What is constant current and constant voltage?
Constant voltage luminaires require a steady voltage to be supplied from the driver eg 12 or 24 Volts. For these lights the voltage is fixed by the driver but the current may vary. Constant current luminaires require a constant current to be supplied from the driver eg 350mA or 700mA (milli-amps).
Can constant current LEDs be dimmed?
Although both constant-current and constant-voltage drivers can be made with a dimming feature, not all LEDs are dimmable — and the ones that are capable of dimming must be used with the proper dimming technology (e.g., PWM or CCR).
How does a constant voltage power supply work?
A constant voltage power supply receives standard line voltage (120-277VAC). This is the type of power that is typically output from your wall outlets around the home. Constant Voltage Drivers switch this alternating current voltage (VAC) to a low direct current voltage (VDC).
Can a constant voltage LED strip be used?
Constant voltage LED drivers are often used to power LED strips. There are two common architectures used in the manufacturing of LED strip. Most low cost LED strip is manufactured using a simple constant voltage architecture, as shown in the diagram below.
Which is an example of a constant voltage driver?
Constant Voltage Drivers switch this alternating current voltage (VAC) to a low direct current voltage (VDC). The driver will always maintain a constant voltage no matter what kind of current load is put on it. An example of a constant voltage power supply is below in the Mean Well LPV-60-12.
How does a constant current LED driver work?
There are often spikes in the incoming AC power supply at your wall socket. If the incoming AC supply does vary, a constant current LED driver allows the voltage to ‘float’ in order to maintain a constant current output. Constant voltage LED drivers do the opposite. They allow the current to ‘float’ in order to maintain a constant voltage.