Modeling of Inrush Current Surges-LED Strip Drivers Case Study

This paper is an investigation into the high inrush current effect that emerges during the energizing of drivers of different circuit types loaded by light-emitting-diode (LED) strips. Two different driver circuit types were analyzed-a voltage stabilization (VS) circuit utilizing a Zener diode, and a current stabilization (CS) circuit type in the form of an integrated circuit (IC). Inrush current waveforms were calculated for drivers loaded by various numbers of LEDs. In the frame of the study, analysis executed for drivers energized by diverse input voltage RMS values at different switching-on phases was performed. The analysis is comprised of experimental verification of LT SPICE simulation results of current waveforms and calculations of current peak values appearing while switching on the supply voltage. The developed models for simulation needs were elaborated concerning precise reflection of the real current and voltage waveforms obtained during oscilloscopic registration of the switching-on process. The assumed simulation model parameters were mainly attuned in view of steady-state current simulations, and the implemented method of high-frequency (HF) transient modeling allowed for precise current waveform reflection. Finally, the utilization effectiveness of the proposed simple inrush current limiting circuit was estimated.