As we all know, LEDs are becoming increasingly popular as a light source for various applications. However, one of the challenges in using LEDs is that they require a specific voltage and current to function properly. This is where LED drivers come in.
There are two main types of LED drivers: constant current LED drivers and constant voltage LED drivers. So, what's the difference between the two?
Well,the following is a detailed comparison about Constant Current Led Driver vs Constant Voltage Driver made especially for you by Kegu Power.
LEDs are semiconductor devices that emit light when an electric current is applied to them. LED drivers are electronic circuits that supply power to LEDs.
LEDs have many advantages over traditional incandescent light bulbs, including lower energy consumption, longer lifespan, and improved durability. LED drivers are designed to work with specific types of LEDs and provide the correct amount of power to ensure optimal performance.
constant current triac dimmable LED Driver
Constant current Led drivers - These drivers have a fixed current output, depending on the current required by the LED. The voltage output is variable. The voltage will vary with the number of LEDs used. It is necessary to ensure that the actual voltage is within the rated voltage range.
The constant current Led drivers are usually used in high power LEDs and high-grade low power products. If you consider from the life of the words, constant current LED driver is better.
Constant current LED drivers are also commonly used in LED luminaires manufactured using the direct driving method. This is where the current output of the LED driver directly powers the LED circuit.
The direct driving method has a low level of complexity and a high level of efficiency. It is a low-cost architecture, but it is prone to current imbalance. Therefore, it requires a high level of engineering knowledge to design a high quality luminaire.
Related article:How Does A Constant Current Led Driver Work?
Pros:
Suitable for high power LEDs.
Low price and high efficiency.
Avoid violating the maximum current specified for the LED and therefore avoid burnout/thermal runaway.
Helps create light with more consistent brightness.
Easier for designers and engineers to control light output.
Cons:
Since the lights in a constant current Led driver are connected in series, a failure of one light will cause all the lights to fail.
The current and brightness of the parallel LEDs are not uniform.
constant voltage 1-10V dimmable Led driver
Constant voltage Led drivers - these drivers have a fixed voltage output, depending on the rated voltage of the LED. Its output voltage is fixed. The current output of the driver will have a maximum rating. If the actual current demand of the circuit does not exceed its current rating range, it will work properly.
Constant voltage LED drivers are typically used in low power LED modules and low power LED strips.
Constant voltage Led drivers are easier to operate because you can add or remove LEDs from the circuit at will, as long as the driver current is equal to or higher than the total current when the LEDs are in use.
Related article:What Is A Constant Voltage LED Driver?
Pros：
Great flexibility and easy to install multiple lights.
When one light is fused, it will not affect the efficiency of other lights.
Lower price is available in large scale LED applications.
A more familiar technique for both designers and engineers.
Cons：
Low efficiency compared to constant current Led drivers.
A current limiter must be built into the fixture.
You can look at the label of the power supply: If the output voltage is a constant value (such as Vo = 48V),then it is a constant voltage Led driver. And if the mark is a voltage range (such as Vo for 45 ~ 90V), it can be determined that this is a constant current Led driver.
Of course, some Led driver products will also be directly stated on the label is a constant voltage driver or constant current Led driver.
1.Constant current Led drivers can usually extend the expected life of Leds and improve light continuity, especially when dimming is required.
2.If you are designing your own lightings or using high power Leds, constant current Led drivers are the way to go. Because they do not exceed the maximum specified current of the Led. Therefore, thermal degradation is less likely to occur, increasing the reliability of the led for long-term use.
3.Constant current Led drivers are more common in pure series circuits, but can also be used in series-parallel combination circuits. Note that in combined constant-current circuits, when one or more Leds are burned out, damaged, or removed from the strip, the remaining Leds may be damaged because the fixed current may be too high for the remaining Leds.
4.Constant voltage Led drivers are more commonly found in multi-color displays, and in series-parallel combinations of Led strips with built-in resistors or other current limiting devices. Addressable Leds also often require the use of a constant voltage Led driver.
5.Typically, constant voltage Led drivers are more flexible. Because you can add more Leds until the maximum current limit of the constant voltage Led driver is reached, this will just reduce the available power of each Led, reducing the brightness.
Related article：Your Guide Of How To Choose A LED Driver
The type of Led driver you choose will depend heavily on the intended end use and other limitations.
When you are choosing, please refer to :
Led voltage and current.
Application of the Led driver.
Efficiency or ease of installation.
Check that the selected Led driver meets safety and energy efficiency standards.
For example, for small Led applications, a constant voltage Led driver is sufficient. But when the number of Led strings increases, you will need constant current Led drivers, because this is used to manage the current best.
Only when you truly understand the difference between these two types can you properly select the right driver for your Led power supply and also help avoid some serious damage to your lighting investment.
Click through to our website now and find the Led driver you want! Or you can contact us directly if you want to learn more about these two Led drivers.We look forward to solving your power supply needs.
