PLED ultra-low holding current series can reduce LED driver cost

Littelfuse has introduced a series of PLEDs with an ultra-low holding current (just 21mA) making the ballast drivers extensively used in the output of fluorescent tubes compatible with modern replacement LED strings or tubes. This removes the need to scrap otherwise still-working ballasts when replacing fluorescent lighting tubes with LED strings or tubes. The series also guarantees that the ballast will be able to activate the LED string or tube; this is especially important for ballasts that need the capability of detecting high voltage outputs during ignition. Typical applications for the PLEDs include replacing both indoor and outdoor fluorescent lighting tubes with LED lighting tubes or strings. “For our customers, the PLED Ultra-Low Holding Current Series offers them the opportunity to reduce their LED driver cost and avoid discarding still-functional ballasts,” said Meng Wang, product marketing manager for LED Protectors at Littelfuse. “With this series, they can make less expensive LED drivers that are still compatible with the ballast’s output.”