Linear constantcurrent drivers, for instance, offer low EMI, low cost, and use only a few components. Many designers favor them for low-current applications where power loss is a minor concern. If ...

Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are often used with a voltage source from a power-supply output voltage. The output voltage increases until the current through the LEDs reaches the value of the ...

White LEDs used in backlighting provide illumination for the pixels in liquid crystal displays. The LEDs are typically routed on one or two sides of the displays light diffuser, and biased with 20 mA ...

Another important concern is the balance of currents that flow in multiple strings. We know that two or three strings of LEDs will have different combined forward voltages. The LED driver will deliver ...

Driver circuits are available in a variety of topologies. These include series (switch-mode) drivers, and parallel (non-inductor) drivers. How LEDs are driven depends on the level of efficiency ...

This article was taken from the November 2012 issue of Wired magazine. Be the first to read Wired's articles in print before they're posted online, and get your hands on loads of additional content by ...