The Complete Guide to Choosing the Right LED Lighting Power Supply

LED power supply is one of the core components of LED lighting. Understanding the basics of power supply is necessary to source the right lighting system and optimize overall performance.

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This comprehensive buyer’s guide takes an in-depth look at the different types of power supplies, explaining the principles and parameters, as well as selection considerations, using LED strip light switching power supply as an example. Topics such as wattage calculations, power supply types, and installation tips are covered.

Armed with this essential knowledge, you will be able to make an informed decision when purchasing the power supply for your LED light.

What is an LED power supply?

An LED power supply, also known as an LED driver, is a device that converts and regulates power from a power source. The process includes a combination of circuits such as rectification, filtering, boosting, and constant current to convert the AC power supply into DC power that meets the working requirements of LED lights.

Its main role is to convert the input voltage into a DC power supply suitable for LED light-emitting, to ensure that the electrical performance of LED lighting is met.

Breakdown of its functions

The LED driver is a power supply designed for LEDs that regulate current, convert voltage, and provide protection. It ensures the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of the system.

Current regulations for LED beads

LED beads are very sensitive to current. If the operating current exceeds the rated current, it will be damaged, while too little current will result in insufficient brightness.

Therefore, the LED driver regulates the current flowing through the LED beads to ensure that they are optimally matched to the current.

Voltage conversion

Most LED drivers convert household AC voltage (120V or 240V) to a low DC voltage suitable for proper operation of the LED beads. Typically 5V, 12V, 15V, 24V, 36V, or 48V depending on the design of the LED fixture.

Protection

• A qualified LED driver usually provides the following protections
• Over-voltage: Prevents damage caused by voltage spikes.
• Over-current: Protects the LED from damage caused by excessive current.
• Short Circuit: Protects against damage caused by short circuits.

High efficiency

A good LED driver has a high energy conversion efficiency, typically 80% to 95%. This means that most of the input power is converted into usable energy with minimal heat loss.

Main types of LED power supplies

Linear LED driver

A linear topology is used to regulate the output voltage and current, which can be divided into two phases: the current regulation phase and the current stabilization phase.

In the current regulation stage, the input current is converted to the desired current level using a resistive regulator or an electronic component. Common regulators are linear regulators and switching regulators.

Linear regulators use linear control means to change the output current by adjusting the size of the resistance.

A switching regulator uses switching control means, by adjusting the switching frequency and operating cycle to change the output current.

It is characterized by simple circuits, small size, and low cost, but the system efficiency is low.

Linear LED driver inner

Switching mode LED driver

A switch mode LED driver, also known as an LED switching power supply, uses a switching converter topology to regulate output voltage and current. Its core components include switching controllers, inductors, switching elements (e.g., MOSFETs), feedback resistors, input filters, and output filters

The working principle of switch mode LED driver is to control the on-off of switching elements (such as MOSFET) through high-frequency switching to convert the input DC or AC power supply into a high-frequency AC power supply, then step down the voltage through the high-frequency transformer, and finally converted into a stable DC power supply through rectifier and filtering circuit to supply the LED beads.

Working principle of switching power supply

Constant voltage driver

The constant voltage driver mainly controls the brightness of the LED by keeping the output voltage constant. It uses a switching power converter to make an isolated constant voltage power supply with a constant and adjustable output voltage.

This type of drive is usually used in applications that require stable output voltage, such as building exterior lighting like LED light bars or landscape lighting.

LED Constant voltage driver

Constant current driver

A constant current driver controls the brightness of the LED by keeping the output current constant. In LED light applications, the constant current circuit adjusts the current so that the brightness of the LED light is stable and not overloaded.

The constant current drive circuit consists of two main parts, a current source and a constant current circuit (current limiter).

This type of drive is typically used in applications that require precise control of the LED current, such as lighting design and stage lighting.

LED constant current driver

Programmable LED drivers

This is an LED driver that adjusts the output voltage and current by creating a program. It is ideally suited for precise lighting control applications that require a compact, scalable, easy-to-power, and high-linearity power supply.

