LED drivers are solid-state semiconductor light sources that emit light when electrons undergo transitions. They are known for their small size, high brightness, long lifespan, low voltage, high safety, fast response time, and wide range of adjustable brightness. As a result, they have found widespread use in everyday life, including in advertising billboards, electronic products, various devices, and handheld devices.

When selecting and designing LED drivers, it is essential to consider the following characteristics based on the electricity consumption rules and the characteristics of LED power supplies:

1. High reliability: LED drivers, especially those used in LED streetlights, are installed at high altitudes, making maintenance difficult and costly.

2. High efficiency: The efficiency of LED lighting decreases as the temperature rises, making heat dissipation crucial. Particularly when the power supply is installed inside the lamp, high efficiency LED drivers with low power consumption can reduce the heat generated inside the lamp, delay LED light decay, and prolong the lifespan of the lamp.

3. High power factor: Power factor is the requirement of the electricity grid for loads. There is no mandatory index for electrical appliances with a power of less than 70 watts. Although the low power factor of a single appliance with a small power does not have a significant impact on the grid, when everyone turns on the lights at night, the concentration of similar loads will seriously pollute the grid. In the future, there may be certain requirements for power factor for LED drivers with a power of 30 watts to 40 watts.

4. Constant current output power supply mode:

1) Multi-channel constant current output power supply with flexible combination, one LED failure does not affect the operation of other LEDs, but the cost is slightly higher.

2) Direct constant current power supply, with LEDs in series or parallel. The cost is lower, but the flexibility is poor. If a particular LED fails, it will affect the operation of other LEDs.

These two forms coexist for a period of time. The multi-channel constant current output power supply method is better in terms of cost and performance. Perhaps it will become the mainstream direction in the future.

5. Surge protection: LEDs have poor surge resistance, especially against reverse voltage. Strengthening this protection is crucial. Some LED lamps are installed outdoors, such as LED streetlights. Due to the activation of electricity grid loads and induction of lightning strikes, various surges will invade the electricity grid system, and some surges will cause LED damage. Therefore, LED drivers must be able to suppress the invasion of surges and protect the LED from damage.

6. Protection function: In addition to conventional protection functions, the power supply should have LED temperature negative feedback in the constant current output to prevent the LED temperature from becoming too high.

7. Protection: For lamps installed outside, the power supply structure should be waterproof and moisture-proof, and the shell should be sun-resistant.

8. The lifespan of the LED driver should be compatible with that of the LED.

9. It should meet safety and electromagnetic compatibility requirements.