Wishlist for a LED Driver: 1.5-9Vin, 1A out, nothing fancy but SOLID

[Flipside]

I understand that there's lots of drivers out there (Link 1, Link 2) but after looking at what's available to purchase, I'm still not satisified. The title of this post pretty much sums up my focus.

If there's enough interest, and firm specifications that can be met and achieved, I'm into comissioning a development program to supply the demand.

Blue sky wish lists are welcome, but the final product will need to be practical, and utilize components that are available off the shelf.

So, what are your specs for a driver?

 

[Cydonia]

I would like to see the MicroPuck available in 1amp sizes. The Micropuck is such a unique driver... epoxy encapsulated, very very small... moisture and water resistant... no heatsinking needed... indeed a very rugged part. No exposed coil inductor to break from G forces of being dropped. Despite the inefficiency of Puck's in boost configurations... they are, in my opinion, the best thing out there (because of their many strengths).

 

[Stereodude]

Frankly I'm not sure you want a single driver for 1.5V to 9V. That would require a buck-boost drive configuration which is generally about 10% less efficient than a standard boost or a standard buck. You only need a buck-boost if the input voltage can be both above and below Vf. This really only happens with 3 1.5V batteries or single Li-Ion cells.

 

[SafetyBob]

Stereodude, what I think the consensus will be is to have something like a MicroPuck at 1A with 2 C or D cells, and 1A with 3 or 4 cells. I read your statement about about 3 1.5V flashlights, so if that is a problem...let's for get it and go with 4 cell flashlight (4 C's in a 3 D flashlight works I believe). Above 4 cells and I think most of us agree that the flashlight is becoming way to big and heavy for any regular usage by us or a family member.

So you are correct......a 1A boost and a 1A buck with the above battery configuration would be primo. Let me add one more configuration. 2x emoli or A123's that everyone is gettting out of the tool powerpacks. Those batteries would give tremendous run times for single 1A led.

Let's not get into tri-cree or quad-cree flashlights yet....I think enough of us want a great, one LED flashlight that is kick butt but usable for daily kicking around. Perhaps with your knowledge we can get into the multiple, single stage flashlights later (that driver is impossible to find too).

Bob E.

 

[clg0159]

How about a constant current boost converter with range 0.8V to 3V outputing I=750-800ma. This would be great for a 2AA cell Nimh setup!