Programmable LED power supply

Workflow and parameters

Next, we take the switching power supply used in LED strip light as an example to explain the principle and parameters

Workflow and main components

LED switching power supply through the rectifier, filtering, switching conversion, transformer, output rectifier, output filtering, and voltage regulator steps, the input AC power will be converted into stable DC power for the normal operation of the LED lamp.

Main components of switching power supply

Main parameters

Power (wattage)

Power refers to the amount of work done by an object in a unit of time, that is, power is a physical quantity that describes the speed of work. The amount of work A certain amount of time, the shorter the time, the greater the value of power. The formula for power is power = work/time.

Input voltage and frequency

The specific input voltage of the drive under the specified operating conditions. Usually, we refer to the full voltage as 90-264VAC, but there are also low-voltage 90-130V and high-voltage 176-264V, in order to meet the requirements of different countries, regions, and customers. There are also DC inputs, mainly 12V, 24V, 36V, 48V and so on.

Input voltage frequency refers to the frequency of the sine wave of the grid input voltage. The frequency is not the same in different countries and regions, usually, the frequency used is 50Hz and 60Hz, with a permissible deviation of 3Hz.

Power factor (PF value)

In an AC circuit, the cosine of the phase difference between voltage and current is called the power factor. Numerically, the power factor is the ratio of active power to apparent power.

The power factor is a measure of the efficiency of electrical equipment. A low power factor means that the reactive power of the circuit is high, the equipment is underutilized, and the line supply losses are increased.

For example, a PF value of 0.5 of 20W lamps need the grid to provide 40W of power in order to work properly, and the excess of the 20W power loss in the household meter will not show but also did not play a practical role, which increases the power supply loss of the line..

Input Voltage Regulation

The input voltage regulation reflects the power supply’s ability to adapt to the power grid. It indicates the relative change of constant current driver output current (or constant voltage driver output voltage) caused by the change of input voltage when all other influences (temperature, etc.) remain unchanged, and it is also called linear adjustment rate.

Conversion efficiency

It is the ratio of output power to input power; i.e. conversion efficiency = (timely output power provided by the power supply for the LED/immediate power input from the power supply) x 100%.

Output voltage, current, and power

• Output voltage: constant current power supply in the specified operating conditions of its output current is unchanged (within the required accuracy), the voltage range included. This range should be able to meet the LED lamp voltage frequency conversion control of the change range.
• Output current: power supply in the specified operating conditions of its specific output current.
• Output power: the product of output voltage and output current. It should be noted that the output power has a nominal value and the actual value of the difference. Such as output 35V3A LED strip power supply nominal 100W, the actual value of 105W.

Constant current accuracy

The magnitude of current fluctuation during power supply operation. Expressed as: (measured value – demand value) / demand value;

LED drive power supply should generally be controlled within ± 5%, so as to reduce the current changes on the LED light failure and the impact of the whole lamp power.

Load adjustment ratio

In all other influences remain constant, due to changes in the load caused by the constant current driver output current (or constant voltage driver output voltage) of the relative amount of change. Because the LED voltage frequency conversion control will change with the temperature changes, lamps, and lanterns in the use of the process relative to the power supply output is a change in the load, so the power supply must be able to adapt to this change.

Start-up time

Under the condition of rated minimum input voltage, 90% of the period from AC power on to the establishment of constant current output rated current (or constant voltage output rated voltage). Generally, less than 5W requires startup time less than 0.5S, 5W-30W less than 1S, 30W or more than less than 3S.

Start-up time is mainly considered the low-temperature characteristics of the power supply and is one of the important parameters of outdoor lamps.

IP rating

The IP rating is the level of protection of the housing of an electrical device against the intrusion of foreign objects, derived from the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standard IEC . The format of the IP rating is IPXX, where the first digit stands for the level of protection against the ingress of solid foreign objects, and the second digit stands for the degree of waterproofing.

Commonly used for indoor power supplies IP20: Protected against solid foreign objects larger than 12.5 mm in diameter but not waterproof;

Outdoor power supply IP67: completely prevents the intrusion of foreign objects and dust and short-term intrusion of 1-meter deep water does not hinder the normal operation of the power supply.

