{"id":1149,"date":"2020-05-11T23:49:59","date_gmt":"2020-05-11T21:49:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cre.science\/?page_id=1149"},"modified":"2024-11-24T22:12:35","modified_gmt":"2024-11-24T21:12:35","slug":"led-driver","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/cre.science\/en\/wissen\/led-treiber\/","title":{"rendered":"LED Drivers"},"content":{"rendered":"

Power Supply for LEDs - everything about LED Drivers<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

LED modules can only light up if the necessary power is supplied to them. This also applies to our FLUXengine and APEXengine LED Boards. On this page we explain the basics of LED drivers and show what you should consider when choosing a LED driver. This page is especially for our FLUXengine DIY LED modules, but the basics apply to all LED applications.
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Basically, any power supply unit can be used as a power supply for LEDs - provided that the parameters are correct! However, special ballasts for LEDs, also called LED drivers or constant current sources, are better. These ensure that a constant current is driven through the LEDs regardless of the forward voltage of the LED. They thus enable safe and flicker-free operation even with fluctuations in the mains voltage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Find your ideal LED setup<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A tool for the planning of plant lamps.
Crescience Grow LED Wizard<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Mean Well LED Drivers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

We recommend Mean Well<\/a> LED drivers for our FLUXengines and APEXengines. Since 1982 the Taiwanese manufacturer stands for an excellent price-performance ratio and reliable products in the field of power supply.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The correct LED driver can be found by using the Select a model with the appropriate specifications according to the data sheet<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mean Well Driver Series<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

For constant current sources for LEDs the series HLG and XLG, as well as ELG are especially recommended. In our kits we mostly use the new XLG power supplies. Their innovative constant-power mode allows for maximum flexibility when expanding. It is often possible to increase the illumination area without having to change the driver.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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HLG series<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Mean
HLG-Series<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

If you are planning for higher outputs of over 320W, the HLG series is usually the right choice, as these high-end devices offer the best efficiency and output of up to 600W.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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ELG series<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Mean
ELGC-Series<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The ELG series has a simpler housing and is very inexpensive. This series is based on the traditional constant current or constant voltage principle.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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XLG series<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Mean
XLG-Series<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

XLG drivers can be used flexibly, as the current and voltage can be customised for different applications. The good price-performance ratio and controllability round off the overall package. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Connecting LED modules to the driver<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Important Note
Please always observe the safety instructions of the power supply manufacturer. Work on live components may only be carried out by qualified personnel.
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Series connection<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Everything in line<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Series connection is the easiest way to connect LED modules. The (forward) voltages of the LED modules add up. With the FLUXengine the driver must be able to provide n<\/strong> (number of modules)<\/em> * 20 V<\/strong> .\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Parallel Wiring<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Divide the Current<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Parallel connection is more practical in some cases, but can also cause problems. We therefore generally recommend series connection. However, a good thing about parallel connection is that lower voltages are applied.\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Mixed circuit<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Hybrid Series and Parallel Wiring<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There may be various reasons in favour of a mixture of parallel and series connection. For example, you may want to operate more FLUXengines on one driver, but not enough voltage is available. Then you can open a second \"branch\" and split the current. The branches must have the same voltage, i.e. be set up exactly the same.\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Parallel Wiring<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(Don't) Mix it up<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

LED driver for setups with FLUX and APEX modules<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In most cases it makes sense to use different drivers for FLUX modules and APEX modules. The two types have very different limits for the current flow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

By combining series and parallel connection it is possible to implement a mixed setup. However, the ratios in the combined spectrum are then fixed. The advantage of a single constant current source per channel is that you can adjust the light spectrum to the needs of the plant by selective dimming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Shop LED Drivers<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Mean Well Driver Dimming Operation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Types A \/ B \/ AB<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Mean Well power supplies are available in different versions, which differ in their dimmability. With many models the variants are marked with suffix -A, -B or -AB<\/strong> specified in the manufacturer's designation, e.g. XLG-240-M-AB<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A - Internal Potentiometer for Current Limiting<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Products with the A suffix feature a potentiometer built into the device. This is hidden behind a splash protection cap in the housing. A screwdriver is required to adjust the current or voltage. The control range of the A models is limited to 50-100% of the maximum current. Due to these limitations, this is not actually a dimming function for frequent operation - rather it is intended to limit the current as required.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

B - Externally Dimmably via 3-in-1 Dimming Function<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The MEAN WELL power supplies with B-suffix have a second pair of wires at the output marked DIM+ and DIM-. There are three ways to obtain a dimming function.<\/p>\n\n\n\n