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You are here: Home / DIY LED Projects / 5 Easy 1 Watt LED Driver Circuits

5 Easy 1 Watt LED Driver Circuits

Last Updated on February 7, 2020 by Swagatam 118 Comments

1) Small 1 watt SMPS LED Driver

In the first design which is the most recommended one, we study an SMPS LED driver circuit which can be used for driving high watt LEDs rated anywhere between 1 watt LED upto 12 watts. It can be directly driven from any domestic 220V AC or 120V AC mains outlets.

Introduction

The first design explains a small non isolated SMPS buck converter design (non-isolated Point of Loads), which is very accurate, safe and easy to build circuit. Let's learn the details.

Main Features

The proposed smps LED driver circuit is extremely versatile and specifically suited for driving high watt LEDs.

However being a non-isolated topology does not provide safety from electric shocks at the LED side of the circuit.

Apart from the above drawback, the circuit is flawless and is virtually protected from all possible mains surge related dangers.

Although a non-isolated configuration may look a bit undesirable, it relieves the constructor from winding complex primary/secondary sections on E-cores, since the transformer here is replaced with a couple of simple ferrite drum type of chokes.

The main component here responsible for the execution of all the features is the IC VIPer22A from ST microelectronics, which has been specifically designed for such small transformerless compact 1 watt LED driver applications.

Circuit Diagram

1 watt LED driver circuit SMPS

Image Courtesy: © STMicroelectronics - All rights reserved

Circuit Operation

The circuit functioning of this 1 watt to 12 watt LED driver can be understood as given under:

The input mains 220V or 120V AC is half wave rectified by D1 and C1.

C1 along with the inductor L0 and C2 constitute a pie filter network for cancelling EMI disturbances.

D1 should be preferably replaced with two diodes in series for sustaining the 2kv spikes bursts generated by C1 and C2.

R10 ensures some level of surge protection and acts like a fuse during catastrophic situations.

As can be seen in the above circuit diagram, the voltage across C2 is applied to the internal mosfet drain of the IC at pin5 to pin8.

An inbuilt constant current source of the VIPer IC delivers a 1mA current to pin4 of the IC which is also the Vdd pin of the IC.

At about 14.5V at Vdd, the current sources gets switched OFF and forces the IC circuitry into an oscillatory mode or initiates pulsing of the IC.

The components Dz, C4 and D8 become the circuit regulation network, where D8 charges C4 to the peak voltage in the freewheeling period and when D5 is forward biased.

During the above actions, the source or the reference of the IC is set to about 1V below ground.

For a comprehensive info about the circuit details of the 1 watt to 12 watt LED driver, please go through the following pdf datasheet by ST microelectronics.

DATASHEET

2) Using Transformerless Capacitive Power Supply

The next 1 watt LED driver explained below shows how to build a few simple 220 V or 110 V operated 1 watt LED driver circuit,that would cost you not more 1/2 a dollar, excluding the LED of course.

I have already discussed capacitive type of power supply in a couple posts, like in LED tube light circuit and in a transformerless power supply circuit, the present circuit also utilizes the same concept for driving the proposed 1 watt LED.

Circuit Operation

In the circuit diagram we see a very simple capacitive power supply circuit for driving a 1 watt LED, which may be understood with the following points.

The 1uF/400V capacitor at the input forms the heart of the circuit and functions as the main current limiter component of the circuit. The current limiting function makes sure that the voltage applied to the LED never exceeds the required safe level.

However high voltage capacitors have one serious issue, these do not restrict or are not able to inhibit the initial switch ON mains power in rush, which can be fatal for any electronic circuit LEDs are no exceptions.
Adding a 56 Ohm resistor at the input helps to introduce some damage control measures, but still it alone cannot do the complete safeguarding of the involved electronics.

An MOV would certainly do, also what about a thermistor? Yep, a thermistor would also be a welcome proposition.
But these are relatively at the costlier side and we are discussing a cheap version for the proposed design, so we would want to exclude anything that would cross a dollar mark as far as the total cost goes.

So I thought of an innovative way of replacing an MOV with an ordinary, cheap alternative.

What is the function of an MOV

It's to sink the initial burst of high voltage/current to ground such that it is ground before reaching the LED in this case.

Wouldn't a high voltage capacitor do the same function if connected across the LED itself. Yes it would surely operate the same way as an MOV.

The figure shows the insertion of another high voltage capacitor directly across the LED,  which sucks the instantaneous influx of voltage surge during power switch ON, it does this while charging up and thus sinks almost the entire initial voltage in rush making all the doubts associated with a capacitive type of power supply distinctly clear.

