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Celebrating the independent kiwi spirit of invention.

Original list by Ian Mander started 1 February 2008. Added to this site (Aqualab) 26 November 2008. Database released 27 May 2009.
Please note that the date mentioned below that the database code was last updated is not the date the data itself was last updated.

Driver List
Database code 16 December 2019
Footnotes 10 August 2016

• Step-up drivers
• Low voltage step-down drivers

• Mains drivers
• User interface & PWM drivers

Drivers not yet added
3 March 2012
Links
28 February 2012

Why use a driver?
20 February 2010

Driver types overview
15 September 2010

LED Driver List – LED linear regulators

An O-ring, Tailcap & Silicone Grease List is also available.

Video Foundry/Aqualab does not sell any of these drivers. Links are provided to resellers. The short URL for this list is www.videofoundry.co.nz/driverlist. See the bottom of the page for my email address. If you're just a spam bot looking for fodder, spam the hell out of these spammers' addresses: spammer address 1, spammer address 2, spammer address 3. They deserve a taste of their own spam.

Note that some sellers are more reliable than others. Inclusion of particular resellers in this list is not an endorsement of them as businesses. Note that Fasttech closed in December 2022 but the drivers are still included for reference.

Jump to: Footnotes & Instructions | AMC7135 notes | Schottky diodes.

127 linear regulator drivers found. Listed by driver name.

Driver Name

SKU or catalogue #

Retailer

Price (US$)
(shipping incl unless
otherwise stated)

Driver Type

Driver Purpose

 Vin min-max
(DC except where noted)		 Number of LEDs (or LED dice) in series
min-max		 Battery Suitability Efficiency
min-max

Output Current
(off the shelf)

Max current (with just a resistor modification)

 Number of Modes Size
(diameter except where noted)

Notes

Show only SKUs containing
from $
to $

Stock level


from
to

Driver can power

LEDs incl with driver

    (instead of off-the-shelf current)
from
to

from
to
 

1000mA 3 mode LED driver

128089

DealExtreme

$3.10 for 2

Linear regulator

3.7-4.2 V 1 1x Li-ion  

1000 mA

 3 17 mm Assumed to be a linear regulator. Main chip is marked CAB1x. Three modes; high, low, strobe.

1000mA, 3 mode LED Driver

128271

DealExtreme

$3.30 for 2

Linear regulator

3.7-4.2 V 1 1x Li-ion  

1000 mA

 3 17 mm 3 mode; high, low, slow strobe. Unknown regulation method, assumed to be a linear regulator not just a PWM driver.

1000mA, 5 mode LED driver

128273

DealExtreme

$3.70 for 2

Linear regulator

3.7-4.2 V 1 1x Li-ion  

1000 mA

 5 17 mm 5 mode; high, medium, low, fast strobe, SOS. Unknown regulation method, assumed to be a linear regulator not just a PWM driver.

1x AMC7135

1122402

FastTech

$1.19

Linear regulator

3.3-6.6 V
(for 0.6 V lower Vin see Tip 1 in the notes below)		 1 1x Li-ion
3x NiMH
4x alkaline		 50-97%

350 mA
constant current

 1 17 mm Linear regulator using 1x AMC7135 chip. Polarity protected. See extra AMC7135 notes below.

1x AMC7135 chip, 350mA

1124200

FastTech

$1.88 for 10
(up from $1.85)

Linear regulator

2.7-6.0 V 1 1x Li-ion
3x NiMH
4x alkaline		 50-97%

350 mA
constant current

 1 5 mm x 4 mm x 2 mm Single AMC7135 linear regulator chip (10 pack). Note - surface mount. See extra AMC7135 notes below.

1x AMC7135 chip, 350mA

1124300

FastTech

$11.09 for 100
(down from $12.99)

Linear regulator

2.7-6.0 V 1 1x Li-ion
3x NiMH
4x alkaline		 50-97%

350 mA

 1 5 mm x 4 mm x 2 mm Single high output AMC7135 linear regulator chip (100 pack). Note - surface mount. See extra AMC7135 notes below.

1x AMC7135 chip, 380mA

1197600

FastTech

$2.41 for 10

Linear regulator

2.7-6.0 V 1 1x Li-ion
3x NiMH
4x alkaline		 50-97%

380 mA
constant current

 1 5 mm x 4 mm x 2 mm Single high output AMC7135 linear regulator chip (10 pack). Note - surface mount. See extra AMC7135 notes below.

1x AMC7135 on empty star

1133803

FastTech

$2.37 for 3

Linear regulator

3.3-6.6 V
(for 0.6 V lower Vin see Tip 1 in the notes below)		 1 1x Li-ion
3x NiMH
4x alkaline		 50-97%

350 mA
constant current

 1 20 mm star board Linear regulator using 1x AMC7135 chip mounted on a LED star. Polarity protected. See extra AMC7135 notes below.

1x AMC7135 on star with 1W LED

1134701

FastTech

$1.73

Linear regulator

3.3-6.6 V 1

1 LED included

 1x Li-ion
3x NiMH
4x alkaline		 50-97%

350 mA
constant current

 1 20 mm star board Linear regulator using 1x AMC7135 chip mounted on an LED star board. See extra AMC7135 notes below.

Includes a generic 1 W warm white LED.

1x AMC7135, LEDROAD LED-153603

3647301

FastTech

$1.15

Linear regulator

3.0-4.2 V 1 1x Li-ion
3x NiMH
4x alkaline		 50-97%

350 mA
constant current

 1 20 mm Linear regulator using 1x AMC7135 chip. Polarity protected, low voltage protection. See extra AMC7135 notes below.

1x AMC7135
(Nanjg 10)

60

PCB Components

$5.70 (approx)
€3.95 (actual) + shipping

Linear regulator

3.3-6.6 V
(for 0.6 V lower Vin see Tip 1 in the notes below)		 1 3x NiMH,
4x alkaline,
1x Li-ion		 50-97%

330 mA
constant current

 1 17 mm Linear regulator using one AMC7135 chip (thus the pictured driver is not this one). Note that the claimed input voltage doesn't allow for the polarity protection diode; the correct figures are listed in this table. See extra AMC7135 notes below.

1x AMC7135
(Nanjg 10)

3160

DealExtreme

$16.68 for 20
(sold out and/or discontinued)

Linear regulator

3.3-6.6 V
(for 0.6 V lower Vin see Tip 1 in the notes below)		 1 3x NiMH,
4x alkaline,
1x Li-ion		 50-97%

350 mA
constant current

 1 17 mm Clearance price $13.39.

Linear regulator using AMC7135 chip. See extra AMC7135 notes below.

2x AMC7135

1127408

FastTech

$1.42

Linear regulator

3.3-6.6 V
(for 0.6 V lower Vin see Tip 1 in the notes below)		 1 1x Li-ion
3x NiMH
4x alkaline		 50-97%

700 mA
constant current

 1 17 mm Linear regulator using 2x AMC7135 chips. Polarity protected. See extra AMC7135 notes below.

2x AMC7135

1122403

FastTech

$1.66

Linear regulator

3.0-6.3 V
(for 0.3 V lower Vin see Tip 1 in the notes below)		 1 1x Li-ion
3x NiMH
4x alkaline		 50-97%

700 mA
constant current

 1 17 mm Linear regulator using 2x AMC7135 chips. Polarity protected (assumed to be Schottky diode). See extra AMC7135 notes below.

2x AMC7135

351519

DealExtreme

$2.92

Linear regulator

3.3-6.6 V
(for 0.6 V lower Vin see Tip 1 in the notes below)		 1   50-97%

700 mA
constant current

 1 17 mm Go for the cheaper DX sku.26109 if you don't want the polarity protection diode.