Working temperature Ta

Indoor power supply -20~45℃, outdoor power supply -30~60℃;.

For LED driver power supply, low temperature is mainly considered start-up time, and high temperature is considered stability.

Storage temperature Tc

Indoor power supply -30~70℃, outdoor power supply -40~90℃;
After 72 hours of storage, the product can still work normally.

Safety Requirements

Voltage withstands test:
Class I luminaire power supply: VAC, 10mA, 60S.
Class II luminaire power supply: AC, 10mA, 60s.

Insulation resistance

basic insulation ≥ 2MQ; double or reinforced insulation ≥ 4MQ

Grounding resistance

The grounding resistance of the power supply of Class I lamp is less than 0.5 ohm, and that of industrial and mining lamp, street lamp, track lamp, and other movable lamp shall not be greater than 0.2 ohm.

Dielectric strength

Class I luminaire power supply: VAC, 10mA, 60S;
Class II fixture power supply: VAC, 10mA, 60S;
Class HI fixture power supply: 500VAC, 5mA, 60S.

How to calculate the power requirement of LED power supply?

Take LED strip light as an example, first, determine the voltage requirement of the LED light strip: usually you can find clear labeling on the strip, such as DC12V or DC24V.

For example, if the strip is 12VDC, the power per meter is 12 watts, and the total length is 5 meters, then the total power is 60 W. In this case, you need to choose a constant voltage driver with an output power greater than 60 W, taking into account the driver to leave about 20% margin to ensure its stable operation. That is, a power supply of about 60×1.2=72W is needed.

How to connect the LED power supply?

Take DC12V flexible strip light as an example.

Step 1, the positive and negative poles of the power cord were connected to the positive and negative poles of the 120V (220V) input terminals of the power supply.

Step 2, the red and black wires of the LED strip light are connected to the positive and negative terminals of the 12V output terminal of the power supply.

 Step 3, finally the power plug into the AC120V (220V), test whether it works properly.

Connect Diagram for LED power supply

In summary, having a basic knowledge of LED power supplies is critical to ensuring the proper fit and longevity of your LED lighting system. By familiarizing yourself with the various types, parameters, and installation techniques, you can effectively navigate the complexities of powering LED lighting and make informed decisions before making a purchase.

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When looking for a Mean Well power supply for LED lighting it is easy to get lost in the many different options available. First, it is a good idea to know the specific needs of your project. Often, power supplies are wrongly chosen for an LED project which leads to failure. In order to cut out any issues use the quick checklist below when looking for an LED power Supply.

 What to consider before selecting a power supply:

• How will I connect my power supply?
  • A simple outlet plug or directly wiring into AC lines?
• Will the power supply fit in the desired space?
  • Make sure to check the size of the unit to make sure you have room for it.
• Can I use a power supply outdoors or in a damp area?
  • Luckily there are many Waterproof power supplies and drivers, just look for the IP65 rating!
• Do I want to be able to dim my LED lights?
  • If dimming is needed, make sure to choose a power source that has dimming capabilities.
• Lastly, does my application require any other functions?
  • Examples: PFC, Over voltage protection, Over temperature protection, UL recognized, etc.

If you are unfamiliar with how LED power supplies operate and their specifications, the best place to start is at our first post in this series – LED Power Supplies 101.

When looking for both an LED driver and power supply brand to trust, look no further than Mean Well. With a failure rate at less than .02% in , Mean Well has continued to make some of the most reliable power supplies in the world. After completing the checklist above and knowing what you are looking for, check out the options below!

Mean Well Power Supply and Driver Catalog

This quick selection guide will go through the many categories and options offered by Mean Well. If you are still unsure about your LEDs properties then you need to check the power input that your LED needs. If there is any confusion it is good to backtrack and find your LEDs properties and whether you need constant voltage or constant current supply.

