LED Drivers Differ From Standard Power-supplies

You will need a constant current LED driver to regulate current between your power supply and high-power LED. The LED driver will convert your power supply to constant current with a varying voltage suitable for LED lights, while not allowing the current to exceed the maximum current rating of the LED. This will protect your LED and make sure it is getting the power it needs. Our large driver selection contains constant current drivers with a wide range of outputs as well as drivers and components for dimming and non-dimming applications.

Using an LED driver is crucial in preventing damage to your LED(s). The forward voltage of LEDs change with their temperature; as temperature increases, forward voltage decreases, causing the LED to draw more current. The diode will continue to get hotter and draw more current until it burns itself out, this process is called 'Thermal Runaway'. Using a constant current LED driver prevents thermal runaway by compensating for the changes in forward voltage while regulating and delivering a constant current to the LED(s).

LED drivers differ from standard power-supplies by delivering a fixed current instead of a fixed voltage. The output voltage from a constant current LED driver will vary as required to maintain the desired output current. The forward voltage drop of LED junctions change with temperature, making a constant current driver necessary. Without a constant current source the risk of thermal runaway and total failure is likely.

The most efficient way to power an LED driver is with a low voltage direct current (DC) source. A switching power-supply (desktop) or a battery source are ideal, however if your application doesn't allow, the market also offer Off-Line constant current LED drivers.