2x AMC7135 (TR-025,
formerly TR-0050 or TR-0025,
formerly TR-025)

26109

DealExtreme

$2.69
(formerly $2.19)

Linear regulator

2.7-6.0 V
(no polarity protection diode - see notes below)		 1 3x NiMH,
4x alkaline,
1x Li-ion		 50-97%

700 mA
constant current

 1 17 mm Buyer beware: As of September 2012 these are still being sent out with both 2xAMC7315 and 3xAMC7135. As of November 2012 (and maybe earlier) DX's description says 700 mA.

Latest version: TR-025 (again). Three AMC7135 chips with space on the board for a fourth.

Previously: Caution: The TR-0050 (also labelled as TR-0025) has replaced the TR-025. It is a different board and ships with only 2 or 3 AMC7135 chips and for some reason a capacitor between battery positive and battery negative. Does not have a polarity protection diode. See extra AMC7135 notes below.

TR-025 (discontinued): Apparently a four AMC7135 linear current regulator but identifying marks have very roughly been removed for photos.

Claims to provide different current outputs (1-1.2 A) to different Cree efficacy bins. I think NOT.

2x AMC7135 on empty 20mm star board

1124400

FastTech

$1.32

Linear regulator

3.3-6.6 V
(for 0.6 V lower Vin see Tip 1 in the notes below)		 1 1x Li-ion
3x NiMH
4x alkaline		 50-97%

700 mA
constant current

 1 20 mm star board Linear regulator using 2x AMC7135 chips mounted on LED star. Polarity protected. See extra AMC7135 notes below.

2x AMC7135, LED-120219

3647200

FastTech

$1.32

Linear regulator

3.0-4.2 V 1 1x Li-ion
3x NiMH
3-4x alkaline		 50-97%

700 mA
constant current

 1 17 mm Linear regulator using 2x AMC7135 chips. Polarity protected, low voltage protection. See extra AMC7135 notes below.

2x AMC7135
(Nanjg 10)

59

PCB Components

$7.80 (approx)
€4.45 (actual) + shipping

Linear regulator

3.3-6.6 V
(for 0.6 V lower Vin see Tip 1 in the notes below)		 1 3x NiMH,
4x alkaline,
1x Li-ion		 50-97%

670 mA
constant current

 1 17 mm Linear regulator using two AMC7135 chips (thus the pictured driver is not this one). Note that the claimed input voltage doesn't allow for the polarity protection diode; the correct figures are listed in this table. See extra AMC7135 notes below.

2x AMC7135
(Nanjg 10)

3146

DealExtreme

$20.18 for 20

Linear regulator

3.3-6.6 V
(for 0.6 V lower Vin see Tip 1 in the notes below)		 1 3x NiMH,
4x alkaline,
1x Li-ion		 50-97%

700 mA
constant current

 1 17 mm Linear regulator. Also see DX sku.26109. See extra AMC7135 notes below.

3*AMC7135
(GCOOL, code switching)

p-435

Intl Outdoor Store

$6.95 + shipping
(sold out and/or discontinued)

Linear regulator

2.9-4.5 V
(for possibly 0.3 V lower Vin see Tip 1 in the notes below)		 1 3x NiMH
1x Li-ion		 66-97%

1050 mA
constant current

 4 17 mm Driver removed from site.

Linear regulator using three AMC7135 chips and a micro controller for PWM mode control. 4 modes with memory; firefly (3-4 mA), medium (200 mA), high, strobe. Modes are changed normally (forward clicky recommended) or by using a code to select the mode you want. Polarity protection. Low voltage protection; at 3.3V the current will drop to 2 mA, and switches off within 3 seconds of hitting ~2.9 V - unclear if this is a designed feature or just the way the AMC7135 works. PWM speed >4 kHz. Comes with spring on positive terminal and a ground wire on the top of the board. See extra AMC7135 notes below.

My thoughts: This driver seems quite expensive just to get a fiddly way of changing modes. Maybe it'll serve someone well, but with only 4 modes, changing modes normally with a reverse clicky would require just as many button pushes on average and require less thinking. Changing to firefly mode when the battery voltage drops to 3.3 V is unnecessarily conservative - from the last Li-ion cells I tested it would be at just under half their capacity.

3*AMC7135
(GCOOL, ramping)

p-560

Intl Outdoor Store

$6.95
(sold out and/or discontinued)

Linear regulator

2.9-4.5 V
(for possibly 0.3 V lower Vin see Tip 1 in the notes below)		 1 3x NiMH
1x Li-ion		 66-97%

1050 mA

 2 17 mm Driver removed from site.

Linear regulator using three AMC7135 chips and a micro controller for PWM mode control. 2 modes with memory; ramping mode (user settable 1-100%), strobe. PWM frequency 3.7 kHz. Low voltage protection; at 3.3V the current drops to 8mA and turns off when it gets to ~2.9 V - unclear if this is a designed feature or just the way the AMC7135 works. Comes with spring on positive terminal.

3A, 5 mode (V10+ brand)

1250100

FastTech

$5.99

Linear regulator

2.7-4.5 V 1 1x Li-ion  

3000 mA

 5 17 mm x 10 mm high - two boards in double layer 5 modes with memory; high, medium, low, strobe, SOS. Alternate group with no flashing modes accessed by half press.

3A, 8 mode incl ramping (V10+ brand)

1278600

FastTech

$6.19

Linear regulator

2.7-4.5 V 1 1x Li-ion  

3000 mA

 8 17 mm x 10 mm high - two boards in double layer 8 modes in 4 groups, with memory; medium (30%), beacon strobe (10 Hz twice, 2-second pause), fast strobe (7 Hz), SOS. Alternate groups with no flashing modes accessed by half press.

3x AMC7135

1127406

FastTech

$1.70

Linear regulator

3.3-6.6 V
(for 0.6 V lower Vin see Tip 1 in the notes below)		 1 1x Li-ion
3x NiMH
4x alkaline		 50-97%

1050 mA
constant current

 1 17 mm Linear regulator using 3x AMC7135 chips. Polarity protected. See extra AMC7135 notes below.

3x AMC7135

8727403

FastTech

$2.26

Linear regulator

N/A 1    

1050 mA
constant current

 5 17 mm 3 + 5 modes in two groups, but no indication of currents; low, medium, high; low, medium, high, strobe, SOS. A user of the 8x AMC7135 version (8727400) says it has memory.

There's no indication of what the "2800mAh" in the title refers to.

3x AMC7135 (Nanjg AK-47A)

127689

DealExtreme

$3.71
(down from $3.80)

Linear regulator

3.0-4.5 V 1 3x NiMH
1x Li-ion		 50-97%

1050 mA
constant current

 5 17 mm Linear regulator using three AMC7135 chips and a ATtiny13V for PWM mode control. 5 modes with memory, with solder pads allowing different mode groups to be selected; low (5%), medium (30%), high, fast strobe, SOS. This is more expensive than the apparently identical DX sku.6190. A slightly cheaper version without memory is DX sku.127686. See extra AMC7135 notes below or this CPF thread.

3x AMC7135 (TR-0026)

25518

DealExtreme

$2.36

Linear regulator

2.7-6.0 V
(no polarity protection diode - see notes below)		 1 3x NiMH,
4x alkaline,
1x Li-ion		 50-97%

1050 mA
constant current

 1 15 mm Buyer beware - DX has changed this driver several times. Linear regulator, apparently a three two? AMC7135 board but identification marks on the chips have been removed for the photo. What would normally be a standard polarity protection diode actually looks like a capacitor between battery positive and battery negative. See extra AMC7135 notes below.

Originally claimed to provide different current outputs (0.7-1 A) to different Cree efficacy bins. I think NOT.

3x AMC7135, "random brightness"

ECS001092

CN Quality Goods

$7.50 + shipping

Linear regulator

3.0-6.0 V 1 1x Li-ion
3x NiMH		  

1050 mA

 3 17 mm The description for how this thing works is a big fat lost-in-translation mystery. Possibly 3 modes; programmed brightness, strobe, random mode (can be set to any brightness 0-100%). There's also a "tactical mode" mentioned which involves a half press... of what? Two-stage low voltage protection; with poor quality Li-ion cells the first stage (output drops to 8 mA) will cut in at less than 2/3 the battery capacity. Polarity protection. See extra AMC7135 notes below.

