Building a LED driver

Solution 1: 12 x 4 array uses 48 LEDs exactly
+48V

The wizard says: In solution 1:
each 6.8 ohm resistor dissipates 6800 mW
the wizard thinks the power dissipated in your resistors is a concern
together, all resistors dissipate 27200 mW
together, the diodes dissipate 168000 mW
total power dissipated by the array is 195200 mW
the array draws current of 4000 mA from the source.

Does this mean that I need to build a 48V 4A driver?

 

I can already tell I'll be of no help in this project bro

I hope it works though, because if it does, it will open up allot of options for our tanks!!

 

Yep! I've got ideas!

 

Well sounds about right. A meanwll hlg 185 42b driver uses 4.4a and it can power up to 72 Cree LEDs. So 4a for your kit may pack a lil punch. Are you running all the same color? Why not build separate drivers to control each color if using more than one.

 

That is all one color. I'm ultimately runn 160 LEDs in total, the 48 is what I want to control at one time.

 

what brand of leds are you planning? also depending on what they require to be driven at, are you looking at high powered cree leds, or low powered 1 watt ones? 160 seems like alot thats all.

 

He is going to use 3w LED's (probably the Bridgelux) and the tank is 60x24x31 so he is using lenses as well.

 

I wouldn't use resistors for a big build. You'll be throwing away a lot of power as heat, which defeats the two big advantages of LEDs. A constant current driver is actually pretty easy to fab up and makes for a better end product. I used CAT4101 drivers from ON Semiconductor and had good luck.

 

How many LEDs were you Abe to run on a sinlge driver?

 

Sorry op did not state he was using 3w leds, also if his tank is 31 inches deep. he should go for the crees to get that extra punch to hit the depth