The end result as shown in the figure is a clean, safe, simple and a low cost 1 watt LED driver circuit, which can be built right at home by any eletronic hobbyist and used for personal pleasures and utility.

CAUTION: THE CIRCUIT SHOWN BELOW IS NOT ISOLATED FROM THE AC MAINS, THEREFORE IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS TO TOUCH IN POWERED POSITION.

 Circuit Diagram

NOTE: The LED in the above diagram is a 12V 1 watt as shown below:

In the above shown simple 1 watt led driver circuit, the two 4.7uF/250 capacitors along with the 10 ohm resistors form a kind of "speed breaker" in the circuit, this approach helps to arrest the initial switch ON surge inrush which in turn helps to safeguard the LED from getting damaged.

This feature can be replaced with an NTC which are popular for their surge suppressing features.

This enhanced way of tackling the initial surge inrush problem could be by connecting an NTC thermistor in series with the circuit or the load.

Please check out the following link for knowing how to incorporate an NTC thermister in the proposed 1 watt LED driver circuit

The above circuit can be modified in the following manner, however the light may be a little compromised.

A good way of tackling the initial surge inrush problem is by connecting an NTC thermistor in series with the circuit or the load.

Please check out the following link for knowing how to incorporate an NTC thermister in the proposed 1 watt LED driver circuit

https://homemade-circuits.com/2013/02/using-ntc-resistor-as-surge-suppressor.html

3) A Stabilized 1 watt LED Driver using Capacitive Power Supply

Stabilized 1 watt LED Driver using Capacitive Power Supply

As can be seen, 6nos of 1N4007 diodes are used across the output, in their forward biased mode. Since each diode would produce a drop of 0.6V across itself, 6 diodes would create a total drop of 3.6V, which is just the right amount of voltage for the LED.

This also means that the diodes would shunt the rest of the power from the source tp ground, and thus keep the supply for the LED perfectly stabilized and safe.

Another Stabilized 1 watt Capacitive Driver Circuit

The following MOSFET controlled design is probably the best universal LED driver circuit that guarantees a 100% protection for the LED from all types of hazardous situations, such as sudden over voltage and over current or surge current.

A 1 watt LED connected with the above circuit would be able to produce around 60 Lumens of light intensity, equivalent to a 5 watt incandescent lamp.

 Prototype Images

The above circuit can be modified in the following manner, however the light may be a little compromised.

4) 1 Watt LED Driver Circuit Using a 6V Battery

As can be seen in the fourth diagram, the concept hardly utilizes any circuit or rather does not incorporate any hi-end active component for the required implementation of driving a 1 watt LED.

The only active devices that's been employed in the proposed simplest 1 watt LED driver circuit are a few diodes and a mechanical switch.

The initial 6 volts from a charged battery is dropped to the required 3.5 volts limit by keeping all the diodes in series or in the path of the LED supply voltage.

Since each diode drops 0.6 volts across it, all four together allow only 3.5 volts to reach the LED, lighting it safely, yet brightly.

As the illumination of the LED drops, each diode is bypassed subsequently using the switch, to restore the brightness of the LED.

The use of the diodes for dropping the voltage level across the LEDs makes sure that the procedure does not dissipate any heat and therefore becomes very efficient in comparison to a resistor, which would have otherwise dissipated a lot of heat in the process.

5) Illuminate 1 Watt LED with a 1.5V AAA Cell

In the 5th design let's learn how to illuminate a 1 watt LED using a 1.5 AAA cell for a reasonable amount of time.The circuit is obviously based on boost driver technology, other wise driving such a huge load w such minimal source is beyond imagination.

A 1 watt LED is relatively huge when compared to a 1.5 V AAA cell source.

A 1 watt LED needs minimum 3 volts supply which is double the above cell rating.

Secondly a 1 watt LED would require anywhere between 20 to 350 mA of current for operating, 100 mA being a respectable current for driving these light machines.

Therefore using a AAA penlight cell for the above operation looks very remote and out of question.

However the discussed circuit here proves all of us wrong and successfully drives a 1 watt LED without much complications.

THANKS TO ZETEX, for providing us with this wonderful little IC ZXSC310, which requires just a few ordinary passive components for making this feat possible.

Circuit Operation

The diagram shows a rather simple configuration, which is basically a boost converter set up.

The input DC of 1.5 volts is processed by the IC to generate a high frequency output.

The frequency is switched by the transistor and the schottky diode via the inductor.

The rapid switching of the inductor provides the required boost in the voltage which becomes just appropriate for driving the connected 1 watt LED.


Here, during the completion of each frequency, the equivalent stored energy inside the inductor is pumped back into the LED generating the required voltage boost, which keeps the LED illuminated for long hours even with a source that's as small as a 1.5 volt cell.