3x AMC7135, 16 mode
(Nanjg 101-AK)

S003214

KaiDomain

$4.08
(up from $3.99)

Linear regulator

3.3-6.1 V
(for 0.6 V lower Vin see Tip 1 in the notes below)		 1 3x NiMH
1x Li-ion		 50-97%

1050 mA
constant current

 16 17 mm Uses three AMC7135 linear regulator chips and possibly an ATtiny13V for PWM modes; 16 modes in 3 groups, including one with no flashing modes. Claimed in different places to be both 16 and 17 modes. Space on the board for a 4th AMC7135. Appears to be exactly the same as KD S009743, which is cheaper. See extra AMC7135 notes below.

Formerly product ID 1677.

3x AMC7135, 16 or 17 mode
(Nanjg 101-AK)

S009743

KaiDomain

$3.27 each
(up from $3.20),
also available in 5 pack

Linear regulator

3.3-6.1 V
(for 0.6 V lower Vin see Tip 1 in the notes below)		 1 3x NiMH
1x Li-ion		 50-97%

1050 mA
constant current

 16 17 mm Uses three AMC7135 linear regulator chips and possibly an ATtiny13V for PWM modes; 16 modes in 3 groups, including one with no flashing modes. Claimed in different places to be both 16 and 17 modes. Space on the board for a 4th AMC7135. Appears to be exactly the same as KD S003214, which is more expensive.

Formerly product ID 10996. Also available in a 5 pack, S009744 (formerly product ID 10997).

3x AMC7135, 19 mode

S003258

KaiDomain

$4.99

Linear regulator

2.7-5.5 V 1 3x NiMH
1x Li-ion		 50-97%

1050 mA
constant current

 19 17 mm Linear regulator using three AMC7135 chips and a PWM mode controller. Claimed 19 modes in 3 groups. Note that the pictures provided are of a standard 3x AMC7135 board with no mode controller - buyer beware - hence unknown polarity protection; input voltages stated here are without that diode, and the typical 5.5 V maximum for a microprocessor mode controller. See extra AMC7135 notes below.

Formerly product ID 1696.

3x AMC7135, 2 mode
(Nanjg AK-47)

S004659

KaiDomain

$3.68 each
(down from $3.98),
also available in 5 pack and 20 pack

Linear regulator

3.3-6.1 V
(for 0.6 V lower Vin see Tip 1 in the notes below)		 1 3x NiMH
1x Li-ion		 50-97%

1050 mA
constant current

 2 17 mm Linear regulator board using 3 AMC7135 chips and a microcontroller for PWM modes; high, low (15%). Mode memory. Alternate mode groups may be selectable by using the star-shaped contacts, as detailed here. A review is here. See extra AMC7135 notes below.

Formerly product ID 1801. Also available in a 5 pack, S004660 (formerly product ID 1802). Also available in a 20 pack, S006268 (formerly product ID 6052), but with the low mode possibly just 50 mA (a detail which has been lost with KD's last site update).

3x AMC7135, 5 mode

ECS001091

CN Quality Goods

$7.50 + shipping

Linear regulator

3.0-6.0 V 1 1x Li-ion
3x NiMH		  

1050 mA
constant current

 4 17 mm 4 modes; low (3-4 mA), medium (200 mA), high, strobe. Two-stage low voltage protection; with poor quality Li-ion cells the first stage (output drops to 2 mA) will cut in at less than 2/3 the battery capacity. Polarity protection. See extra AMC7135 notes below.

3x AMC7135, 5 mode

1124801

FastTech

$1.82

Linear regulator

3.0-4.5 V 1 1x Li-ion
3x NiMH
4x alkaline		 50-97%

1050 mA
constant current

 5 17 mm Linear regulator using 3x AMC7135 chips. 5 modes; high, medium, low, strobe, SOS. Polarity protected. See extra AMC7135 notes below.

3x AMC7135, 5 mode

222869

DealExtreme

$3.70

Linear regulator

3.0-4.5 V 1 3x NiMH,
4x alkaline,
1x Li-ion		  

1050 mA
constant current

 5 17 mm Linear regulator using three AMC7135 chips with an MCU for PWM modes and a polarity protection diode. 5 mode; high, medium, low, strobe, SOS.

3x AMC7135, 5 mode
(Nanjg AK-47)

S009484

KaiDomain

$3.50
(up from $3.44)

Linear regulator

3.3-6.1 V
(for 0.6 V lower Vin see Tip 1 in the notes below)		 1 3x NiMH
1x Li-ion		 50-97%

1050 mA
constant current

 5 17 mm Linear regulator using three AMC7135 chips (formerly listed as having four) and an ATtiny13A for PWM mode control. Five modes - high, medium, low, strobe, SOS. Alternate mode groups can be selectable by using the star-shaped contacts, as detailed here. See extra AMC7135 notes below.

Formerly product ID 9605.

3x AMC7135, 5 mode
(Nanjg AK-47)

p-304

Intl Outdoor Store

$3.35
(up from $2.39)

Linear regulator

3.2-4.8 V
(for 0.3 V lower Vin see Tip 1 in the notes below)		 1 3x NiMH
1x Li-ion		 62-97%

1050 mA
constant current

 5 17 mm Linear regulator using three AMC7135 chips and a ATtiny13A for PWM mode control; PWM frequency >4500 Hz. 5 modes with memory; low (5%), medium (30%), high, strobe, SOS. Alternate mode groups can be selected by using the star-shaped contacts; low/high/strobe, low/medium/high, low (10%)/high. Low voltage warning at 2.9-3.0 V. See extra AMC7135 notes below.

3x AMC7135, 5 mode
(Nanjg AK-47A)

1122400

FastTech

$2.70

Linear regulator

3.0-4.5 V 1 1x Li-ion
3x NiMH
4x alkaline		 50-97%

1050 mA
constant current

 5 17 mm Linear regulator using 3x AMC7135 chips. 5 modes in 4 groups. Polarity protected. See extra AMC7135 notes below.

3x AMC7135, 5 mode
(Nanjg AK-47C1)

127686

DealExtreme

$2.83
(down from $3.10)

Linear regulator

3.0-4.5 V 1 3x NiMH
1x Li-ion		 50-97%

1050 mA
constant current

 5 17 mm Update September 2015: These are reported to now have an ascending mode order.

Three AMC7135 chips with a chip to provide PWM modes. 5 modes without memory, with solder pads allowing different mode groups to be selected; high, medium (30%), low (5%), strobe, SOS. (Note the descending order.) There is a 2 mode group of high and low (10%). Polarity protected. Alternative is DX sku.127689 (ascending mode order with memory). See extra AMC7135 notes below or this CPF thread.

3x AMC7135, 5 mode
(Nanjg AK-47C20)

p-596

Intl Outdoor Store

$2.83
For 1-2: + shipping
(sold out and/or discontinued)

Linear regulator

2.9-4.5 V 1 3x NiMH
1x Li-ion		  

1050 mA
constant current

 5 20 mm Driver removed from site.

Linear regulator using three AMC7135 chips and a ATtiny13A or similar providing PWM modes; PWM frequency >4.5 kHz. 5 modes with "several hour" memory, with solder pads allowing different mode groups to be selected; low (5%), medium (30%), high, strobe, SOS. Alternate mode groups can be selected by using the star-shaped contacts; low/high/strobe, low/medium/high, low (10%)/high. Low voltage protection at 2.8 V. See extra AMC7135 notes below.

3x AMC7135, LED-120219

3647201

FastTech

$1.40

Linear regulator

3.0-4.2 V 1 1x Li-ion
3x NiMH
3-4x alkaline		 50-97%

1050 mA
constant current

 1 17 mm Linear regulator using 3x AMC7135 chips. Polarity protected, low voltage protection. See extra AMC7135 notes below.

