AC-DC Driver Modules for MR-16 Replacement Lighting Applications
An LED AC-DC Driver
Module is a packaged, functional assembly of electronic components that operates
as a power source/power supply that either adjusts to or provides a constant voltage or constant current for
the LEDs. This is configured to be an AC branch circuit supply on the input and an AC
output.
Lenses for MR-16 Replacement Lighting Applications
LEDs often require
optical beam shaping in order to steer their emitted light radiation in the desired
direction or pattern. Most often the engineer’s first choice is a Lens. A lens allows
greater light control and is generally more efficient than a reflector. The primary consideration for the
task of lens selection is identifying which LED is being utilized. A variety of
optics is offered for use in conjunction with common high power LEDs. Optics are available
with various beam angles and mounting options, allowing the design engineer the greatest amount of
flexibility in achieving his design criteria.
LEDs for MR-16 Replacement Lighting Applications
High Power LEDs are defined as individual
components that are greater than 0.20 watts (Voltage, nominal * Current, nominal). High Power
LEDs have exploded in number over the last decade as new semiconductor technologies have allowed
higher power densities to be obtained.
High Power LEDs are generally smaller in package size and find applications where traditional lighting
sources will not fit. In addition, LEDs may consume lower power, provide longer lifetime,
be more robust and can be switched On/Off at very high rates of speed.
Thermal Substrates for MR-16 Replacement Lighting Applications
LED lifetime is compromised by operation
at higher temperatures. To protect LEDs against heat build-up, thermal substrates may be used.
Thermal substrates may be attached to High-Power surface mount LEDs to provide an effective
and efficient thermal passage, which reduces the exposure of the LED to high temperature.
Shunts for MR-16 Replacement Lighting Applications
A Shunt is a protection
device which allows electric current to pass around another point in the circuit when an LED element in an
LED string fails to an open circuit. This ensures the remaining string of LEDs will continue to function.
There are many cases in which high reliability of the LED lighting must be maintained, such as LCD
backlighting, transport lighting, avionics, intrinsically safe, and low maintenance lighting.