Prototype image

1 Watt Solar LED Driver

This is school exhibition project which can be used by children to show how solar energy can be used for illuminating a 1 watt LED.

The idea was requested by Mr. Ganesh, as given below:

Hi Swagatam, I have come across your site and find your work very inspiring. I am currently working on a Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) program for year 4-5 students in Australia. The project focuses on increasing children’s curiosity about science and how it connects to real-world applications. 

The program also introduces empathy in the engineering design process where young learners are introduced to a real project (context) and engages with their fellow school peers to solve a worldly problem.  For the next three years, our focus is on introducing children to the science behind electricity and the real-world application of electrical engineering. An introduction to how engineers solve real-world problems for the greater good of society. 

I am currently working on online content for the program, which will focus on young learners(Grade 4-6) learning the basics of electricity, in particular, renewable energy, i.e. solar in this instance. Through a self-directed learning program, children learn and explore about electricity and energy, as they are introduced to a real-world project, i.e. providing lighting to children sheltered in the refugee camps around the world.  On completion of a five-week program, children are grouped in teams to construct solar lights, which are then sent to the disadvantaged children around the world.

As a not 4 profit educational foundation we are seeking your assistance to layout a simple circuit diagram, which could be used for the construction of a 1 watt solar light as practical activity in class. We have also procured 800 solar light kits from a manufacturer, which the children will assemble, however, we need someone to simplify the circuit diagram of these light kits, which will be used for simple lessons on electricity, circuits, and calculation of power, volts, current and conversion of solar energy to electrical energy.

I look forward to hearing from you and keep on with your inspiring work.

The Circuit Design

Whenever a simple yet safe solar controller is required we inevitably go for the ubiquitous IC LM317. Here too, we use the same inexpensive device for implementing the proposed 1 watt LED lamp using a solar panel.

The complete circuit design can be seen below:

A quick inspection reveals that if a current control is present, voltage regulation can be ignored. Here's a simplified version for the above concept, using only a current limiter circuit.

solar 1 watt led lamp circuit



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Next: Homemade 2000 VA Power Inverter Circuit

About Swagatam

I am an electronic engineer (dipIETE ), hobbyist, inventor, schematic/PCB designer, manufacturer. I am also the founder of the website: https://www.homemade-circuits.com/, where I love sharing my innovative circuit ideas and tutorials.
If you have any circuit related query, you may interact through comments, I'll be most happy to help!

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  1. Search Related Posts for Commenting

  2. Pradip Kumar Das says

    Hello Swagatam.

    First of all, thanks a lot for these circuits in this article.

    I would like to know if you consider this LED driver built with VIPer22A is more efficient than the one built with TPS92314A as shown in your article https://www.homemade-circuits.com/7-watt-led-driver-smps-circuit/. From the datasheet that you shared for VIPer22A seems that the driver is around 75% efficient where this data is not available in your article for the driver with TPS92314A. Basically, my requirement is to select one driver which should be as power efficient as possible as I am working on energy optimisation in our apartment, and hence I would appreciate if you suggest a best driver for 5 watt (5 number of 1 watt LED connected in series) drawing around 300-350 mA current at 16 volt approximately. Secondly, I realised that IC TPS92314A is not available as spare in online if I am not mistaken.

    Please suggest.

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      Thank you Pradip, the 7 watt LED driver circuit explained should be more efficient than the VIPer circuit since the design works with a non isolated inductor, and has an external MoSFET buck driver.

      However, instead of building these complex SMPS circuits, I would recommend you to purchase any good quality 12 V 2 amp SMPS from the market, and connect 6nos of 1watt LEDs in two rows of 3 series strings. You can put LM317 current limiters in series with each of these strings externally. to ensure a current controlled supply for the LEDs

      IC TPS92314A can be purchased from any online store

      Reply
  3. RAJESH says

    sir, This seems to be great. But Sir I am a lay man. I need a driver 0.5 to1 wat for a 3.5 volt 5 mm ,or 8 mm LED , to be hung on photos etc. I need `50 drivers. if u know any one pl mail me. I am doing this as a hobby,

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      Hello Rajesh, you can use the following concept for your requirement

      https://www.homemade-circuits.com/simple-220v-smps-buck-converter-circuit/

      Please note that the circuit is not isolated and is dangerous to touch in open and powered condition

      Reply
  4. jayanath says

    dear sir, do you have any circuit for 2 or 3 nos 1 watt leds alternate fading on and off. request instructions. thank you.

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      Jayanath, you can try this
      1 watt led fading circuits

      R1, R4 = 680 Ω
      R2, R3 = 18K
      C1 = 100 μF
      C2 = 100 μF
      T1, T2 = BC547

      For fading effect you can optimize the base resistors and capacitor at the base of TIP122

      Reply
      • jayanath says

        ok sir thanks. again thanks for the early reply.

