Running MCE/SSC in Parallel in Series

[Chipsticks]

Hi all, first post!

I have been looking at the Meanwell ELN-60 LED power supplies because these provide 1-10V analog dimming and a constant current all in one package. To make the most of them I'd need to run the CREE X-RE LEDs as four parallel strings (6 x 4 strings) but I don't really have a good enough grasp of current mirroring to implement this.

So....

Can I safely run series strings of MCE or SSC P7s?

For example: Meanwell supply a 24V 2.5A power supply / driver variant.

I'd like to run 6 CREE MCE/SEOUL SSC P7s in series off this. Is there anything I should know about the parallel dies or is it just this simple? No other circuitry required?

I'd also welcome any feedback on which of the SSC/MCE people prefer and why. They seem much of a muchness.

 

[HarryN]

Hi, Welcome to CPF.

I looked at the data sheet and from the specs, it seems like a pretty decent driver. You are correct, the ELN-60-24 seems like it can run 6 Cree MC-Es in series, or P7s, which will make for a nice bright room. The price is quite good for this kind of setup - the comparable products are the Advanced Transformer products. http://www.advancetransformer.com/products/led.jsp

The thing to keep in mind with these more commercially oriented power supplies is that they are designed to fit into a commercial lighting environment, which means that dimming is not accomplished with a potentiometer, but instead using a 0-10 V signal. In other words, you need a matching commercial dimmer designed with a 0-10 V output. (also an off the shelf produt though)

There is a fixed lighting specific area of CPF here which might have a little more info, but it tends to sometimes be a bit misc. oriented.

http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/forumdisplay.php?f=18

 

[Chipsticks]

Hi Harry and thanks for the response.

I have a 0-10V line available from a custom controller.

What I really needed to know is if there would be any issues with thermal runaway on these parallel configured dies?

Normally running LED strings in parallel can bring the issue of mismatched voltages increasing current to one string over the other. The extra heat creates a thermal path which makes them draw even more current etc etc until they blow.

Is this an issue with the MCE or SSC P7 dies or are they all well matched enough to make running a string of these safe?