LED lighting has transformed the way we illuminate our surroundings. From dynamic home lighting controlled by smartphone apps to futuristic LED features in electric vehicles, these energy-efficient lights have become an integral part of our lives. However, despite their numerous advantages, LEDs are not immune to challenges. One significant issue is their susceptibility to failure due to overheating. This blog highlights the importance of LED temperature management and provides an overview of a straightforward solution for effective LED overtemperature protection that was outlined in a recent Bourns white paper.

Pros and Cons of Existing Overtemperature Protection Methods

Various techniques have been employed to safeguard LED applications from overheating. NTC thermistors, which function as temperature sensors, have been a popular choice. However, implementing them often involves additional components to account for inaccuracies, increasing both component count and cost. Another common approach involves thermal fuses, but the drawback here is that if the fuse blows then it will require a board and LED replacement.

A Simplified Solution

Addressing the need for simplicity in LED overtemperature protection, Bourns® Model SW Mini-breakers are our smallest surface mount overcurrent/overtemperature protection devices. These ultra-compact devices can be mounted in close proximity to LEDs, offering advanced features ideal for LED applications. For instance, the Model SW70AAB has a tripping value of 70º C and triggers within plus or minus 5º C of the predetermined temperature limit.

The schematic below illustrates how Bourns® Model SW70AAB mini-breakers provide overtemperature protection by cutting power to the LEDs when the predetermined trip temperature is reached. Unlike alternatives with internal self-holding PTC heaters, this model completely cuts the current when tripped, resetting once the ambient temperature cools. This rapid, stable operation, coupled with a 5 milliohm impedance, helps to ensure optimal LED protection.

Other advantages for LED lighting from Bourns® mini-breaker devices include resettable activation, and the ability to enable normal operation to resume almost immediately after removing the overcurrent or overtemperature condition. They are also not susceptible to false trips, thereby eliminating the need for a reset circuit or power cycling. And, their compact footprint is ideal for space-constrained LED designs, allowing placement in direct thermal proximity to the LED for optimal protection.

This effective solution empowers designers to select the precise trip temperature for their LED systems, giving them an optimized and robust protection solution. By keeping LED lighting cool, users can enjoy the benefits of their ambiance for years to come without the threat of overheating.

As LED technology continues to shape our lighting experiences, having a reliable, compact and simple overtemperature protection solution becomes a natural extension to these designs. Bourns® Model SW mini-breakers deliver a practical, efficient, and space-saving option for designers seeking to enhance the longevity and reliability of LED lighting systems.