The linear LED power supply or the linear LED driver is in high demand in the lighting industry. The increased demand is because of the low production costs and simple architecture. Furthermore, linear drivers have descriptions like the constant voltage power supply and the LED ultra-thin strip power supply. If you want to buy a linear LED driver, you must know everything about it. Below is all you need to know of the linear LED drivers.
Linear LED power supply definition
The Linear power supply is a driver that uses non-switching and linear methods to regulate power on LEDs. It uses linear regulators to control DC voltage. The regulators consist of an operation amplifier, internal reference voltage, pass transistor, feedback voltage-divider, and an output capacitor.
The error or operation amplifier ensures that the output voltage is at the necessary value. It regulates the power switch and monitors the feedback voltage divider to ensure optimal output voltage.
The linear regulators’ dropout voltage is minimum. Any voltage below the minimum can cause the power supply to stop working.
The drivers are popular in the lighting sector because of their small circuit size, low noise production, simpler architecture, and minimal part count. Most manufacturers use the linear driver’s technology to lower the LED power supply cost.
Linear LED power supply design specifications
1. Manufacturers make the linear LED power supply using a few components
The linear drivers are very cheap compared to the switch-mode drivers. The main reason for it is that manufacturers make them using few parts. The few components ensure that the power supply is not bulky.
2. The input and output power ratio is the same
The linear LED power supply has both the input and output power in the same range. The power supply maintains efficiency by ensuring that the linear regulator’s dropout voltage is minimum. The quiescent current of low power devices should also be minimal to ensure efficiency. Thus, the linear power supply operates best where the input and output power level is equivalent.
3. It relies on its housing for insulation
The LED drivers use the insulation performance present on their housing to ensure safety. It means that the housing is accountable for limiting heat transfer. The LED driver usually has a breakdown path with high voltage throughout the control circuitry. Its housing helps with the insulation issue. But the critical point is that it is always essential for linear drivers not to run extremely high voltage.
4. Has low noise
Manufacturers make the linear LED driver with low noise in mind. It is one of the quietest drivers present in the market. The main reason for the low noise production is the lack of high-frequency switching. The low noise feature ensures that it is perfect for regions that need low ripple, excellent transient response, and low electromagnetic emissions.
Conclusion
The linear LED power supply popularity is on a constant rise. The main attributing factor is that it is very affordable. Furthermore, the low noise present ensures it is perfect for environs that need silence. The simple design also makes its demand to be high.
