Simple LED Lamp

Introduction
This is a minimal parts lamp made with four white LEDs. It features regulated light output from 10V to
around 20V and works well as a flashlight.

Specifications
Nominal Operating Voltage: 12V DC
Operating Current: 40ma

Theory
The LM317L and resistor act as a current regulator set to 40ma. Current flows from the battery
through one pair of LEDs, through the regulator, through the other pair of LEDs, and back to the
battery. The capacitor filters out noise on the power supply lines. The LED pairs must be matched so
that the current through them is roughly equivalent. Small resistors could be placed in series with
each of the four LEDs to improve the balance, but the parts count would go way up.

Construction
There is one trick with this circuit; matched pairs of LEDs must be used. Normally, a batch of LEDs
from the same manufacturer will be matched close enough for this application. If unmatched LEDs are
used, one LED per pair will be bright and the other one will be dim. It is best to first build the circuit on
a plug-in proto board to verify that the LEDs light evenly.

Alignment
If you have a variable power supply, it is best to bring the voltage up slowly the first time power is
applied to the circuit. If any of the LEDs don't light, turn off the power and fix the problem. If all of the
LEDs light up evenly, the circuit should work (for many years) on 12V.

Power Supply
Connect this circuit to a 12V battery or power supply, be sure to observe the correct polarity. The
LEDs should put out a bright white light. You can read by this light, and it is useful for emergency
illumination. The low current draw allows it to run for many hours on a battery.

Electronic Parts
4x white LEDs (matched), T1-3/4 size 1x 30 ohm 1/4 W resistor
1x 0.1uF capacitor 1x LM317L adjustable voltage regulator

Reference:
http://www.solorb.com/