        Reply
  5. SHANAVAS says

    Hello sir
    Every LED TV technicians badly need a testing device called “LED Back Light Checker” which costs around 1000/- in local markets. if you publish a circuit diagram of this device it will be very useful to them.

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      Thanks Shanavas, I’ll investigate the concept, and if feasible I’ll create an article on this.

      Reply
  6. Thiter says

    Hello sir,
    How can I use 1.0k, 250 MEF capacitor to design a transformerless portable LED light of 12 leds and 230 vac

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      Hello Thiter, 250uF cannot be used in a transformerless power supply for LEDs

      Reply
  7. Rajendra Kumar Rojal says

    Thanks again

    Reply
  8. Rajendra kumar Rojal says

    Sir, I could procure Electrolytic capacitor of 450 volt 100 micro farad. whether it will serve the purpose ? Further, 500K resistor is not available instead 560K is available. Please guide.

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      Hi Rajendra, they are OK, no problem! You can use them!

      Reply
  9. Rajendra kumar Rojal says

    Thanks

    Reply
  10. Rajendra kumar Rojal says

    please let me know the number of Mosfet as 1 Amp/400 volt is not available.

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      You can use IRF740

      Reply
  11. Charan says

    Hi Swagatam, i tried the basic transformerless circuit from u r previous posts and ive used single 1 watt led but resistor started heating up. I am using 474k/400v cap and single led (1 Watt) . since there r many ckts in ur site which uses 1uF cap suggest me a ckt suitable for me….

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      Hi Charan, you can remove all the resistors and just use a single 100uF/50V capacitor, but make sure to add a 6V 1 watt zener diode after the bridge rectifier, and yes you can use a 1uF/400V instead of 474 for greater brightness.

      for full brightness you can incorporate the following concept, but again make sure to replace the zener diode with a 6V zener

      https://homemade-circuits.com/2016/07/scr-shunt-for-protecting-capacitive-led.html

      Reply
  12. Rajagilse says

    Sir, could I put NTC in place of so many diodes in the under mentioned circuit, then will it become surge proof ? could I put about 15 no. of 1 watt LED for that ? Is there any alteration needed ?

    2.bp.blogspot.com/-nKF8T8lKIxY/UMg7YDLNQ3I/AAAAAAAAB8U/S1OWTK0cMD4/s1600/Surge%20free%20transformerless%201%20watt%20LED%20driver%20circuit.png

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      Raja, yes that's possible but NTC will need to be placed in series with the supply, not at the points where diodes are connected.

      it will prevent surge but it will not stabilize the voltage, and it is recommended only for initial switch ON current control not for round the clock control

      15 no LED can be used, but should be in series

      Reply
  13. Rajagilse says

    Sir, what alterations should I do if put 5 watt single led in place of 1 watt?

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      Raja, 5 watt cannot be used in the above circuit, you can try the following circuit instead

      https://homemade-circuits.com/2016/07/scr-shunt-for-protecting-capacitive-led.html

      Reply
  14. Aabhishek Sharma says

    Should I might also consider checking diodes before restarting the circuit after repair.

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      Yes, make sure all the parts along with the 1N4007 diodes are original, and of good quality.

      use a 12V / 1 watt zener across the output +/- lines, this will prevent the capacitor from getting damaged.

      remember this circuit is for 1 watt LED, NOT for 20mA LED, if you want to use 20mA LED then replace the 105/400V capacitor with a 0.22uF/400V capacitor.

      please don't do anything without understanding

      Reply
  15. Aabhishek Sharma says

    Hi sir, I made circuit and actually was working perfectly but after 2 minutes the third capacitor 100uf 63v got burst, I was using only one red colour led (normal) everything else is same.

    Reply
  16. Aabhishek Sharma says

    hello swagatam sir,
    in the first circuit ,instead of 4.7uf,250v can i use 10 uf,250v.
    If i make first circuit as it is ,then also NTC is necessary?
    regards
    aabhishek sharma

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      Hello Abhishek,

      you can use 10uF/250V, however if a single NTC is used then these big capacitors can be eliminated

      Reply
  17. Pradip Raj Adhikary says

    Blog has been removed

    Sorry, the blog at homemadecircuitsandschematics.blogspot.com has been removed. This address is not available for new blogs.

    Reply
  18. Unknown says

    Hi Swagatam,
    I have been following your blog for quite some time.Its a very good blog and I have made many circuits by following your circuits. I wanted to make led street lights but the frames i have are the old types you know those 40 watts one. So can you tell me how to make them like the circuit and what type of led's can be used to have bright white light.

