Adding a Transistor to Fade LED

  • Thread starter Thread starter thshen34
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Led Transistor
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the feasibility of adding a transistor between an LED and a driver to enable PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) for fading the LED using 0-5V logic. The context includes considerations of the LED's forward voltage and the characteristics of a specific DC-DC driver module.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose adding a transistor to PWM and fade the LED, referencing a specific LED driver module.
  • One participant expresses skepticism about the PWM capability, suggesting that the driver’s feedback control loop may be disrupted by pulsing load impedance.
  • Another participant argues that PWM could be feasible with the driver, but notes that a poor design might require a large output capacitor.
  • A different viewpoint suggests caution due to a warning in the application sheet about interrupting LED current, proposing instead to switch a lower-voltage diode string in parallel with the LED.
  • One participant acknowledges a lack of detailed understanding of the driver’s internal design, suggesting that attempting to modify it without further information may be inadvisable.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing opinions on the feasibility of using a transistor for PWM with the specified LED driver. There is no consensus on whether this approach would work effectively, and multiple competing views remain regarding the design and functionality of the driver.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the importance of understanding the internal design of the driver module and the implications of the application notes regarding LED connection and current interruption. There are unresolved questions about the driver’s performance under PWM conditions.

thshen34
Messages
12
Reaction score
0
Would it be possible to add a transistor in between the LED and the driver, as shown in the application photos, to PWM and fade the LED with 0-5V logic (Assume the LED has a forward voltage of 3V)?

http://www.superbrightleds.com/moreinfo/component-led-accessories/led-driver-micropuck-dc-buck-boost-constant-current/1053/
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
thshen34 said:
Would it be possible to add a transistor in between the LED and the driver, as shown in the application photos, to PWM and fade the LED with 0-5V logic (Assume the LED has a forward voltage of 3V)?

http://www.superbrightleds.com/moreinfo/component-led-accessories/led-driver-micropuck-dc-buck-boost-constant-current/1053/

I would think probably not, at least not the PWM part. That DC-DC module's feedback control loop would likely be confused by any pulsing of the load impedance.

A better solution would be to make your own boost-buck (SEPIC) DC-DC circuit, and include the dimming capability in the circuit itself.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: 1 person
It's just an 8V buck/boost switching supply. You could probably PWM it just like you could for any switcher supplying LED's. If the switcher design is really crappy you may need to add a large output capacitor. I'd say give it a go.

I don't see where, in the app photo's, there is a transistor so I can't comment on a PWM circuit. There are PWM constant current drivers available like CAT4101.
 
thshen34 said:
Would it be possible to add a transistor in between the LED and the driver, as shown in the application photos, to PWM and fade the LED with 0-5V logic (Assume the LED has a forward voltage of 3V)?

http://www.superbrightleds.com/moreinfo/component-led-accessories/led-driver-micropuck-dc-buck-boost-constant-current/1053/
The application sheet carries a note alongside the boost driver configuration (and also the buck/boost configuration): "LED must always be connected whenever power is applied![/color]" I would be cautious about interrupting the LED current as it seems to be flying in the face of that warning. (But then again, nothing ventured, nothing gained. :smile:)

Perhaps you could, instead, switch a lower-voltage diode string in parallel with the LED to rob it of drive? If the puk's output is floating, a BJT switch may be tricky, though.

The drive is loosely pitched at a few hundred mA, while varying according to the supply voltage, is that how it works? It sounds like a limited niche module.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
I didn't open theapplications notes. Based on the applications note I'd say this is not a basic switcher. It is, as NO stated, a "limited niche driver". I was wrong. I don't think you should try without details of the internal design.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
4K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
17K
Replies
3
Views
6K
Replies
12
Views
3K
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
5K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
Replies
2
Views
8K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
4K