What does regulated power supply mean? LED

[Locke141]

Hello,

I ordered 6 color SpectraLite™ Illuminated Pushbutton http://groovygamegear.com/webstore/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=341 from Groovy Game Gear last year and I'm just now getting around to wiring them up. The sight says any 12v regulated power supply will work.

What does regulated power supply mean? Is it referring to regulating the volts and amps like a laser diode driver does?

I have a 12v power brick for my led strip lights, similar to this
 
http://www.ebay.com/itm/5M-3528-RGB-300SMD-LED-Flexible-Light-Strip-Non-Waterproof-44Key-IR-Control-001-/310994074832?

Could I just use this or do I need to add resisters?

Can I use a this
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=351102260261&fromMakeTrack=true&ssPageName=VIP:watchlink:top:en
 or this
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=351102260261&fromMakeTrack=true&ssPageName=VIP:watchlink:top:en

to drive all 6 LEDs?

Thanks

[Generic Eric]

A regulated power supply is an embedded circuit; it converts unregulated AC into a constant DC. With the help of a rectifier it converts AC supply into DC. Its function is to supply a stable voltage (or less often current), to a circuit or device that must be operated within certain power supply limits. The output from the regulated power supply may be alternating or unidirectional, but is nearly always DC (Direct Current).

There are hundreds of schematics based on desired output voltage, but after a quick review of them, I choose this



You'll notice the waveform on the bottom displaying the changing characteristics as it passes through the circuit. 

[Locke141]

(or less often current)

its the whole current thing I am trying to understand.


So if I am using a 12v DC power supply from an old laptop I should be fine?

I read that with laser diodes you have to regulate both Volts and Amps, I think. Will a 12v brick with to many or to few amps burn out the LED faster?

I have 11 DC to DC converters but I am working with 12v LEDs and the supply I want to use is also 12v. My concern is that the web sits says "any regulated power supply" that got me thiking  does the LED use more amps as the heat up and burn out sooner like laser diodes do?

I have used LED with bateries and resters before but never care to much if they would have a shorter life.

Here is the part of GGG produce description that got me thinking:
"Power Requirement: Any regulated DC voltage between 3 and 12v. 5vDC is sufficient for normal installations, with 12vDC being more suitable for use with homemade inserts on standard printer paper."

http://groovygamegear.com/webstore/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=341

[RandyT]

Regulated means just that.  It indicates that the supply will not change appreciably in voltage output, regardless of the load placed on the supply (if operated within the specifications of the regulating element, of course).  There are many types of power supplies out there, and some which are designed for specific equipment may put out voltages higher than indicated in their documentation, and rely on the load to bring the voltage down to it's operating levels.  LED's don't typically put enough of a load on these supplies to do this, so the result is higher voltages than specified on the supply and more current flowing than is safe for the LED.

Always use a regulated supply when powering LED's where the current is limited by a resistor.  PC supplies are fine, as they are a regulated power source.

[lilshawn]

applying a large load to an UNregulated supply can cause the voltage to dip down.

a regulated power supply will not let this happen. it will monitor the voltage output and if it starts to drop below a certain threshold, it will bring the voltage back up to spec. likewise if the load is suddenly dropped, it will not allow the voltage to spike up. (too far anyways called "overshoot")

most "switchmode" power supplies are regulated. but not all are. since you are running only 5 LED's you'd likely be fine with a small supply or simply running them off the computer in which is powering the rest of your system.

if you where running 60 buttons with RGB (180 LED dies total), you would probably have to go to a seperate supply since you'd be pulling huge power when they were all on.

[Locke141]

Thanks guys,

So to be clear. I do to need to add resistors.

12v DC power supply directly to the LEDs is fine?

[RandyT]

None of the buttons we currently sell with lighting require additional resistors, unless they are being connected to voltages which are higher than those specified for that particular part.  The resistors are already built into the lighting units.  It's important to note the voltage ratings for every part, regardless of the source, to make sure they are being used safely.

[Locke141]

Sweet thanks

[pbj]

Approves