LED Constant Voltage Power Supplies

Does your LED require 12 volts DC or an alternate DC voltage? Are you unsure of how to power your LEDs when common household electricity is AC voltage? What you will need is a standard AC to DC switching power supply, taking AC line voltage and outputting a constant DC voltage. There are power supplies that plug straight into a wall receptacle or units that wire directly into the main AC lines. Mean Well offers a variety of output voltages, so when working with a pre-built LED lamp that needs a certain constant voltage, look for the rated input power needed and you are good to go. A good example of a product needing a constant DC voltage would be our 12V LED flex strips.

Mean Well GST: Plug-In Style Power Adapter

This is a standard desktop power supply adapter. They are sometimes referred to as computer power supplies because they are mainly used in powering computers or other consumer electronics.  The Mean Well GST series 18W to 90W green adapters comply with the newest energy efficiency regulations (EISA and DoE Level VI). This is a highly efficient AC to DC switching power supply that features no load power consumption, improving upon the older designs.

This is the preferred power supply if you would like to simply plug into a standard wall outlet. The GST uses a 3-pole design to plug into common household receptacles and then lead into a 2.1mm output connector. A perfect plug-in option for LED flex strips, it is as simple as connecting the parts together.

Eaglerise Product Page

• Input Power: 90-264VAC
• Output Voltage: 2, 7, 9, 12, 15, 18, 24, 48VDC
• Wattage: 18-90 Watt Models
• 90% Efficiency
• Casing: 94V-0 flame retardant case
• Connections: Wall receptacle input to 2.1mm male plug output

LRS Enclosed Power Supply

The Mean Well LRS series is an enclosed style power supply. This is a style that holds the switching AC-DC circuitry within a metal mesh frame where connections are made via screw-in terminals. This is the easiest power source to hook up outside of the GST series. These power supplies can be hardwired or can work with a simple power cord connecting from the input terminals to plug in the wall.

The LRS switching AC/DC power supplies are single-output transformers that are packed into a low-profile design sitting at only 30mm tall (1.18”). They deliver very low no load power consumption, allowing the end LED system to easily meet the worldwide energy requirement. The LRS delivers the best price-to-performance solution on our site while having a full range of protection functions.

• HIGH WATTAGE: UP to 350 Watts!
• Input Power: 90-264VAC
• Output Voltage: 5, 12, 15, 24, 36, 48VDC
• Highly Efficient & Reliable
• Connections: Screw-in Terminals

Hard Wired Constant Voltage Supplies

Mean Well’s large selection of single output hardwired power supplies feature short circuit and over-voltage protection. The hardwired designs are encased in fully isolated plastic cases with stranded 14-20 AWG Wire leads for input and output connections. With power sizes ranging from 8-600 Watts the Class 2 hardwired supplies have many options for the increasing demands of LED lighting.

Mean Well APV Power Supply

The smallest and cheapest unit available. This small device is held in a fully isolated plastic case. It is not rated for outdoor use but is perfect for small indoor lighting applications.

• Input: 90-264VAC
• Output Voltage: 5, 12, 15, 24, 36
• Wattage: 8-35
• IP42 rated case
• Connections: 18-20 AWG wire connections

Mean Well LPV Power Supply

This hardwired power supply is like the APV but can handle larger wattage loads. It is also held in a fully isolated, waterproof case so it can be used outdoors in architectural and landscape lighting.

• Input: 90-264VAC
• Output Voltage: 5, 12, 15, 24, 36, 48VDC
• Wattage: 20-100Watts
• IP67 Rated
• Connections: UL Rated 14-18 AWG Wire

PWM Dimmable Power Supply

Mean Well designed the PWM series to be the go to dimmable AC/DC class 2 power supply. The PWM features a constant voltage output PWM mode engineered to keep LED color and brightness consistent and dimmable from 0-100%. The unit offers Mean Well’s 3-in-1 dimming function: use 0-10V, PWM or resistance to vary the duty cycle of the output.

The rugged IP67 design adds to the quality of this power supply. Backed by a 5 year warranty it is ideal for LED Strip lighting. The PWM can be paired with our popular 0-10V dimmer to dim the LED strips 2-100%.