3x AMC7135, LEDROAD LED-150603

3647302

FastTech

$1.56

Linear regulator

3.0-4.2 V 1 1x Li-ion
3x NiMH
3-4x alkaline		 50-97%

1050 mA
constant current

 1 20 mm Linear regulator using 3x AMC7135 chips. Polarity protected, low voltage protection. See extra AMC7135 notes below.

3x AMC7135
(Nanjg 10)

58

PCB Components

$10.30 (approx)
€5.45 (actual) + shipping

Linear regulator

3.3-6.6 V
(for 0.6 V lower Vin see Tip 1 in the notes below)		 1 3x NiMH,
4x alkaline,
1x Li-ion		 50-97%

1050 mA
constant current

 1 17 mm Linear regulator using three AMC7135 chips (thus the pictured driver is not this one). Note that the claimed input voltage doesn't allow for the polarity protection diode; the correct figures are listed in this table. See extra AMC7135 notes below.

3x AMC7135
(Nanjg 111)

127687

DealExtreme

$2.90

Linear regulator

3.0-6.3 V
(for 0.3 V lower Vin see Tip 1 in the notes below)		 1 3x NiMH,
4x alkaline,
1x Li-ion		 50-97%

1050 mA

 1 17 mm Linear regulator with three AMC7135 chips. Polarity protection assumed to be using a Schottky diode (providing 0.3 V drop).

3x AMC7135
(TR0026)

LFD68G

Focalprice

$1.49
(down from $2.26,
up from $1.48)

Linear regulator

2.7-6.0 V
(for 0.6 V lower Vin see Tip 1 in the notes below)		 1 3x NiMH,
4x alkaline,
1x Li-ion		 50-97%

1050 mA
constant current

 1 15 mm Linear regulator using three AMC7135 chips. No polarity protection.

3x AMC7135, 17 mode (formerly 16 mode)
(Nanjg 101-AK)

7612

DealExtreme

$3.60

Linear regulator

3.0-5.8 V
(for 0.3 V lower Vin see Tip 1 in the notes below)		 1 3x NiMH
1x Li-ion		 50-97%

1050 mA
constant current

 17 17 mm Update Nov 2012: Two different versions of this driver are being shipped, a 101-AK-A1 and an AK-47A with the four star contacts like DX sku.127689. The functionality might be unchanged.

Linear regulator using three AMC7135 chips and a PWM mode controller (ATtiny13V running the PWM at 4.7 kHz); includes a group with three well-spaced modes and no flash or strobe! Now with 17 modes. I got slightly different timing on the third group though, and call them different things - low (10%), medium (35%), high (100%), fast strobe, police strobe, beacon (1 flash per 3.5 sec), fast beacon (1 flash per 1.4 sec), slow beacon (1 flash per 11 sec), SOS (1 set per 11 sec). The latest boards have an empty space all ready for a 4th AMC7135. They may also have low battery detection - see here. See extra AMC7135 notes below.

Tip 3: Methods for wiring this board in parallel with another AMC7135 board are described here, with lots of colourful diagrams.

Tip 4: Modes can be disabled by following the instructions in this thread.

3x AMC7135, 19 mode (Nanjg 15)

417

e-lectronics.net

$4.50 + shipping

Linear regulator

3.3-6.1 V
(for 0.6 V lower Vin see Tip 1 in the notes below)		 1 3x NiMH,
4x alkaline,
1x Li-ion		 50-97%

1050 mA
constant current

 19 17 mm Formerly 2 mode. Linear regulator board using three AMC7315 chips and probably a PIC12F629 for PWM mode control. Has a group with high/medium/low without flash or strobe. Low mode 120 mA. Note that the claimed input voltage doesn't allow for the polarity protection diode, which is confirmed by the mention that it operates best over 3.5 V; the more likely correct figures are listed in this Driver List table. See extra AMC7135 notes below.

3x AMC7135, 20 mode (LDCH)

7879

DealExtreme

$3.95
(sold out and/or discontinued)

Linear regulator

3.0-5.8 V
(for 0.3 V lower Vin see Tip 1 in the notes below)		 1 3x NiMH
1x Li-ion		 50-97%

1050 mA
constant current

 20 17 mm Linear regulator using three AMC7135 chips and a PWM mode controller. See extra AMC7135 notes below.

3x AMC7135, 3 mode
(Nanjg AK-47)

S003256

KaiDomain

$3.75
(up from $3.69,
down from $4.99)

Linear regulator

3.3-6.1 V
(for 0.6 V lower Vin see Tip 1 in the notes below)		 1 3x NiMH
1x Li-ion		 50-97%

1050 mA
constant current

 3 17 mm Uses three AMC7135 linear regulator chips and ATtiny13V for PWM modes - low, medium, high according to gunga, not the other way around. Is not 1.2 A output as claimed, but you might get 1.1 A. Changing the mode group may also be possible using the contacts on the bottom of the driver board. See extra AMC7135 notes below.

Formerly product ID 1694 and 8020.

3x AMC7135, 5 mode
(Nanjg AK-47)

6190

DealExtreme

$3.62
(up from $3.19)
(backordered)

Linear regulator

3.0-4.5 V 1 3x NiMH
1x Li-ion		 50-97%

1050 mA
constant current

 5 17 mm (maybe 15 mm - see tip 3) Linear regulator using three AMC7135 chips and a ATtiny13V for PWM mode control. 5 modes with memory; the claimed high, medium (35%), low (20%), strobe, SOS is actually low (5%), medium (30%), high, strobe, SOS according to brted's review and harlxw's test results (in the same thread), which means it appears to be the same as DX sku.127689 except cheaper. A version without memory is DX sku.127686. Alternate mode groups can be selected by using the star-shaped contacts, as detailed here. Unknown why maximum voltage is specified at only 4.5 V instead of 5.5 V for the ATtiny13V (5.8 V with a Schottky polarity protection diode). See extra AMC7135 notes below or this CPF thread.

Tip 3: One user reports he was able to sand it down to 15 mm diameter.

3x AMC7135
(Nanjg 10)

1885

DealExtreme

$16.58 for 10, also available in 20 pack
(sold out and/or discontinued)

Linear regulator

3.3-6.6 V
(for 0.6 V lower Vin see Tip 1 in the notes below)		 1 3x NiMH,
4x alkaline,
1x Li-ion		 50-97%

1050 mA
constant current

 1 17 mm Linear regulator with three AMC7135 linear regulator chips and a silicon polarity protection diode (0.6 V drop on the chip enable pin). This board comes with one AMC7135 connected and the other two just needing small solder bridges - very useful for using a switch instead of the solder bridges to change from 1/3 amp to 2/3 amp or 1 amp. The solder bridges are the yellow dots in this picture by PaulH (see CPF thread). Also (formerly) available as a 20 pack. See extra AMC7135 notes below.

4A linear regulator

p-546

Intl Outdoor Store

$6.21
(sold out and/or discontinued)

Linear regulator

2.7-4.5 V 1 1x Li-ion  

4000 mA

 3 17 mm x 15 mm high - two boards in double layer Driver removed from site.

Three modes; high, medium (30%), low (5%). Thermal protection, low voltage warning.

4A, 5 mode (V10+ brand)

1303001

FastTech

$5.42

Linear regulator

2.7-4.5 V 1 1x Li-ion  

4000 mA

 5 17 mm x 10 mm high - two boards in double layer 5 modes with memory; high, medium, low, strobe, SOS. Alternate group with no flashing modes accessed by half press.

4A, 8 mode incl ramping (V10+ brand)

1303000

FastTech

$5.42

Linear regulator

2.7-4.5 V 1 1x Li-ion  

4000 mA

 8 17 mm x 10 mm high - two boards in double layer 8 modes in 4 groups, with memory; medium (30%), beacon strobe (10 Hz twice, 2-second pause), fast strobe (7 Hz), SOS. Alternate groups with no flashing modes accessed by half press.

