Thursday, September 5, 2013

18 LED Dimmable LED Lamp

This circuit is a dimmable white LED lamp array with 18 LEDs. The lamp brightness is regulated as long as the input voltage is above 10.5V. A low-dropout analog voltage regulator is used for a simple and relatively efficient design. The lamp produces enough light to use as a a reading lamp or a small work lamp. 

Project Image


18 LED Dimmable LED Lamp

Specifications:
  • Power Requirements
  • Input Voltage: 10.5-16V DC
  • Input Current: 11-150mA at 12VDC
Theory:
The 12V DC input voltage is routed through the 1A fuse and the on/off switch. The 1N4001 diode acts as a crowbar device. If reverse polarity is applied, the fuse will blow and the rest of the circuitry will be protected. Power is sent to the LM2941CT voltage regulator IC. The regulator is wired to produce a voltage range from 5.5V (dim) to 8.3V (bright).

18 LED Dimmable LED Lamp Circuit Diagram

18 LED Dimmable LED Lamp

The 4.7K resistor across the 1K brightness adjustment potentiometer produces a non-linear brightness adjustment to compensate for the eyes logarithmic brightness perception response. The LEDs are organized in six series groups of three with a 24 ohm current limiting resistor on each group. This arrangement limits the maximum current through each LED group to around 20mA.

Use:
Connect the DC input terminals to a 12V source, such as a 12V lead acid battery. Be sure to observe the correct polarity. Turn the power switch on and adjust the brightness adjustment for the desired brightness.

Parts:
    1X LM2941CT low-dropout voltage regulator
    1X aluminum heat sink
    1X 1A DC rated fuse
    1X DC switch
    1X 1N4001 diode
    2X 1K 1/4W resistors
    2X 4.7K 1/4W resistors
    6X 24 ohm 1/4W resistors
    1X 1K linear potentiometer
    18X 5mm white LEDs, 20mA max
    1X 22uF 16V electrolytic capacitor
    1X 100nF 25V monoblock capacitor