LED driver makers present options to enable better diode performance

LED driver types with a dimming feature, and those that meet various function and safety requirements fuel R&D and production.

Underscoring the importance of LED drivers in ensuring efficient and safe LED performance, suppliers of these dedicated power supplies are adopting technologies to keep improving products and diversify their selections.

Large companies concentrate on the development of types that support dimming. The feature not only helps save energy and prolong lamp life but also has an impact on the operating life span of the driver itself. As added enhancements, these makers are including programmable function and network connectivity to ride on the automation trend, including in the smart home market.

Zhonghen's latest releases use DALI dimming method, programmable logic controller, ZigBee protocol and RS-485 interface. Fu Shuo has introduced programmable models mainly for street and tunnel lighting.

For most local makers, however, the focus is still on dimming. The techniques employed are analog or 0 to 10V, DALI and PWM, with the last adopted in the bulk of output. There are also hybrid kinds that combine the best features of DALI and PWM. These are usually produced by midsize and large companies.

To suit different specifications on efficiency and safety, China manufacturers turn out isolated and nonisolated LED drivers. The former provides greater protection because it integrates transformers. The nonisolated category offers higher efficiency as this does not have passive components with additional power needs and accompanying losses, and is lower in price.

For compatibility with applications, the range includes constant-voltage types besides typical constant-current units. The first, which incorporates current-limiting resistors, suits undercabinet lighting and other uses of LED strips. The latter is the default driver for signs, backlighting and commercial displays.

In terms of reliability, especially in demanding environments, there are water-resistant variants, with choices of IP65 to IP68 available.

As overall assurance, products are designed to pass CCC, CE, CQC, cUL, RoHS and UL certification.

With bright prospects for the line, domestic suppliers of LED drivers sustain production increase. Dongguan Rico Electronic Co. Ltd, which expanded its factory and acquired more equipment in 2018, will raise output anew by 10 percent. Xiangtan Huaxin Electronic Technology Co. Ltd plans to install new machinery in the months ahead. It targets to boost yield by over 10 percent by end-2019 and in 2020, and is eyeing a 15 percent rise in export shipments. The maker allocates 5 percent of the volume for markets abroad.

China's LED driver production value is projected to reach $4.8 billion this year and nearly $6 billion in 2020 from $4.5 billion in 2018.

The country is a major manufacturing base for the line, accounting for 30 to 40 percent of global shipments. The majority of suppliers export between 30 and 80 percent of turnout. Total overseas-bound deliveries are expected to maintain 10 to 15 percent rise by end-2019 and through 2020. The main destinations include Europe, North America and East Asia.

More than 300 companies make up the LED driver sector in China and over 70 percent are locally owned, the majority of which are small and midsize operations. Moso, UE, Inventronics and Eaglerise are among the key homegrown players. Foreign-invested businesses there include Meanwell and Philips.

Many of the manufacturers are based are Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Zhongshan, Guangzhou, Dongguan and Foshan in Guangdong province, Xiamen in Fujian, Changzhou in Jiangsu, and Shanghai.

More domestic and foreign players are anticipated to enter the line and establish facilities in any of these cities.

Indoor, outdoor types

LED drivers in constant-current and constant-voltage types for indoor and outdoor applications are widely available in China.

These come in variants with rated power of 3 to 500W, efficiency of more than 80 percent and power factor exceeding 0.95. Product life span surpasses 50,000 hours.

Releases have built-in protection against short circuits, and overcurrent, -voltage and -temperature.

Makers can modify units, including those featured in the gallery, to match any requirement.

The main components and materials used include ICs, MOSFETs, passive components, PCBs and housings. For the first, the sources include foreign companies such as TI, ON Semiconductor, Infinite, Fairchild, Macroblock, Silicon Touch and Addtech, and local ones, including Silan, QX Micro, State Microelectronics and CR PowTech. The other inputs are purchased in the domestic market or overseas, depending on buyers' requests.

The cost of materials and components was stable in the past year, but most LED driver suppliers lowered their prices due to competition. Both outlay and quotes are expected to stabilize in the months ahead.

The products in this gallery have been handpicked by our market analyst for representing current trends in LED drivers from China makers.

LED driver outputs 3,000mA at 12V

Dongguan Rico Electronic Co. Ltd's model PKPD-AU1203000CD-4 LED driver has 100 to 240V, 50/60Hz, 0.9A input and 12V, 3,000mA, 36W output. It operates in -30 to 60 C and is protected against short circuits, and overcurrent, -voltage and -temperature.

The minimum order is 500 units for delivery within 12 days.

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LED driver rated at 10A, 120W

Model WL-N12 Series LED driver from Dongguan Well-Lit Technology Co. Ltd has 85 to 264VAC input voltage, 12V output voltage, and 100mVpp ripple and noise. The 120W-rated unit operates on 47 to 63Hz, and has 10A rated current and less than 1mA leakage current at 240VAC. Efficiency is more than 83 percent. The operating temperature is -10 to 40 C. Overload and -voltage protection is built-in.

The 50-unit minimum order has a delivery lead time of 5 days.

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IP20 LED driver with 88% efficiency

The Xt-GR030B-HA0700 model from Xelite Electronics Co. Ltd is an IP20-rated LED driver with 200 to 240VAC input voltage, 176 to 264VAC maximum input voltage range, and 20 to 42V, 250 to 700mA output. The 30 to 40W CE-approved unit has an efficiency rating of 88 percent.

An order of at least 500 units is for delivery within 7 days.

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LED driver has 200W maximum power

This IP20-rated LED driver from Xiangtan Huaxin Electronic Technology Co. Ltd, HX-200N-5 model, has 186 to 264VAC input voltage, 5VDC, 40A output, 200W maximum power and more than 88 percent efficiency. It integrates short-circuit, and overload and -voltage protection. The product meets CE and RoHS requirements.

The minimum order is 100 units. Delivery is within 7 days.

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