I have been doing a lot of reading on trying to match constant current drivers to series of LEDs but either my calculations are incorrect or the demands of what I am proposing are way off the charts. This is part of a project to make a strobe light.
I would like to run 5 LEDs in series, here are the specs of each individual LED:
wattage:20w | foward voltage:30-32v | forward current:700ma
The ideal would be a driver with a fair amount of leeway, so that I could work with fewer or more LEDs, depending on the situation.
I know that all the questions on this topic must be driving you guys crazy, but there is so much contradictory information online, and it is hard to calculate with any confidence. So, if someone could tell me exactly what I need from a driver, I would be very grateful.
Best Answer
If you have 5 LEDs in series, and each should be run at 700mA, then you need to deliver a current of 700mA.
If each LED develops 30v to 32v voltage drop at that current, then your current source must tolerate delivering into a total voltage drop of 150v to 160v.