connectordcledusb
So I have an RGB Led Strip that requires power (3 Colours and the ground).
In total it draws about 1A @ 12V = 12W.
Could a USB socket be used to handle this? Otherwise I'm simply seeking a neat and tidy (read small but with some grab still) connector to plug and unplug the unit from the controller. Perhaps even an S-Video connector? I'm sort of clueless but just want something to handle this relatively small load.
Thanks.
$$LED\;current = \frac{input\;voltage - LED\;forward\;voltage} {LED\;resistor}$$
$$I_{LED} = \frac{V_{USB} - V_{f_{LED}}} {R_{LED}}$$
Let us assume a current of 20mA for the LED.
$$0.02A = \frac{5V - 3.0V} {R_{LED}}$$ $$R_{LED} = 100\Omega$$
$$0.02A = \frac{5V - 3.6V} {R_{LED}}$$ $$R_{LED} = 70\Omega$$
I would use a 100 Ω LED.
At 20mA per LED, you could have \$ \dfrac{0.5A}{0.02A} = 25\$ LEDs in parallel.
The kit is supplied with 200 Ω resistors. Using them you could have 50 LEDs in parallel.
S-Video isn't very common anymore, at least in the 'states. But still, it could happen. Is this for cable-mount, panel-mount, circuit-board mount? How about something like this?
(source: digikey.com)
Low-profile, easy, fast. It's up to you to make sure it's connected the right way. There are "keyed" variants of these also which make them only connect one-way.
Best Answer
No
USB is specified with a maximum of 2.5W (500mA @ 5V) and this is only after the devices exchanged this information and the software allows it.
If you're talking about the plug itself: It can probably handle the current but one day you'll plug it into your PC because you forget about that .. special .. USB plug and it might fry your internals. Do not use plugs for purposes other than they are intended for.
Go get some standard Molex connector which doesn't have a special "function". How do you plan to switch your LEDs on and off anyway?