Challenge:
Design an efficient long life night-light, using up to 30 white LEDs
Solution:
The circuit solution below uses capacitor to limit the current through a
series-parallel string of 30 LEDs.15 LEDs are wired in series in one direction and 15 more in
the other direction. The capacitor limits the average current to about 20ma. The 100 ohm metal
oxide resistor acts as a fuse. As the sketch below depicts, perhaps the final product
would have three clusters of 10 LEDs on three sides of plastic block, which would plug into
the 120vac outlet. They might be angled slightly inward toward the wall, so light would
spill onto the wall behind the device. With quality white LEDs the device should last
for 10 or more years.
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