Just another item in the mix LT3783 dedicated led driver will do buck or sepic and there is a power switch and under volt lockout and current limit... if you need to dim pwm in... I have a couple working as sepics on my desk @24v but will work down to 6v... Steve -----Original Message----- From: piclist-bounces@mit.edu [mailto:piclist-bounces@mit.edu] On Behalf Of RussellMc Sent: 17 January 2013 15:24 To: Microcontroller discussion list - Public. Subject: Re: [PIC] Simple PWM Regulation > Why not just PWM all the way to the LEDs? Then you don't need a regulator= .. Pure PWM which applies Vin to the LEDs may cause I_LED to be 3+ times more than rated value when on. Some will die very soon, others just have lifetimes reduced or much reduced= .. Say I =3D 20 mA at 12V with V_LED =3D 3.2V. R series =3D (12- 3 x 3.2)/0.02 =3D 120 Ohms Now apply 18V which is required top end of Vin range. Assume V_LED rises to 3.5V. I =3D (18- 3 x 3.5) /120 =3D 62.5 mA Adding a series R and a cap on the LED side will allow the LED Voltage rise to be controlled, at the expense of capacitor ripple current. Russell McMahon --=20 http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive View/change your membership options at http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist --=20 http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive View/change your membership options at http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist .