Powering Our LED Project: Series or Parallel?

[noagname]

My brother and I have a project where we light up 10 by 5 leds but we aren't sure how to power it the best, and if we should put in series or parallel.

 

[Bob S]

What is your power source (e.g., 12 volt battery with 14.4 volts when charging)? What current do you want in each LED? What is the forward voltage drop in each LED? I think you want 10 parallel circuits with 5 LEDs plus a resistor in series. Resistor to be rated at about 3 volts, 30 milliamps (100 ohm 1/2 watt), but need to know above info first.

 

[noagname]

not sure about the current for the leds, but the voltage should be 1.8 to 2 volts. For my power source, I'm not to sure but the way to power the leds seems good.

 

[chroot]

You don't know the voltage and current characteristics of your power source? I suggest you begin by finding that information.

- Warren

 

[noagname]

I don't know what my power source is, I still need to find one.

 

[chroot]

Sounds like you don't yet have enough information to begin answering this question.

- Warren

 

[svenkesd]

If you are looking for suggestions for a power source I would suggest a 12V source with 10 parallel strings of 5 LEDs. Give each string its own current limiting device. Just figure out how much current you want to run through the LEDs to determine the best way to current limit.