Light emitting diode (LED) drivers, the electrical devices regulating the power of LED lights, are the lifeblood of LED lighting systems. Helping with conversions from alternating current(AC) to direct current (DC), LED drivers play an integral part in lighting control and system lifespan. As the market continues to expand and new products are released, LED drivers for different types of applications have been optimized for cost, efficiency, and reliability.
LED lighting management continues to evolve, and some LED drivers are now built directly into the lighting systems themselves. Typically, though, external LED drivers are still used for applications requiring higher reliability and better lighting system performance. Most LED drivers are comprised of variations of switched mode power supplies (SMPS)—an electronic power supply featuring a switching regular to efficiently convert electrical power. SMPS offers either a constant voltage or constant current to LED lights, depending on the type of LED luminaire used. Constant current power supplies vary voltage across electronic circuits to maintain constant electric current, whereas constant voltage creates an ability to fluctuate current to maintain a set voltage. These distinctions become particularly useful as LED lighting management systems grow in popularity and use.
As the world continues to adapt to increasing levels of environmentally- and economically-friendly options, and SMART technology implementation continues to rise, understanding the possible applications of LED dimmers becomes progressively more important. For example, for downlights, tracklights and LED lights that utilize chips on board(COB), constant current LED drivers provide better current regulation and avoid overloading LEDs. In contrast, constant voltage LED drivers are used in LED strip lighting and linear lighting applications so that LED installations will not be limited by the length of the lighting strip used. No matter the application, evolutions in technology are enabling LED lighting to offer a viable solution.
GRE Alpha has been at the forefront of LED driver innovation and development. Designed with flexibility in mind, GRE Alpha offers a series of LED drivers that operate in dual mode, allowing the units to be used in both constant current and constant voltage application and minimize stock keeping units (SKUs). The XLD Series LED drivers come in a patented enclosure design with integral wiring compartments to drastically simplify installation and reduce installation costs by eliminating the need for Junction boxes.
For applications requiring advanced lighting control and dimming applications, GRE Alpha pioneered products that support two-wire AC phase dimming (TRIAC) and a wide selection of dimming module systems to support DALI, DMX, 0-10V and Switch Dim dimming protocols. The newest product launched is the Tunable White SLD-DimTW dimming module, a unique dim-to-warm dimming module that allows for LED fixtures to change from a relatively cool color temperature to a warm color temperature.
When choosing the right LED driver for a project, GRE Alpha knows it is important to consider both the costs of the LED driver itself and those of the entire lighting system. For example, when using an XLD series LED Driver with patented easy-install enclosure, the per unit-cost of driver may be higher, but the overall costs of the lighting system is much lower due to cost savings. This particular project would not require a junction box, and installation times would be greatly reduced.
GRE Alpha prides itself on innovative products like these that enhance customers’ experience and create a brighter world. Several new products will be launched soon, featuring IoT-enabled options like the ZigBee SMART dimming module to allow for device connected lighting.
GRE Alpha is excited to announce that it will exhibit at the March 2017 Nikkei Messe Tokyo Big Sight Lighting Fair in Japan. From March 7 to 10, 2017, the company will be unveiling new products, networking with potential customers, visiting with current customers and partners, and offering demonstrations of innovative LED lighting solutions. For more information on the Tokyo Big Sight Lighting Fair, click here.
GRE Alpha is committed to innovation and to delivering high-quality, leading edge LED lighting solutions. For more information about LED drivers, dimming modules and accessories, or to speak with a GRE Alpha product expert, visit the Enquiries page and fill out the Enquiry Form. Sign up for the GRE Alpha newsletter to stay up-to-date on new products and for early access to other GRE Alpha news.
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