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      Hi, thanks, the power will depend on your choice and the source of power.

      the frame or the fixture can be only used as the base, the wiring won't be of much use, however you could refer to the following circuit and possibly modify your 40 watt strips accordingly

      https://homemade-circuits.com/2014/06/led-tube-light-circuit-which-will-fit.html

      Reply
  19. Swagatam says

    ..without transformerless power supply??? sorry that may not be possible because connecting LEDs directly to mains will blow them up

    Reply
  20. Jony Hossain says

    sir I want to build a circuit without transformerless power supply for eight led 4-4 series and two series are parallel,
    but I can't build this circuit. Please help me

    Reply
  21. Swagatam says

    Hi Mr. Fidel you can use the following design, but you will need to skip one pinout of the IC between each sequence, in the diagram the sequence is continuous, which will need to be changed:

    https://homemade-circuits.com/2013/08/single-push-10-step-selector-switch.html

    Reply
  22. fidel catsro says

    hi Mr Swagatam, I would like to make a single on /off button switch circuit that controls 2 different paths to switch 2 different appliances at each on/off button, means first press ON it switches on a lightbulb A, press button again it switches OFF light A, press same button again, it will switch lightbulb B, press same button it turns off, press again it comes back to light A,and so on..

    Reply
  23. Flavio Soprano says

    Luego de casi un lustro llega a Sur América problemas para resolver tecnolócamente que ud mi estimado amigo ha resuelto y compartido… gracias… hacía hace un tiempo este circuito para leds de 60mW y me preguntaba si funcionaría con chups de 1w. Saludos y gracias.

    After almost five years come to South America to solve problems you my dear friend and shared resolved … thanks … some time ago this circuit 60mW LEDs and wondered if it would work with chups 1w. Greetings and thanks.

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      thanks very much, Im glad to know this!

      Reply
  24. prithipal singh says

    Hello swagatam ji
    4.7 mfd 250v is electrolytic capacitors

    Reply
  25. Madamidola temitope says

    wonderful work you are doing here.
    more power to your elbow sir.

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      you are most welcome Madamidola

      Reply
  26. kamlesh_sexy says

    Hi friend,
    I liked 2nd diagram, but I don't have 10uf 250v capacitor at the moment, currently I have:
    10uf in 16v, 25v, 50v, 63v.
    so what capacitor voltage I can use instead of 10uf 250v??? please suggest me.

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      Hi friend, you can try 100uF/25V instead, just connect a 12V zener in parallel with the vertical 1N4007 diode

      Reply
  27. Naresh S says

    And which circuit is safety first one or the second one?

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      second one but light will be less.

      Reply
  28. Naresh S says

    Hey sir

    What if i use 1uf 650 v ppc instead of 400v?

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      naresh, yes it will do…

      Reply
  29. Aneil Khadgi says

    Hello Sir . can i used 12v 1amp adapter to 10 watt led

    Reply
  30. Baron Joe says

    Sir!
    Can this be modify to detect overvoltage, a spike or a transient
    in the mains? Light up the led, and way not log it with an ARDUINO 😉
    Tank's, Joe.

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      Baron, the over voltage can be simply stabilized by putting a zener diode across the LED terminals, and the spike or transient can be controlled by inserting an NTC thermistor alone or in conjunction with an MOV 😉

      Reply
  31. kamlesh_sexy says

    Hi friend,
    How are you? hope u doing gr8, I am again in little confucsed with led current value, i mean i went to market few days ago to buy 50nos 1w led, but in one shop i got only 20nos and another shop i got 30, so i got total 50nos. Ok after taht i came to home and connect led's to desire voltage (output voltage of battery is 3.2v) the 20nos of led (from 1st shop) brightness is ok, but another 30nos led (from 2nd shop) brightness is different, my question is how to know led current value, i mean 350ma or 300ma? is there any calulation method or any way to check the led current????
    Thank you….

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      Hi friend, I don't think there's any testing equipment or method which will identify the wattage of an unknown LED??

      but in your case it's just because of difference in quality or color spec….both could be 1 watt/350mA but due to different brand, the illumination could be slightly different.

      Reply
  32. fidel catsro says

    dear Swagatham, in reference to the simple single diode schematic diagram : can I replace the 1megaohm resistor in parallel to the 105uf 400v ac capacitor with a neon bulb instead? the 1 megaohm resistor is a simple discharge mechanism to prevent the cap from keeping its current in it and causing a shock when touched accidentally etc whilst being removed from the ac outlet right?