• Input Voltage: 90-305VAC
• Output Voltage: 12, 24, 36, 48VDC
• Wattage: 40-120 Watts
• 3-in-1 Dimming Function – Adjust PWM output
• IP67 Waterproof design
• UL Rated AWG Wire Connections

ODLV Constant Voltage, PWM Mode Output with Auxiliary

The ODLV-45 series is a 45 Watt AC/DC LED driver with constant voltage PWM style output. The ODLV operates from 90-295VAC input and offers models with different rated output voltages between 12V and 60VDC.

The power supply offers 2-in-1 dimming which works with 0~10VDC and 10V PWM signal. The dimming functions vary the duty cycle of the PWM style output, like the PWM model above. The other cool part of the ODLV is that it offers an auxiliary output (12V/50mA) which can power a small fan to help ensure optimal operating temperatures for both the power supply and LED lights.

The Mean Well ODLV is an Isolation class II power unit suitable for LED lighting applications in both wet and dry locations (thanks to the IP67 ingress protection). Mean Well added short circuit protection and a 3 year Warranty, making this an extremely reliable power supply for LED strip lighting and much more.

Constant Current LED Drivers

As you may know, LEDs need constant current to run. When building LED systems on your own it is crucial to remember an LED driver that drives the LEDs at this constant current. Mean Well manufacturers LED drivers for AC or DC input. Like their power supplies, the constant current drivers are loaded with safety regulations and are built to last.

AC/DC LED Drivers

AC to DC switching LED drivers have it all as they switch your line voltage to a constant DC current, suitable for high power LEDs. Mean Well’s driver catalog comes with a variety of options (dimming, multi-output, PFC, etc.) so you can find just what you’re looking for. The units are wired into line voltage. When choosing an AC to DC LED driver just make sure the output current is safe for your LED and that your LED voltage load (total Vf of the system) is within the operating DC voltage range of the driver. You can read here to find out how AC to DC drivers can be better for large, general lighting applications.

When designing the LED system, the builder gets to decide the lights features. One key feature is to offer dimming or not. LED drivers of all kinds are either made to be dimmable or made to be non-dimmable. Non-Dimming drivers are fairly straight forward whereas dimming drivers may have different dimming functions that you need to keep track of.

Non-Dimming LED Drivers

The APC and LPC will look very similar as they mirror their constant voltage counterparts (APV and LPV). The APC handles lower loads whereas the LPC is a larger driver that can handle more LEDs at a time and operate outdoors as it is IP67 Waterproof rated.

To choose the correct output:

1. Decide the ideal/safe drive current for your LEDs.
2. Add up the total voltage of the LEDs you will be running in series.
3. Select the driver from the table that has the current output and DC voltage range you need!

Dimming LED Drivers

The dimmable drivers come in a few different models offering alternate kinds of dimming. Mean Well has a great 3-in-1 dimming function on many of their dimmable drivers that can be controlled via 0-10V or PWM signal. The PCD is the exception that can be dimmed with AC, phase cut dimmers.

HLG-C – Metal Case Premium Constant Current Driver

The HLG-C is the Holy Grail of Mean Well LED drivers. The AC/DC LED drivers, housed in aluminum, range in power from 60 to 320 Watts! They output strictly constant current ranging from 350mA all the way up to mA! With a leading 7-year warranty, full safety and regulatory agency approvals and an IP65-67 rating, these LED drivers are the most robust and reliable solution for driving high-intensity LEDs.

The biggest selling points for the HLG-C are first, how much it can handle. The 320 Watt model that can drive up to mA is much more robust than anything we have ever offered. Secondly, the metal casing really adds to the durability. Mean Well plastic case models are very reliable but metal casing helps improve on durability and temperature control making for a very efficient and reliable LED power source.

The Mean Well HLG family is typically used in grow lighting, pendants and recessed lighting. The HLG-C offers three different variations to the power supply. All three have their own specialties and unique features that help solve complications for your application:

A Type – Adjustable Current and Voltage

The HLG-C A type are IP65 rated and include two on-board potentiometers that can adjust the output voltage and current. The potentiometers are found under the two black caps on the face of the power supply. The DC Voltage range can be adjusted ±10% whereas the current output can be adjusted from around 50%-100% of the current rating.

