Whats the diffrence between a driver unit and a transformer? why cant you use a 12v transformer on LED's but you can use a driver unit on them? Has it got somthing to do with a driver unit having a constant voltage and current output and transformer needing a minimum load for it to have a secondary output?? I dunno!!

 

Hello,

A transformer will deliver an AC voltage.
A led driver unit will deliver a constant current for the power led as a led ia a current driven element.
The currents will be different for the different leds.
Always take a look in the led datasheet for the correct driving current.

Bertus

 

So if I had a 12v transformer, no matter how small the load was, it should still power it? ( its not LED's I was just using that as an example)

 

Hello,

Leds are current driven DC components.
Connecting them to a transformer will burn them almost immidiatly.
The current is not limited and the reverse voltage will kill them.

On this page you will find links with a lot of information on leds:
http://www.theledlight.com/technical.html

This is a page from the EDUCYPEDIA page with links on leds:
http://www.educypedia.be/electronics/composemiconductorsled.htm

Bertus