How to Address the Lighting Challenges of High-Brightness LEDs

Two overriding issues should be considered when driving high-brightness (HB) LEDs. The first is to ensure that a fairly constant current is available with minimal variation, since a fluctuation in current can cause an apparent change in brightness. The LED having a nonlinear response to current can exacerbate this. The second issue is to control the temperature of the LED. Temperature affects the brightness and longevity of an LED, so it is important that lighting systems enable heat to be effectively dissipated to control LED temperature. In addition, it may be necessary to monitor temperature and reduce the current through the LED. This has the effect of lowering its temperature and optimizing light output, efficiency, and longevity.