B Type – 3-in-1 Dimming

The B type HLG-C offers Mean Well’s dimming that can be controlled via 0-10V, 10V PWM Signal or Resistance.

D Type – Timer Dimming

Mean Well offers this D model that you can specially request from us. This model allows for the driver to be programmed, allowing for several different light outputs depending on the time of day.

PCD – AC Dimmable Driver

Mean Well designed the PCD as a hardwired driver that could be controlled using common residential dimming setups. This low profile driver can fit within a custom built fixture and any of the compatible dimmers listed on the data sheet.

• Input Voltage: 115-230VAC
• Output Current: 350mA-mA
• Fully Isolated IP42 Case
• Wattage: 16 and 25 Watt models
• Dimming: AC phase-cut dimming, leading and trailing edge TRIAC dimming

Mean Well IDLC Driver with PFC

Mean Well’s IDLC is a 45-watt AC/DC LED driver with a constant current output and flicker free design. The highly efficient driver has push-terminal connections and a fanless design that can easily be hidden. The Driver offers 2-in-1 dimming, working with both 0-10V and PWM dimmers.

• Input Power: 90-295VAC
• Output Current: 350mA-mA
• Wattage: 45W
• IP20 Isolated Case
• Dimming: 2-in-1 PWM or 0-10V

LCM-U – Multi-Output LED Driver

Mean Well designed a pretty awesome LED driver that allows the user to switch the output current. The AC/DC driver has a series of switches (dip switch) that can be switched around to output different constant current levels. This is a way to adjust the total brightness of your LED system and is great for testing LEDs and brightness. The driver also uses the 3-in-1 dimming function for use with PWM, 0-10V or resistance.

• Input Power: 90-132VAC
• Output Current: 350-mA
• Casing: IP20 Isolated case
• Wattage: 40 and 60 Watts
• Dimming: PWM, 0-10V or Resistance

Dual Mode Power Supplies: CC + CV

We have seen the difference between constant current and constant voltage power sources, along with Mean Well’s large offering for both kinds. Now it is time to tell you that Mean Well manufacturers a few models that posses both constant voltage and constant current characteristics.

During initial startup, the power supplies operate in constant voltage mode, suitable for lights with internal drivers or in-series resistors (i.e. LED strip lights). Once output current requirement exceeds rated current of the power supply and the voltage reaches the constant current region, the unit will output constant current and be able to directly drive LEDs.

These dual output power supplies are mainly used for constant voltage, as there are constant current models available if that is what you need. Constant current modes are used in many LED systems, however, and this can definitely add a lot of flexibility to your LED set up.

HLG: Aluminum IP65-67 CC+CV LED power supply

Mean Well’s HLG dual output mode power supply is the same as the HLG-C, but offers constant voltage outputs. The HLG is housed in a quality aluminum casing that is IP65/IP67 rated. This is the flagship constant voltage power source from Mean Well. It takes 90~305VAC input and comes in models ranging from 40 to 600 watts with output voltages rated at 12-54VDC.

Each model comes in a select wattage and voltage. The voltage output is important when you have an LED system needing a certain DC voltage. Select the voltage you need and you are good to go. 

In the above graph you can see that there is a ‘constant current region’. This means that if you have LEDs operating within this range the power supply can directly drive these LEDs. Just make sure you look at the current rating of the power supply as some of them can be high, too high for some LEDs.

Like the HLG-C the Mean Well HLG has 3 different types that we offer:

Blank Type – This model has no special features, just offers the HLG with input and output cables.

A Type – This model has two internal potentiometers where you can slightly change output voltage and can also change output current from 50-100%.

B Type – This model offers 3-in-1 dimming. There are output and input connections along with dimming wires that can help adjust brightness of LED lights with resistance, PWM or 0-10V Dimming systems.