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      dear fidel,

      you can use a neon bulb in series with the 1M resistor…..but you cannot replace it

      that's right, it's for discharging the dangerous mains potential when the circuit is unplugged

      Reply
  33. Lord of Blackspot says

    Dear sir,
    I want to attach it a single 5 mm led to project its beam on the wall clock.
    So how can be modified this circuit for a single 5mm led? (enough brightness which shouldn't harm led's durability)
    Thank you so much sir.

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      use a 0.33uF/400V capacitor in place of the shown 105/400V cap, you can try a 0.22uF/400 first if it does not give sufficient light then go for the 0.33uF/400V option

      Reply
  34. Lord of Blackspot says

    Dear sir,
    this is Shrinivas from Amravati.
    How can be modified this circuit to draw 20mA (for single 5mm LED)? Coz I've tried single 5mm for this circuit bt it lits very brightly which is resulting high temp & no durability. So please suggest exact value (for R?)
    Thank you so much sir.

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      Dear Srinivas, replace the input 105/400V capacitor with a 0.33uF/400V capacitor

      Reply
  35. Swagatam says

    series connection does not call for current multiplication, rather it involves voltage multiplication….so for 50 LEDs in series current requirement will be 100mA….but voltage requirement could be approximately 50 x 3.3 = 165V

    Reply
  36. sat says

    IN 4007 diode is rated for 1000v – 1A. connecting 50 x1w leds would put 5000mA (100mA per 1W led) through the DIODE Bridge.. Pl explain how can it work?

    Reply
  37. Janith Chathuranga says

    sir, i want to make this circuit with 10 * 1W leds in 230v
    how can do it?

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      Janith, simply connect them in series with the shown circuit….that' all, if possible connect a coil in series with the LEDs as indicated in the following article:

      https://homemade-circuits.com/2015/05/make-1-watt-led-lamp-using-20ma-leds.html

      Reply
  38. James Franco says

    I tried to add inductor (2.4mF), but it does not higher PF. Did you find any solution for improving PF?

    Reply
  39. NJ says

    Hello Swagatam,

    i have followed ur ckt . i want to connect the 18 LED having voltage 3.2V Current 150mA . i have used the 105J 400V capacitor . on AC side the current consumption is 70mA while on DC side at led it is 55mA only . I want to insincere the DC current at led side up to 130mA and decrease the AC current up to 30mA.

    Kindly suggest mi how to do that

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      Hello NJ, that's not possible with a capacitor power supply because the input/output stages are not isolated.

      Reply
  40. Bambang says

    Hi Swagatam, i like your blog. i have question related changing "2pcs of 4,7uf/250v and 2 pcs of 10 ohm/1watt with 1 pcs of NTC. what value of NTC of it? is it 20 ohm?

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      Hi Bambang, it can be a 5 ohm NTC as shown in the following article:

      https://homemade-circuits.com/2013/02/using-ntc-resistor-as-surge-suppressor.html

      Reply
  41. Kimaya Samarth says

    hello,
    Can you suggest a circuit to reduce the flickering of LED which is powered by energy generated from a small turbine rotated by water.approx voltage across LED is 1.6v

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      just connect a 100uF/25V capacitor directly across the LED leads.

      Reply
  42. Naresh S says

    sir shall i use 105k/250v instead of 1uf /400v?

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      It can be used but it won't be reliable….

      Reply
  43. mahendiran T.V says

    dear sir,
    Can i replace 1uf/400V by 220nF/400V or 1uf/250V

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      1uF/250V can be tried

      Reply
  44. aravind says

    hai sir,
    i am aravind
    while i am surfing through internet i found that 1uf cap will provide 40ma.
    then how it glows 1 watt led which requires 300ma.
    does 40ma amp is enough?
    please explain.

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      Hi Aravind, 1uF will produce 70mA not 40mA, but anyway the LEDs will not get 300mA from it and will light up with 70mA brightness only.

      Reply
  45. Hemant Rajput says

    PLEASE help me i need 12-17 voltage circuit and minimum 0.5 ampere current and i only want to use maximum of 2 reistance and two capacitor and one bridge rectifire like in the circuit i mentioned in link.I just want to know the value of resistance and capacitance for my purpose
    cdn.instructables.com/FZG/3MTW/G3KY0MRL/FZG3MTWG3KY0MRL.LARGE.jpg

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      Sorry that's not possible, you will have to include a transistor stage also for reliability and safety because at 0.5amps the initial surge will be too high which could damage the load instantly.

      Reply
  46. Naresh S says

    Hi Sir,

    What is the output voltage and current of the circuit?