4x AMC7135

1127404

FastTech

$1.92

Linear regulator

3.0-6.3 V
(for 0.3 V lower Vin see Tip 1 in the notes below)		 1 1x Li-ion
3x NiMH
4x alkaline		 50-97%

1400 mA
constant current

 1 17 mm Linear regulator using 4x AMC7135 chips. Polarity protected (assumed to be Schottky diode). See extra AMC7135 notes below.

4x AMC7135

8727402

FastTech

$2.26

Linear regulator

N/A 1    

1400 mA
constant current

 5 17 mm 3 + 5 modes in two groups, but no indication of currents; low, medium, high; low, medium, high, strobe, SOS. A user of the 8x AMC7135 version (8727400) says it has memory.

There's no indication of what the "2800mAh" in the title refers to.

4x AMC7135 V2, 7 mode

S020075

KaiDomain

$4.49 each
also available in 5 pack

Linear regulator

2.7-4.5 V 1 1x Li-ion,
3x NiMH		 50-97%

1520 mA
constant current

 7 17 mm Claimed 380 mA per each of 4 AMC7135 linear regulator chips. 7 modes in 8 groups determined by binary combinations of 3 solder bridges; ultra-low (3-5 mA) [why?], medium (35%), high, strobe (10 Hz), slow strobe (2 Hz), SOS, beacon. Mode memory determined by another solder bridge. Low voltage warning at 2.8 V, claimed minimum 2.5 V; the AMC7135 datasheet says 2.7V minimum. No short circuit protection, no reverse polarity protection.

Also available as a 5 pack, S020076.

4x AMC7135, 3 mode (Nanjg 101-AK)

the 133

Shining Beam

$5.95 + shipping

Linear regulator

3.3-6.1 V
(for 0.6 V lower Vin see Tip 1 in the notes below)		 1 3x NiMH,
4x alkaline,
1x Li-ion		 50-97%

1400 mA
constant current

 3 17 mm Stupidly, this driver completely vanishes from the retailer's web site when temporarily out of stock.

SKU 1218. Buyer beware - the claim to be a "buck circuit board" (formerly claimed to be boost/buck driver) is clearly false, since it has four AMC4135 linear regulators plus an ATtiny13A PWM controller giving three modes - claimed low (60 mA), medium (440 mA), high (1.4 A); formerly claimed low (120 mA), medium (350 mA), high (1.4 A); tested low (60-80 mA), medium (440-450 mA), high (1420 mA). May be able to be converted to 5 modes by removing a solder bridge. See extra AMC7135 notes below.

The URL of this driver used to be what was claimed to be a 5 mode buck/boost driver. This 3 mode driver is double listed on their site.

4x AMC7135, 5 mode
(Nanjg 101-AK-A1)

S009959

KaiDomain

$13.99 for 5
(up from $13.71)

Linear regulator

3.3-6.1 V
(for 0.6 V lower Vin see Tip 1 in the notes below)		 1 3x NiMH
1x Li-ion		 50-97%

1400 mA
constant current

 5 17 mm Incomplete specifications given. The "1560mAh" in the title and "1560mAh current" under the heading "Hightlight" are meaningless, other than being typical of the site. Linear regulator using four AMC7135 chips and a ATtiny13A for PWM mode control. See extra AMC7135 notes below. Default is 5 modes - low (2%), medium (28%), high (100%), strobe, SOS. Can also be set to 3 modes (low, medium, high) using a solder bridge.

Formerly product ID 11218.

4x AMC7135, 5 mode
(Nanjg 101-AK-A1)

p-254

Intl Outdoor Store

$3.50
(up from $2.89)

Linear regulator

2.7-6.1 V
(for 0.6 V lower Vin see Tip 1 in the notes below)		 1 3x NiMH
1x Li-ion		 50-97%

1400 mA
constant current

 5 17 mm Linear regulator using four AMC7135 chips and a ATtiny13A for PWM mode control at >4.5 kHz. Five modes with memory; low (5%), medium (30%), high, strobe, SOS. Flashing modes can be eliminated with a solder bridge. See extra AMC7135 notes below.

4x AMC7135, 5 mode
(Nanjg 101-AK-A1)

1122401

FastTech

$2.89

Linear regulator

3.0-4.5 V 1 1x Li-ion
3x NiMH
4x alkaline		 50-97%

1400 mA
constant current

 5 17 mm Linear regulator using 4x AMC7135 chips. 5 mode; high, medium, low, strobe, SOS. Can be converted to 3 mode with a solder bridge. Polarity protected. See extra AMC7135 notes below.

4x AMC7135, LEDROAD LED-150603

3647303

FastTech

$1.77

Linear regulator

3.0-4.2 V 1 1x Li-ion
3x NiMH
4x alkaline		 50-97%

1400 mA
constant current

 1 20 mm Linear regulator using 4x AMC7135 chips. Polarity protected, low voltage protection. See extra AMC7135 notes below.

4x AMC7135,
(Nanjg 111)

1424902

FastTech

$26.87 for 20

Linear regulator

3.3-6.6 V
(for 0.6 V lower Vin see Tip 1 in the notes below)		 1 1x Li-ion
3x NiMH
4x alkaline		 50-97%

1400 mA
constant current

 1 17 mm Linear regulator using 4x AMC7135 chips. Polarity protected. See extra AMC7135 notes below.

4x AMC7135
(Nanjg 10)

48

PCB Components

$8.50 (approx)
€5.95 (actual) + shipping

Linear regulator

3.3-6.6 V
(for 0.6 V lower Vin see Tip 1 in the notes below)		 1 3x NiMH,
4x alkaline,
1x Li-ion		 50-97%

1400 mA
constant current

 1 17 mm Linear regulator using four AMC7135 chips (thus the pictured driver is this one). Note that the claimed input voltage doesn't allow for the polarity protection diode; the correct figures are listed in this table. See extra AMC7135 notes below.

4x AMC7135
(Nanjg 101-AK-A1)

127688

DealExtreme

$3.90
(down from $4.40)
(sold out and/or discontinued)

Linear regulator

3.0-4.5 V
(for 0.3 V lower Vin see Tip 1 in the notes below)		 1 3x NiMH
1x Li-ion		 50-97%

1400 mA
constant current

 5 17 mm Linear regulator using four AMC7135 chips with an MCU for PWM modes and a polarity protection diode. 5 modes with mode memory; low (5%), medium (30%), high, fast strobe, SOS. Polarity protection assumed to be using a Schottky diode (providing 0.3 V drop).

4x AMC7135
(Nanjg 111)

127685

DealExtreme

$2.87
(down from $3.25)
(up from $3.00)
(sold out and/or discontinued)

Linear regulator

3.0-6.3 V
(for 0.3 V lower Vin see Tip 1 in the notes below)		 1 3x NiMH,
4x alkaline,
1x Li-ion		 50-97%

1400 mA
constant current

 1 17 mm Four AMC7135 chips with a polarity protection diode. The 3.0-4.5 V range mentioned by DX is unnecessarily restrictive but fits with a single Li-ion cell plus 0.3 V for a Schottky diode providing the polarity protection.

4xAMC7135, 1 mode

355285

DealExtreme

$3.27
(down from $3.53)
(sold out and/or discontinued)

Linear regulator

3.6-4.5 V 1 1x Li-ion 50-97%

1400 mA
constant current

 1 17 mm Single mode.

4xAMC7135, 3 mode

355282

DealExtreme

$3.72
(down from $3.99)
(sold out and/or discontinued)

Linear regulator

3.6-4.2 V 1 1x Li-ion 50-97%

1400 mA
constant current

 3 17 mm 3 mode; high, low, fast strobe. Polarity protection.

