I'd like to series-connect an array of five super-brighr LEDs.
Are there any problems that might show up in a few weeks or months if I do this? Are there any special considerations?
I assume that the current would be the same as for one, and the total voltage across the array would be five times the forward voltage for one LED.
I can calculate the series resistor for the voltage output of the power supply.
Your help will be appreciated.
Mark
Series connecting will work fine. Take the voltage drop of all 5 LEDs into consideration when calculating the resistor value. The total current through all LEDs will be the same.
It will work fine. Keep the current below the maximum design current of the leds to ensure a long term reliabilty.
e.g. 20 mA LED, run at 19 mA or less.
Calculate the series R by adding up all LED forward voltages and subtracting it from the supply voltage. Allowe for minor variations as already is suggested by the previous posters.