Contents
How do we restrict current through the LED?
A current limiting resistor is a resistor that is used to reduce the current in a circuit. A simple example is a resistor in series with an LED. You would usually want to have a current limiting resistor in series with your LED so that you can control the amount of current through the LED.
How much current can an LED handle?
For standard 5mm diameter LEDs the maximum current is usually 20mA, so 10mA or 15mA are suitable values for many circuits.
How do you limit power dissipated by LEDs?
One simple method to control the current within LED modules is to use a single resistor to limit the forward current. Consider a system typical in an industrial or automotive application. As illustrated below it includes a standard low cost 12 V regulator and a string of two LEDs each with a forward voltage of 2.0 V.
Can LEDs handle very high currents?
High-power LEDs can take currents from 350mA to 3000mA. LEDs vary on their current ratings so be sure to keep track of this when picking an LED and driver.
What is the current limit on a power supply?
Current limiting is the protecting of sensitive device from large currents that can occur during either normal operation or due to faults. The simplest form of a current limiting device is a fuse.
Do LEDs work on AC or DC?
In most applications, LEDs are driven by a DC power supply, but AC offers several significant advantages. Lynk Labs has developed technology that allows LEDs to be driven directly from an AC supply. LEDs are usually considered to be DC devices, operating from a few volts of direct current.
How do I stop LED inrush current?
The basic idea is to use is a few larger drivers rather than lots of small ones, and use the highest DC voltage that your light fittings will allow. Use the AC mains for longer runs and distribute the power as DC in the local area. That will minimise the copper losses on longer runs, and minimise the inrush problem.