    Thanks,
    Naresh.S

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      Hi Naresh, It would settle down to the 100uF capacitor voltage rating without load. and when a load is connected such as an LED it would further come down to 3.3V

      Reply
  47. Abid Ginwala says

    Hi, Can you guide me with making of LED Street light using 30 Nos. 1W SMD LEDs connected in 3 rows in parallel with 10 LED's in Series. I will use available ready-made good LED Driver (pls give spec of Driver required). Thanx

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      Hi You'll need a 33V, 350mA SMPS driver circuit, preferably a current controlled type, if it's not current controlled you could employ the first design from the following link, in conjunction with it.

      https://homemade-circuits.com/2013/06/universal-high-watt-led-current-limiter.html

      Reply
  48. Saeed Abu says

    Bro how can i drive multicolor 3/4 LED by 220v through resistance only? it will be used as night lamp.

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      use a 2k/20 watt resistor

      Reply
  49. Ransara Wijitharathna says

    Hello I like your post very much keep it up!!!
    Can I connect about 50 ,5mm leds to this circuit without big 1W leds??

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      hi thanks!
      yes you can connect them…put them all in series.
      use 474/400V instead of 105/400V

      Reply
  50. hanumanth says

    Hello Sir,

    I have seen your posting of 1watt led drive from mains supply its good i have tried but,
    my led has blown out and i have checked the out put is showing 320v Dc..
    I have used the the below parts..
    1) 1N4007
    2) Resistor 1mego ohm 1/4watts
    3) Resistor 56ohms 1watt..
    4) capacitor 105/400v polyster type.
    5) Capacitor 104/250v polyster type.
    6) LED 1watt white.
    I have connected as per the draw shown above kinldy le me know where im doing the mistake..
    mains voltage i have given 240volts to the above circuit..
    Kindly help me sir…
    Hanumanth

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      replace 104/250 with 10uF/250V, or alternatively you can add an NTC as suggested in the following article.

      https://homemade-circuits.com/2013/02/using-ntc-resistor-as-surge-suppressor.html

      Reply
  51. Jayanath Ranasinghe says

    Can i use J3305 transistor sir?

    Reply
  52. Jayanath Ranasinghe says

    is there any circuit to glow 10w single chip led from 230v main?

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      an smps is the only solution, no other easier method.

      Reply
  53. Virendra singh says

    how to lighten up 20 LED of one watt each connected in parallel , n how many voltage require i have a 35voltage DC battery and how to control upcoming voltage from battery to glow much brighter

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      with 35V you get an opportunity to connect 10 LEDs in series with a single limiting resistor, so with 20 LEDs you can make two such strings and connect them in parallel.

      The resistor value will be 6 Ohm 1 watt for each string.

      The above set up will produce the most optimal response from the LEDs

      Reply
  54. Swapnil Sinalkar says

    which type of capacitor used at input & output stage for above circuit please tell. as early as possible

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      input is metallized polyester, and output can be a metallized polyester or an electrolytic

      Reply
  55. Swagatam says

    Dear Muhammad,

    You will have to measure the volts across the leads of the LED, and measure current in series with the LED, then multiply the results to get the wattage.

    Reply
  56. Wajed Pasha says

    Hi sir I'm planing to connect 40 1 watt led's in series so i want to add an fan speed controller for dimming. I'm interested in electronic but i don have much knowledge in electronic plese help me can u send me the pic of ready circuit for reference wajedpasha58@gmail I'm waiting for Ur reply

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      Hi Wajed,

      please refer to the last diagram in this article, you can try this for your project:

      https://homemade-circuits.com/2012/11/using-fan-dimmer-for-controlling-led.html

      Reply
  57. parthiban says

    dear mr.Swagatam,

    i need transformerless LED driver for 3Watt LED

    Reply
  58. masoud says

    Hi output voltage of about 3 volts. Is it possible to add., And because the filter capacitor should be 250 volts.

    Reply
  59. Swagatam says

    Hi, What is your driver voltage?

    You will need to put appropriately calculated resistors with each ED, only then all will light up with uniform brightness.

    Reply
  60. Swagatam says

    ……sorry i meant 20mA

    Reply
  61. Swagatam says

    If it's 20mm type then yes you can use it with full capacity

    Reply
  62. Swagat Suryawanshi says

    Can you please provide me any link, or provide me some hint to understand how did you arrive at the input side capacitor of 1uF/400V? I mean how does this value of capacitor restrict or limit the current that is being used by power-led? Also how are we restricting the voltage supplied to the led to 3.4V. I know that even if we provide 5V to the led the forward drop will always be 3.4V; but still if we provide a higher voltage maybe something like 200Vdc then I believe the led will burn out. Then how do we limit the voltage supplied to the led?

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      The current is important here which we want to limit by putting a resistance in series with the mains, the capacitor acts like a resistance here which is calculated by calculating its reactance, you can Google a little to find the formula for reactance, this will be in Ohms, next you can employ Ohms law to calculate the current that can be limited through this reactance or resistance.

