Talking about the ten key points of LED fluorescent lamp power supply design

Currently, the LED fluorescent lamp lighting market is quite dynamic. LED driver power supply manufacturers are generally categorized into three main types: first, companies that produce LED chips or LED lights and then expand downstream; second, factories focused on general lighting; and third, new ventures that previously specialized in power supplies or other products.

The LED fluorescent lamp power supply is a crucial component of the system. If not chosen properly, it can prevent the lamp from performing optimally or even cause it to fail entirely. Below are some practical tips for selecting and using LED fluorescent lamp power supplies, which you may find helpful.

1. Why is constant current important for an LED fluorescent lamp power supply?

LEDs are semiconductor devices that are highly sensitive to environmental conditions. For example, as temperature increases, the current through the LED also rises. Similarly, if the voltage increases, the current will increase as well. Operating LEDs beyond their rated current over time can significantly reduce their lifespan. A constant current power supply ensures that the LED's operating current remains stable, regardless of changes in temperature or voltage.

2. How should the power supply be matched with the lamp board?

Some users design the light board first and then search for a suitable power supply, but this often leads to mismatches—such as excessive current or low voltage, or vice versa. This can result in overheating, inefficiency, or limited input voltage range. The best approach is to choose an optimal series-parallel configuration so that each LED receives the same voltage and current, maximizing performance. It’s also advisable to collaborate directly with the power supply manufacturer for a custom solution.

3. What is the ideal working current for an LED fluorescent lamp power supply?

While many manufacturers initially set the current at 20 mA, this can lead to significant heat generation. Through testing, it has been found that 17–19 mA is more efficient and safer. Ideally, a design of 18 mA is recommended for optimal performance and longevity.

4. What is the recommended working voltage for an LED fluorescent lamp power supply?

The typical operating voltage for most LEDs is between 3.0V and 3.5V. Based on testing, 3.125V is commonly used, making it a reasonable standard. Therefore, for M LEDs connected in series, the total voltage would be 3.125 × M volts.

5. What is the best way to design the series-parallel connection for wide voltage operation?

To ensure the LED fluorescent lamp works across a wide input voltage range (from AC 85V to 265V), proper series-parallel configuration is essential. Since most power supplies use non-isolated buck designs, the output voltage should not exceed 72V. This limits the number of LEDs in series to around 23. Using too many parallel connections can increase current and heat, so it’s better to stick to 6, 8, or 12 parallel branches, keeping the total current below 240 mA. Another option is to use a high-voltage boost circuit, but this increases cost and complexity, making it less practical.

6. How does the LED series-parallel configuration affect PFC and wide voltage performance?

There are three common PFC solutions in the market: no PFC (PFC ~0.65), passive PFC (PFC ~0.92), and active PFC (PFC ~0.99). Passive PFC is more cost-effective and widely used. With passive PFC, the operating voltage range is half of the peak AC input voltage. For example, with 180V input, the peak is about 254V, and the effective voltage is around 127V. This allows up to 28 LEDs in series for better power factor. However, too many LEDs in series may limit the voltage range, so a balance is needed.

7. What is the ideal constant current accuracy for an LED power supply?

Some power supplies have poor constant current accuracy, such as ±8% or ±10%, which can lead to uneven brightness. A general requirement is ±3% accuracy. For six parallel channels, this translates to about ±0.5% per channel, and for twelve channels, about ±0.25%. While higher accuracy improves performance, it also increases costs. For LEDs, small variations like 17mA vs. 17.5mA have minimal impact.

8. Isolated vs. Non-isolated Power Supplies

Isolated power supplies are typically larger and more expensive, especially for 15W models, making them difficult to fit inside T6/T8 tubes. Non-isolated designs are more compact and cost-effective, with a minimum height of just 8mm. As long as proper safety measures are taken, non-isolated power supplies are safe and widely used in LED lighting.

9. Efficiency of LED Fluorescent Lamp Power Supply

Efficiency is calculated as (output voltage × output current) / input power. Low efficiency means more energy is wasted as heat, which can damage internal components and shorten the power supply’s life. Efficient power supplies (over 80%) help manage heat better, especially when paired with good thermal management. This is critical for long-term reliability.

10. Size Considerations for LED Power Supplies

Height is a key constraint, especially for T6 and T8 tubes, where the maximum height is usually ≤9mm. T10 tubes can have a slightly taller profile, up to 15mm. Longer lengths are easier for heat dissipation, making them a better choice when space allows.

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