4xAMC7135, RNX-R5 5 mode

355973

DealExtreme

$4.18
(down from $4.59)
(sold out and/or discontinued)

Linear regulator

3.0-4.5 V 1 1x Li-ion 50-97%

1200 mA
constant current

 5 17 mm 5 modes with memory; high, medium, low, fast strobe, SOS. Low voltage protection. Has 4xAMC7135 (1.4 A) but originally claimed the output of 6xAMC7135 (2.1 A), now claims only 1.2 A - buyer beware. Big spring (relatively speaking) on back of board.

4x AMC7135 (Nanjg 111)

3178

DealExtreme

$31.60 for 20
(down from $33.94)
(sold out and/or discontinued)

Linear regulator

3.3-6.6 V
(for 0.6 V lower Vin see Tip 1 in the notes below)		 1 3x NiMH,
4x alkaline,
1x Li-ion		 50-97%

1400 mA
constant current

 1 17 mm Linear regulator using four AMC7135 chips. See extra AMC7135 notes below.

Formerly also available as a 15 pack (which for some reason changed from a 10 pack).

5A linear regulator

p-547

Intl Outdoor Store

$6.47
(sold out and/or discontinued)

Linear regulator

2.7-4.5 V 1 1x Li-ion  

5000 mA

 1 17 mm x 15 mm high - two boards in double layer Driver removed from site.

Three modes; high, medium (30%), low (5%). Thermal protection, low voltage warning.

5A, 5 mode (V10+ brand)

1250101

FastTech

$6.40

Linear regulator

2.7-4.5 V 1 1x Li-ion  

5000 mA

 5 17 mm x 10 mm high - two boards in double layer 5 modes with memory; high, medium, low, strobe, SOS. Alternate group with no flashing modes accessed by half press.

5A, 8 mode incl ramping (V10+ brand)

1278501

FastTech

$6.40

Linear regulator

2.7-4.5 V 1 1x Li-ion  

5000 mA

 8 17 mm x 10 mm high - two boards in double layer 8 modes in 4 groups, with memory; medium (30%), beacon strobe (10 Hz twice, 2-second pause), fast strobe (7 Hz), SOS. Alternate groups with no flashing modes accessed by half press.

Actual output current tested at 4450 mA at input voltage 4.2 V (this may have been limited by resistance of test probes - see discussion thread).

5x AMC7135, 5 mode
(Nanjg 105C)

1122300

FastTech

$3.18

Linear regulator

3.0-4.5 V 1 1x Li-ion
3x NiMH
4x alkaline		 50-97%

1750 mA
constant current

 5 17 mm Linear regulator using 5x AMC7135 chips. 5 modes in 4 groups; low (5%), medium (30%), high (100%), strobe, SOS. Alternate groups switched with star contacts. Low voltage warning. Polarity protected. See extra AMC7135 notes below.

5x AMC7135, LEDROAD LED-153603

3647300

FastTech

$1.97

Linear regulator

3.0-4.2 V 1 1x Li-ion
3x NiMH
4x alkaline		 50-97%

1750 mA
constant current

 1 20 mm Linear regulator using 5x AMC7135 chips. Polarity protected, low voltage protection. See extra AMC7135 notes below.

6x AMC7135

8727401

FastTech

$2.26

Linear regulator

N/A 1    

2100 mA
constant current

 5 17 mm 3 + 5 modes in two groups, but no indication of currents; low, medium, high; low, medium, high, strobe, SOS. A user of the 8x AMC7135 version (8727400) says it has memory.

There's no indication of what the "2800mAh" in the title refers to.

6x AMC7135 V2, 7 mode

S020064

KaiDomain

$4.59 each
also available in 5 pack

Linear regulator

2.7-4.5 V 1 1x Li-ion,
3x NiMH		 50-97%

2280 mA
constant current

 7 17 mm Claimed 380 mA per each of 6 AMC7135 linear regulator chips. 7 modes in 8 groups determined by binary combinations of 3 solder bridges; low (3-5 mA), medium (35%), high, strobe (10 Hz), slow strobe (2 Hz), SOS, beacon. Mode memory determined by another solder bridge. Low voltage warning at 2.8 V, claimed minimum 2.5 V; the AMC7135 datasheet says 2.7V minimum. No short circuit protection, no reverse polarity protection.

Also available as a 5 pack, S020065.

6x AMC7135 V2,
7 mode, low mode 50mA

S020998

KaiDomain

$18.99 for 5

Linear regulator

2.5-4.5 V 1 1x Li-ion  

2280 mA

 7 17 mm Note that the low end of the claimed input voltage range will not produce the desired output current. Low mode 50mA (for 3-5 mA see KD S020064). Last mode memory with solder bridge. Low voltage warning at 2.8 V.

6x AMC7135, 5 mode
(Nanjg 105C)

p-536

Intl Outdoor Store

$4.09

Linear regulator

3.2-4.8 V
(for 0.3 V lower Vin see Tip 1 in the notes below)		 1 1x Li-ion 50-97%

2100 mA
constant current

 5 17 mm Linear regulator using six AMC7135 chips and a ATtiny13A providing PWM modes; PWM frequency >4500 Hz. 5 modes with memory; low (5%), medium (30%), high, strobe, SOS. Alternate mode groups can be selected by using the star-shaped contacts; low/high/strobe, low/medium/high, low (10%)/high. Low voltage warning at 2.9-3.0 V. See extra AMC7135 notes below.

6x AMC7135, 5 mode
(Nanjg 105C)

1186300

FastTech

$2.71

Linear regulator

3.0-4.5 V 1 1x Li-ion
3x NiMH
4x alkaline		 50-97%

2100 mA
constant current

 5 17 mm Linear regulator using 6x AMC7135 chips. 5 modes; low (5%), medium (50%), high (100%), strobe, SOS. Alternate group reached with half press of power button; low, medium, high. Low voltage warning. Polarity protected. See extra AMC7135 notes below.

6x AMC7135, 5 mode
(Nanjg 105C)

1122301

FastTech

$3.37

Linear regulator

3.0-4.5 V 1 1x Li-ion
3x NiMH
4x alkaline		 50-97%

2100 mA
constant current

 5 17 mm Linear regulator using 6x AMC7135 chips. 5 modes in 4 groups; low (5%), medium (30%), high (100%), strobe, SOS. Alternate groups switched with star contacts. Low voltage warning. Polarity protected. See extra AMC7135 notes below.

6x AMC7135, 5 mode
(Nanjg 105C)

1232400

FastTech

$3.51
(backordered)

Linear regulator

3.0-4.5 V 1 1x Li-ion
3x NiMH
4x alkaline		 50-97%

2100 mA
constant current

 5 17 mm Linear regulator using 6x AMC7135 chips. 5 modes in 4 groups; low (5%), medium (30%), high (100%), strobe, SOS. Alternate groups switched with star contacts. Low voltage warning. Polarity protected. See extra AMC7135 notes below.

6xAMC7135, 5 mode

355979

DealExtreme

$4.99

Linear regulator

3.0-4.5 V 1 1x Li-ion 50-97%

2100 mA
constant current

 5 17 mm 5 modes with memory; high, medium, low, fast strobe, SOS. Low voltage protection. Claimed output 2.2 A but it seems to simply be a normal 6xAMC7135 board.

7x AMC7135, 5 mode
(Nanjg 105C)

1122303

FastTech

$3.56

Linear regulator

3.0-4.5 V 1 1x Li-ion
3x NiMH
4x alkaline		 50-97%

2450 mA
constant current

 5 17 mm Linear regulator using 7x AMC7135 chips. 5 modes in 4 groups; low (5%), medium (30%), high (100%), strobe, SOS. Alternate groups switched with star contacts. Low voltage warning. Polarity protected. See extra AMC7135 notes below.

800mA linear regulator

1114502

FastTech

$1.65

Linear regulator

3.2-4.2 V 1 1x Li-ion  

800 mA

 5 17 mm 5 modes; high, medium, low, rapid (strobe?), SOS. The claimed test figures are extremely dodgy; input @ 4.2 V is 1.09 W, output is at least 2.27 W for a white LED - buyer beware. They are also the same figures used for 1114501.