      Reply
    • Swagatam says

      The voltage gets automatically restricted to load voltage only in case the current is considerably lower than the maximum spec of the load (LED here), since a 1uF/400V can allow a max of 70mA which is far less than the 1watt LEDs 350mA, the voltage settles down to the LED FWD V level

      Reply
  63. Swagatam says

    …i mean it won't drive with full illumination, anyway you can try connecting the LEDs in series with the above circuit and see the results.

    Reply
  64. Swagatam says

    The above power supply will not be able to illuminate 1 watt LEDs even after suitable changes.

    Reply
  65. Tanay Makwana says

    hi!
    when I made the above ckt the resistor 56 ohms just gets blows and if it doesn't, the LED lights up but with very low brightness

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      please make this circuit:

      2.bp.blogspot.com/-nKF8T8lKIxY/UMg7YDLNQ3I/AAAAAAAAB8U/S1OWTK0cMD4/s1600/Surge%20free%20transformerless%201%20watt%20LED%20driver%20circuit.png

      Use 6 diodes and not 12, if you are connecting 1 LEd only

      Reply
      • Rajendra Kumar Rojal says

        Very nice and perfect circuit.
        I made and used under your kind advices. Thanks again. By the way can you suggest substitute of 150/400 as it is too big. I also made circuit of six 1N 4007 perfectly. That is also nice. Please also advise me a perfect and durable five one watt LED circuit.
        Thanks again.

        Reply
        • Swagatam says

          Thank you, Glad you liked it.

          Are you referring to the 105/400V cap. It is not too big. A 105/400V will produce 50 mA, lower values will produce even lower current, may not be suitable. In the 4rth MOSFET circuit you can add any number of LEDs up to 90 in series, and they all will light up with equal brightness. You just have to adjust the pot accordingly for getting the required brightens.

          Reply
        • Swagatam says

          OK, understood, you can replace it with a 10uF/400V

          Reply
  66. Vivek Kumar says

    Sir

    when i have made this circuit i got only 2.82 volt on each 1 Watt led.. so pls help me how to increase volt to 3.3V…
    I have used following items…
    1. 105K/400volt capacitor
    2. 150 or 570K resistance for cap
    3. 4 diode 4007
    4. 56 ohm resistance 2 watt
    5. 100V/100mf condenser
    6. 1watt 3LED in series

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      Hi Vivek,

      Increasing current won't be a good idea and is not recommended for such power supplies, instead you can use ordinary 5mm LEDs and connect 50 of them in series, it will produce much higher illumination than a three 1 watt LEDs.

      Reply
  67. Andre S. says

    Dear Sir, i am no expert like you..

    i want to try build a led driver.

    the DC output should be

    14 Ampere (60 * 700mA) , 168 volt (2,8 * 60) , 60 Watt (60 pc * 1 W)

    since i want use 1 W led, DC2.3-2.8V 700mA each (read it on the spec of the bulb)..

    i want to use 60 piece bulb of 1w power led.

    is the DC out that i calculate is right or wrong ?

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      Dear Andre,

      You can use the circuit which is given in the above article, by connecting all the LEds in series to the output. Be sure to connect a thermistor in series with the input of the above transformerless power supply and increase the input capacitor value to 5uF/400V non-polar

      Your current calculation needs correction…..when LEDs are connected in series the current gets shared, meaning in your case the current would be just 700mA…..
      By the way 1 watt LEDs are rated at 350mA not 700mA, I am doubtful about your specs.

      Reply
  68. Shaun P says

    Hello Swagatam!
    Thank you for all of your time answering everyone's questions. I would like to use your circuit design in a middle school project to create LED light fixtures housed in home cut and planed cherry wood housings. I am wondering which of your two posted designs you would recommend for this project, and how many 1 watt LED's you think would be appropriate for a 3 foot long bar type fixture to give an impression of consistent lighting when used as uplighting mounted above eye level on a wall (I am imaging a simple V design for the housing).

    Thank You!

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      Hello Shaun,

      34nos 1 watt LEDs would be enough within a 3ft span. Remember that you will need a heatsink back PCB for mounting the LEds and an additional thick aluminum heatsink attached behind the PCB for optimum cooling.

      Along with this you will have to incorporate a current limiter circuit with each LED module, and the the whole thing will need to be powered through a 2amp 12V smps.

      For wiring details and calculations you may refer to the following post:

      https://homemade-circuits.com/2013/02/make-this-1000-watt-led-flood-light.html

      Reply
  69. Swagatam says

    CFL bubs are very complicated to build because they involve inductors which are too critical…so i am sorry, no ideas.

    Reply


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