Description: PSE certification ensures that electrical products meet Japanese safety standards.
· Identification: Look for the PSE mark on the product or packaging.
Australia and New Zealand
RCM Certification (Regulatory Compliance Mark)
· Description: The RCM mark indicates compliance with electrical safety and electromagnetic compatibility standards in Australia and New Zealand.
· Identification: Look for the RCM mark on the product or packaging.
South Korea
KC Certification (Korea Certification)
· Description: Ensure that products comply with Korean safety standards.
· Identification: Check whether there is KC mark on the product.
Other regions
Each region may have its specific certification requirements, such as ISI certification in India, INMETRO certification in Brazil, etc.
How to identify certification
Check the product mark: Check whether there is a corresponding certification mark on the product.
Certification documents: Suppliers are required to provide relevant certification documents, such as compliance statements, test reports, etc.
Official website verification: Please confirm the certification's validity by visiting the official website of the certification body. For example, for UL certification, you can check the certification number through the UL official website to confirm whether the product is within the scope of certification.
9. Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) and Electromagnetic Interference (EMI)
Determining the electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) of the LED driver is an important step to ensure that the equipment operates stably in the electromagnetic environment, does not interfere with other equipment, and can resist external interference. Under what circumstances do we need to pay special attention?
Commercial and Industrial Lighting Projects:
Large buildings such as office buildings, shopping malls, and factories: Large-scale LED lighting installations need to ensure that the LED driver will not interfere with surrounding electronic equipment, such as computers, communication equipment, etc.
Medical Facilities:
Medical environments such as hospitals and clinics: LED drivers should have good electromagnetic compatibility to avoid interference with medical equipment and electronic equipment and ensure the safety and stability of the medical environment.
Electronics Manufacturing and Laboratories:
Electronic manufacturers, scientific research institution laboratories: The application of LED drivers in these environments needs to ensure that they will not cause electromagnetic interference to precision instruments and experimental equipment to ensure the accuracy and stability of scientific research and production.
Traffic lights and city lighting:
Public facilities such as traffic intersections and pedestrian crossings: The use of LED drivers in traffic signals and urban lighting should have good electromagnetic compatibility to avoid impact on traffic signal systems and urban facilities, and ensure the normal operation of public safety and services.
The following are methods to help determine electromagnetic compatibility:
Check the certification mark: Confirm whether there are relevant EMC certification marks (such as CE, FCC, CISPR, etc.) on the drive.
Review technical documentation: Review the drive’s technical specifications and test reports to confirm that it complies with relevant EMC standards.
Request a Declaration of Conformity: Request and review a Declaration of Conformity (DoC) from the manufacturer.
Third-party certification: Choose drives certified by reputable third-party certification agencies.
Field testing: Conduct EMC testing in the actual installation environment to ensure the compatibility of the drive.
User feedback: Refer to other users’ reviews and feedback to understand how the drive performs in actual use.
