Driver for IR LEDs ??

Scattergun · Aug 20, 2011

I have been thinking of building a serious IR-thrower from one of the D-size MagLites, but I am a little curious about the voltage these LEDs are using! It seems most IR-LEDs are using something between 1,5-1,7 Volts at a relatively high Amperage. I could just hook up two in series to an ordinary driver, but then I´d have trouble getting an optic or a reflector for two. Is there a driver for one IR-LED available?

Morelite · Aug 20, 2011

What current are you looking to drive this IR emitter at and what light do you want to use this in?

Scattergun · Aug 20, 2011

Something along the lines of 1,5A in a D-size Maglite but 1A is sufficient.

Der Wichtel · Aug 20, 2011

you can use any constant current driver that delivers 1-1.5A

Scattergun · Aug 20, 2011

But that would limit me to a single alkaline cell or at most two NimH wouldn´t it?

Der Wichtel · Aug 20, 2011

You can use as many batteries you want as long as you stay within the driver specs

Scattergun · Aug 20, 2011

So, if I understand you correctly, I could use a simple AMC7135 to regulate a current of say 1400mA from 2 or 3 D-cells and run a 1,5-1,7V IR LED safely. Will this driver regulate the Voltage to the correct spec?

Der Wichtel · Aug 20, 2011

Yes because it is a current regulator.
However the AMC7135 is a linear regulator which burns the excess voltage to heat. Since it needs at least 2.7V you'll have poor efficiency.
the best efficiency you'll achieve is 1.7V/2.7V = 62%

Scattergun · Aug 20, 2011

But if I go under 2,7 the regulator will fall into direct drive won´t it?
Seems like a cheap solution to make a 2D MagLite into a IR flashlight though! I´ll order a 5W LED from Ebay and try it out with my NVG´s!

Der Wichtel · Aug 20, 2011

it wil shut off below 2.7V as far as I know

Scattergun · Aug 20, 2011

Well...that´s a problem...
What about a 3D Maglite and two 5W LEDs in series driven by a AMC7135?
I could use separate reflectors or optics, and just hide it under the IR-filter in front.

Driver for IR LEDs ??

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