Power regulators

[Zero_Enigma]

Ok I understand the buck and boost regulators I think but I'm curious for applications where say I have 4 x 3.7v Cree/SSC LED's = 14.8v and I want to use a 14.8v battery. What regulator am I to use or can I just use the battery directly should it be a NIMH or LI-ION?

Will my run time then be 1:1 but regulated?

Sorry if I worded a bit confused or such.. I am puzzled and confuzzled.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Steve K]

there is such a thing as a buck-boost regulator, which can run in either buck or boost mode. I believe I've seen one of these from Linear Technology.

You should have a regulator regardless. Maybe just run the Crees in two parallel strings of two in series, and use a buck?

Regardless of what you do, there will be losses when converting the power. A simple series resistor, or a linear regulator could have pretty low losses compared to a switching regulator.

good luck,
Steve K.