

A constant current LED driver is an electronic component designed to regulate the current flowing through LED lights. Unlike constant voltage drivers, this component ensures a steady current supply, which is critical for maintaining consistent brightness and protecting LEDs from overcurrent damage.








Below are the key technical details for a typical constant current LED driver:
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Input Voltage Range | 6V to 36V DC |
| Output Current Range | 300mA to 1A (model-dependent) |
| Output Voltage Range | 2V to 34V DC |
| Efficiency | Up to 95% |
| Dimming Control | PWM or Analog (0-10V) |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C to +85°C |
| Protection Features | Overcurrent, Overvoltage, Thermal Shutdown |
The pinout for a typical constant current LED driver IC is as follows:
| Pin Name | Pin Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| VIN | 1 | Input voltage pin. Connect to the DC power supply. |
| GND | 2 | Ground pin. Connect to the ground of the circuit. |
| LED+ | 3 | Positive output terminal. Connect to the anode (+) of the LED. |
| LED- | 4 | Negative output terminal. Connect to the cathode (-) of the LED. |
| DIM | 5 | Dimming control pin. Accepts PWM or analog signals for brightness adjustment. |
| NC | 6 | No connection. Leave this pin unconnected or follow the datasheet guidelines. |
VIN and GND pins. Ensure the input voltage is within the specified range of the driver.LED+ and LED- pins. Ensure the total forward voltage of the LED(s) is within the driver's output voltage range.DIM pin. For example:Below is an example of using an Arduino UNO to control the brightness of an LED via PWM dimming:
// Define the PWM pin connected to the DIM pin of the LED driver
const int dimPin = 9;
void setup() {
// Set the dimPin as an output
pinMode(dimPin, OUTPUT);
}
void loop() {
// Gradually increase brightness
for (int brightness = 0; brightness <= 255; brightness++) {
analogWrite(dimPin, brightness); // Write PWM signal to DIM pin
delay(10); // Small delay for smooth transition
}
// Gradually decrease brightness
for (int brightness = 255; brightness >= 0; brightness--) {
analogWrite(dimPin, brightness); // Write PWM signal to DIM pin
delay(10); // Small delay for smooth transition
}
}
| Issue | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| LED does not light up | Incorrect wiring or insufficient input voltage | Verify connections and ensure the input voltage is within the specified range. |
| LED flickers | Incompatible PWM frequency or unstable power supply | Use a stable power source and ensure the PWM frequency is within the supported range. |
| LED is too dim or too bright | Incorrect current setting or dimming signal | Check the driver's current rating and verify the dimming signal. |
| Driver overheats | Insufficient cooling or excessive load | Improve heat dissipation or reduce the number of LEDs connected. |
| Dimming does not work | Incorrect connection to DIM pin | Verify the PWM or analog signal is properly connected to the DIM pin. |
Can I use this driver with multiple LEDs?
What happens if I exceed the driver's input voltage?
Can I use this driver with a constant voltage power supply?
Is it safe to operate the driver without a heatsink?
By following this documentation, you can effectively use a constant current LED driver to power and control your LED lighting systems.