Mean Well NPF: Constant Voltage Power Supply with Constant Current Mode

The Mean Well NPF-D series is another AC/DC LED switching power supply that offers dimming as well as a dual output function. Housed in an IP67 plastic rectangular case, these drivers are built with PFC and qualify for Isolation Class II power supply no F.G.

The NPF works in constant voltage mode, outputting the voltage marked on each model. However, like the HLG, the NPF has a constant current region (i.e. 7.2-12VDEC for NPF-40D-12) that will allow the driver to directly drive high power LEDs at the constant current listed.

To control the output, the NPF features 3-in-1 dimming: 0~10V, 10V PWM and resistance. The NPF is IP67 rated for use in damp and wet locations. There are also mounting holes on each side for easy mounting wherever you need. This flexibility helps greatly in designing LED lighting systems and the NPF comes with a 5-year warranty that gives the end-user a reliable driver that is built to last.

DC/DC Constant Current Drivers

Mean Well offers some awesome low voltage LED drivers with multiple constant current output options. These DC to DC converters are super compact, making them great for small lamps, flashlights, or any space limited application. Rather than take AC line voltage, they take a low DC voltage, typically around 9-36VDC and output a constant current to your high-power LEDs.

DC drivers are ideal when you are powering with a battery or are looking to build a light fixture that can have a constant voltage input power. With a DC driver built within a light circuit, the light could work with 12 volts and run properly as the Mean Well DC driver regulates the current.

Step-Down Drivers

Step-Down LED drivers, also referred to as Buck Drivers, are ideal for applications when the source voltage is greater than the LED voltage. Take for example if you are trying to run a 3v LED from a standard car battery which fluctuates around 12 volts. Buck LED drivers offer the highest efficiency out of LED drivers and typically come in the smallest footprints. Mean Well has two types of DC step down drivers, the LDD-L and LDD-H.

Both drivers offer remote PWM dimming and ON/OFF functions. They come in three styles for whatever connections needed: Wired, Pinned, and SMD style. They both pretty much operate the same with a high efficiency of 97%.  The minor difference is the LDD-H can handle more LEDs at once than the LDD-L. See their specs below.

Mean Well LDD-L

• Input Voltage: 6~36VDC
• Output Current: 300-mA
• PWM Dimming

Mean Well LDD-H

• 9~56VDC
• Output Current: 300-mA
• PWM Dimming

Buck-Boost LED Driver

Mean Well also offers the low voltage LDB-L LED driver featuring buck-boost output mode. This means that the driver can work within the circuit whether the LED voltage is slightly higher or slightly lower than the input voltage. This is ideal in applications using a Li-Ion battery where the battery might drain and input less voltage than when fully charged. The LDB-L would still be able to run the LED until it dropped below the input threshold of the driver.

The LDB-L offers PWM dimming and remote on/off function like the buck drivers but only comes in a Pin and Wired style, no surface mount device style.

• Input Voltage: 9~36VDC
• Output Current: 300mA-600mA
• 91% Efficiency
• PWM Dimming

Step-Up Drivers

Step-Up LED drivers, also referred to as boost drivers, can handle the high voltages required by running multiple LEDs in series. The boost drivers, as you might assume, can create these voltages even if the source voltage is below what is needed for the LED lights. Mean Well’s LDH step-up driver can drive the LEDs in series while keeping them at a steady current and brightness.

The LDH can handle up to 45 Watts of LEDs that can be controlled via PWM signal. The LDH can be purchased in a pinned or wired style. There is an A and B series that varies the input and output voltage. The A series handles lower input voltages whereas the B series handles slightly higher DC voltage.

• Input: A series: 9-18VDC B Series: 18-32VDC
• Output Current: 350-mA
• PWM Dimming
• 95% Efficiency

Mean Well Trouble Shooting and Support

With a wide range of new products and variations, we expect that you will have more questions. As I said earlier, we have a full team of tech and sales associates that are well trained on Mean Well products and would be happy to guide you to the one for your lighting setup. What’s even better is you can call, order, and it will be on the way to you all within a day. Let us be your helpful and speedy Mean Well LED power solutions provider.

For more Isolated led driversinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.