8x AMC7135

CPF member

$7.99 + shipping

Linear regulator

3.5-4.2 V 1 1x Li-ion  

3000 mA
constant current

 12 17 mm with components on both sides Available from CPF member vestureofblood. 12 modes in 4 groups, with and without memory (varies by group); various combinations of ramping, low (2%), medium (25%), high, strobe, SOS, beacon, medium (15%). Low voltage warning. Voltage indication when entering beacon mode.

8x AMC7135

8727400

FastTech

$2.26

Linear regulator

N/A 1    

2800 mA
constant current

 1 17 mm 3 + 5 modes in two groups, but no indication of currents; low, medium, high; low, medium, high, strobe, SOS. A user of the 8x AMC7135 version (8727400) says it has memory.

There's no indication of what the "2800mAh" in the title refers to.

8x AMC7135 (CPF)

CPF member

$9.36 + shipping

Linear regulator

3.3-6.1 V
(for 0.6 V lower Vin see Tip 1 in the notes below)		 1 4x NiMH 50-97%

2800 mA
constant current

 5 17 mm with components on both sides Limited availability from CPF member download. Multimode board with four AMC7135 linear regulators on each side (8 total) and an ATtiny13A for PWM mode control. Mode group selectable by connecting star pads on the board, like an AK-47. 5 modes in default group; low (0.13 A), medium (0.93 A), high (2.8 A), strobe, SOS. See extra AMC7135 notes below.

May have sold a previous 3 mode version like this; high (2.8 A), medium (1 A), low (0.3 A).

8x AMC7135 (homemade)

$6.88 (varies)
Make your own - fun!

Linear regulator

3.3-6.6 V
(for 0.6 V lower Vin see Tip 1 in the notes below)		 1 4x NiMH 50-97%

2800 mA
constant current

 1 17 mm Instructions for making your own version. Actual price will vary depending on what boards you use to make it - modes can be included if desired. See extra AMC7135 notes below.

8x AMC7135 high output, Qlite Rev. A (Nanjg 105C)

p-710

Intl Outdoor Store

$4.19

Linear regulator

2.8-4.5 V 1 3-4x NiMH
1x Li-ion		 50-97%

3040 mA
constant current

 9 17 mm Linear regulator using eight high output AMC7135 chips at 380 mA each. 9 distinct modes in 4 groups, with memory. Claims no high pitch noises and no visible flicker. Polarity protection, low voltage warning and protection. See extra AMC7135 notes below.

8x AMC7135 high output,
6 mode
(Nanjg 105C)

p-667

Intl Outdoor Store

$4.19

Linear regulator

2.9-4.5 V 1 3-4x NiMH
1x Li-ion		 50-97%

3040 mA
constant current

 6 17 mm Linear regulator using eight AMC7135 chips and a ATtiny13A for PWM mode control; PWM frequency >4500 Hz. 5 modes with memory; low (5%), medium (30%), high, strobe, SOS. Alternate mode groups can be selected by using the star-shaped contacts; low/high/strobe, low/medium/high, low (10%)/high. Low voltage warning at 2.9-3.0 V. See extra AMC7135 notes below.

8x AMC7135 high output,
9 mode
(Nanjg 105C)

p-689

Intl Outdoor Store

$4.19
(sold out and/or discontinued)

Linear regulator

2.8-4.5 V 1 3-4x NiMH
1x Li-ion		 50-97%

3040 mA
constant current

 9 17 mm Driver removed from site.

Linear regulator using eight high output AMC7135 chips at 380 mA each. 9 distinct modes in 4 groups, with memory. Claims no high pitch noises and no visible flicker. Polarity protection, low voltage protection. See extra AMC7135 notes below. See p-710 for updated version.

8x AMC7135 V2,
7 mode

S020073

KaiDomain

$4.79 each
also available in 5 pack

Linear regulator

2.7-4.5 V 1 1x Li-ion,
3x NiMH		 50-97%

3040 mA
constant current

 7 17 mm Claimed 380 mA per each of 8 AMC7135 linear regulator chips. Up to 7 modes in each of 8 groups determined by binary combinations of 3 solder bridges; low (aka "firefly", 3-5 mA), medium (35%), high, strobe (10 Hz), slow strobe (2 Hz), SOS, beacon. Mode memory determined by another solder bridge. Low voltage warning at 2.8 V, claimed minimum 2.5 V; the AMC7135 datasheet says 2.7V minimum. No short circuit protection, no reverse polarity protection.

Also available as a 5 pack, S020074.

8x AMC7135 V2,
7 mode, low mode 50mA

S020237

KaiDomain

$21.49 for 5

Linear regulator

2.5-4.5 V 1 1x Li-ion  

3040 mA

 1 17 mm Note that the low end of the claimed input voltage range will not produce the desired output current. Low mode 50mA (for 3-5 mA see KD S020073). Last mode memory with solder bridge. Low voltage warning at 2.8 V.

8x AMC7135, 5 mode

CNQ001765

CN Quality Goods

$5.00 + shipping

Linear regulator

3.0-5.8 V
(for 0.3 V lower Vin see Tip 1 in the notes below)		 1 1x Li-ion,
4x NiMH		 50-97%

2800 mA
constant current

 5 17 mm Linear regulator using eight AMC7135 chips. 5 modes in two groups; low (5%), medium (15%), high, strobe, SOS. Polarity protected. The stated input voltage range is a little high at the top end; 5.5 V for the ATtiny13 and about 0.3V for the polarity protection Schottky diode. See extra AMC7135 notes below.

8x AMC7135, 5 mode

1127403

FastTech

$2.92

Linear regulator

3.0-4.5 V 1 1x Li-ion
3x NiMH
4x alkaline		 50-97%

2800 mA
constant current

 5 17 mm Linear regulator using 8x AMC7135 chips. 5 modes in 4 groups; high, medium, low, strobe, SOS. Alternate groups switched with star contacts. Low voltage warning. Polarity protected. See extra AMC7135 notes below.

8x AMC7135, 5 mode (Nanjg 105C)

127684

DealExtreme

$4.31
(dorwn from $4.52,
up from $4.20)

Linear regulator

3.0-4.5 V
(for 0.3 V lower Vin see Tip 1 in the notes below)		 1 3-4x NiMH
1x Li-ion		 50-97%

2800 mA

 5 17 mm Linear regulator using eight AMC7135 chips and an ATtiny13A to control PWM modes. 5 modes with memory; low (5%), medium (30%), high, fast strobe, SOS. Selectable mode groups set by solder bridge on the stars. Polarity protection assumed to be using a Schottky diode (providing 0.3 V drop). Low voltage warning.

8x AMC7135, 5 mode
(Nanjg 105C)

1122302

FastTech

$3.76

Linear regulator

3.0-4.5 V 1 1x Li-ion
3x NiMH
4x alkaline		 50-97%

2800 mA
constant current

 5 17 mm Linear regulator using 8x AMC7135 chips. 5 modes in 4 groups; low (5%), medium (30%), high (100%), strobe, SOS. Alternate groups switched with star contacts. Low voltage warning. Polarity protected. See extra AMC7135 notes below.

8x AMC7135, 5 mode
(Nanjg 105D)

1186301

FastTech

$3.05

Linear regulator

3.0-4.5 V 1 1x Li-ion
3x NiMH
4x alkaline		 50-97%

2800 mA

 5 17 mm 5 modes in 2 groups with memory; low (5%), medium (50%), high, strobe, SOS. Alternate group with no flashing modes accessed by half press. Low voltage warning.

