What is an LED Driver?

An led driver is a device that does exactly what it sounds like -- it drives the power to one or more LEDs.

As we mentioned previously, a good thing about LEDs is that they are energy efficient -- they do not require a large amount of power to get them going. LEDs actually work on DC power at a rather low voltage -- usually between 2V to 4V. Because of that, they require something that will convert AC into DC for them, and also will help keep them protected from any power surges that might occur, causing the LEDs to become overheated and become problematic.

The LED Driver acts not only as an electrical current management system, but also as a protective buffer. It's like Baby Bear in the Goldilocks tale -- everything is just right.

As you look at the variety of LED driver products out there today, you'll notice there are two distinct types -- constant voltage and constant current. Both versions are for different things in different situations. It's important to read the product specifications of your LED lamp to make sure you are using the correct type. They are not usable interchangeably.

Constant Current LED Driver

Rather than regulating the voltage, a constant current LED driver manages the actual current that comes in to the LED's diode that is required to get things jumping in the p-n junction. Additionally, this type of driver helps regulate the amount of forward current that can occur between the LEDs. This is a result of photon creation when the LED is on. Too much of this forward current can potentially overheat the LED, causing it to malfunction.

A constant current driver is primarily for situations where an LED lamp does not already have a current driver built in. It keeps a consistent current running through a string or series of LEDs. Constant current drivers are available in a variety of different configurations.

constant voltage led driver

A constant voltage driver is used for LED products that require a steady and constant DC voltage to keep it performing well. Many times a constant voltage will be used with an LED lamp or other product that has a built-in driver for the current already installed. All it really needs is something to keep the voltage consistent. It is also mainly for applications where the LEDs are in a strip configuration and are all in a parallel connection to the driver. It ensures that every LED receives the same amount of voltage from the driver.

LEDs often use constant voltage drivers for illuminating landscape and accent lighting, back-lighting for advertising signs, and huge high-definition LED displays. Usually they are available in a number of different wattages, and can also come with dimming capabilities.