8x AMC7135,
1 mode
(Nanjg 105C)

S004338

KaiDomain

$4.83
(down from $6.63,
up from $5.70,
down from $5.99)

Linear regulator

3.3-6.6 V
(for 0.6 V lower Vin see Tip 1 in the notes below)		 1 1x Li-ion,
4x NiMH		 50-97%

2800 mA
constant current

 1 17 mm Updated version: This is a Nanjg 105C without the PWM controller board to give modes. Polarity protection. Why the previous price was so much more expensive than the 5 mode version is beyond my guessing ability.

Previous version: This is just two 4x AMC7135 boards connected back to back. See extra AMC7135 notes below.

Warning: Even with the product update the page still contains a full size 6 megapixel image - pretty typical for KD's stupid site.

Formerly product ID 1770.

8x AMC7135,
1 mode
(Nanjg 105C)

AC011012

ledsupermall.com

$4.30
(down from $4.50)

Linear regulator

3.3-6.6 V
(for 0.6 V lower Vin see Tip 1 in the notes below)		 1 1x Li-ion,
4x NiMH		 50-97%

2800 mA
constant current

 1 17 mm Linear regulator using eight AMC7135 chips. Single mode. Apparently a Nanjg 105C board with no mode controller.

8x AMC7135,
3 mode
(Nanjg 106)

the 132

Shining Beam

$6.75 (formerly $6.95) + shipping

Linear regulator

3.3-6.1 V
(for 0.6 V lower Vin see Tip 1 in the notes below)		 1 4x NiMH 50-97%

2800 mA
constant current

 3 17 mm with components on both sides Stupidly, this driver completely vanishes from the retailer's web site when temporarily out of stock.

SKU 1217. Multimode board with a PWM mode controller and eight AMC7135 linear regulators (four on each side of the board). 3 modes with memory; low 140 mA, medium 1 A, high 2.8 A (formerly listed as 2.5 A). Claimed input voltage of 2.8-6.0 V doesn't allow for the polarity protection diode; the more likely correct figures are listed in this Driver List table. The output of AMC7135 chips varies a little, so high might be as much as 2.8 A (as mentioned here and here). Also pictured in this post and this post.

8x AMC7135,
5 mode
(apparently Nanjg 105C)

AC011018

ledsupermall.com

$4.80
(down from $5.30)

Linear regulator

3.0-5.8 V
(for 0.3 V lower Vin see Tip 1 in the notes below)		 1 1x Li-ion,
4x NiMH		 50-97%

2800 mA
constant current

 5 17 mm Linear regulator using eight AMC7135 chips. 5 modes; unstated what they are. Apparently a Nanjg 105C board; if so it has selectable mode groups (by solder bridge on the stars). Low voltage warning - when battery voltage is less than 2.9-3.0 V it changes to low mode and flashes once each second. Polarity protection assumed to be using a Schottky diode (providing 0.3 V drop).

8x AMC7135,
5 mode
(Nanjg 105 or 105A or 105C)

S009742

KaiDomain

$4.79 each
(up from $4.70),
also available in 5 pack
(sold out and/or discontinued)

Linear regulator

3.3-6.1 V
(for 0.6 V lower Vin see Tip 1 in the notes below)		 1 1x Li-ion,
4x NiMH		 50-97%

2800 mA
constant current

 5 17 mm (measured, not stated) March 2012: Driver has been removed from site (as has the 5 pack). See KD sku S020073 for a replacement.

Incomplete specifications given. Uses 8 AMC7135 linear regulator chips with either a PIC12F629 microcontroller for modes, or an ATtiny13A for the 105C model (which is apparently the latest version). Modes are determined by the stars on the board - they provide AK-47 functionality (where a group of modes is hardwired using a solder link). Has the same basic mode groups as CPF user download's very similar driver (diagram here) except their order for the 105A is high (100%), medium (35%), low (4%). When low mode is started there is a momentary bright flash, and after about 2.5 seconds there's a very brief dropout (or "blink") that indicates the mode has been fixed - after that, switching off momentarily will not change the mode. Reviews written for 105 and 105A. As of Jan 2011 the 105C is being shipped.

The maximum voltage in this table is based on the microcontroller's maximum of 5.5 V plus 0.6 V for the polarity protection diode. If it's a Schottky diode the maximum voltage is actually 5.8 V.

Tip: The circuit track for the first star does not need to be broken for the other stars to work.

Formerly product ID 10995. Also available as a 5 pack, S009835 (formerly product ID 11088).

8x AMC7135,
5 mode
(Nanjg 105C)

p-216

Intl Outdoor Store

$4.19
(down from $4.81)
(sold out and/or discontinued)

Linear regulator

3.0-4.8 V
(for 0.3 V lower Vin see Tip 1 in the notes below)		 1 3-4x NiMH
1x Li-ion		 50-97%

2800 mA
constant current

 5 17 mm Driver removed from site.

Linear regulator using eight AMC7135 chips and a ATtiny13A for PWM mode control; PWM frequency >4500 Hz. 5 modes with memory; low (5%), medium (30%), high, strobe, SOS. Alternate mode groups can be selected by using the star-shaped contacts; low/high/strobe, low/medium/high, low (10%)/high. Low voltage warning at 2.9-3.0 V. See extra AMC7135 notes below.

8x AMC7135
1 mode
(Nanjg 105C)

p-643

Intl Outdoor Store

$4.15

Linear regulator

3.0-4.8 V
(for 0.3 V lower Vin see Tip 1 in the notes below)		 1 3-4x NiMH
1x Li-ion		 50-97%

2800 mA
constant current

 1 17 mm Linear regulator using eight AMC7135 chips. Polarity protection. See extra AMC7135 notes below.

8xAMC7135, 5 mode

351865

DealExtreme

$4.71

Linear regulator

3.0-4.5 V 1 1x Li-ion 50-97%

2800 mA
constant current

 5 17 mm 5 mode; high, medium, low, strobe, SOS. Can change to 2-3 modes using stars on back. The star on the right gives high, medium, and low with no blinking modes.

AMC7135 chip

p-221

Intl Outdoor Store

$0.39
(down from $0.49, down from $0.53)
For 1-4: + shipping
(sold out and/or discontinued)

Linear regulator

2.7-6.0 V 1 3x NiMH
4x alkaline
1x Li-ion		 50-97%

350 mA
constant current

 1 5 mm x 5 mm x 2 mm Driver removed from site.

Single AMC7135 linear regulator chip; no board. Actual output of any particular chip is in the range 340-380 mA; this one should be close to 350 mA. See extra AMC7135 notes below.

AMC7135 chip x5

CNQ001707

CN Quality Goods

$2.50 for 5 + shipping

Linear regulator

2.7-6.0 V 1 3x NiMH
4x alkaline
1x Li-ion		 50-97%

350 mA
constant current

 1 5 mm x 5 mm x 2 mm Five single AMC7135 linear regulator chips; no board. Actual output of any particular chip is in the range 340-380 mA. See extra AMC7135 notes below.

AMC7135 chip
380mA

p-666

Intl Outdoor Store

$2.45 for 5
(up from $0.49 each)

Linear regulator

2.7-6.0 V 1 3x NiMH
4x alkaline
1x Li-ion		 50-97%

380 mA
constant current

 1 5 mm x 5 mm x 2 mm Five AMC7135 linear regulator chips; no board. Actual output of any particular chip is in the range 340-380 mA; these should be close to 380 mA. See extra AMC7135 notes below.

AMS1117-3.3 linear regulator chip

293568

DealExtreme

$3.99 for 50
(down from $4.16)

Linear regulator

3.0-5.5 V 1 1x Li-ion  

200 mA

 1   Output voltage 0.7-3.3 V. SOT-223 surface mount package. From the claimed specs it is apparently not an AMS1117-3.3 (datasheet) which has an output current of 1 A, not the 200 mA claimed.

C8 driver module

p-261

Intl Outdoor Store

$15.99
(sold out and/or discontinued)

Linear regulator

3.0-5.8 V
(for 0.3 V lower Vin see Tip 1 in the notes below)		 1

1 LED included

 1x Li-ion 50-97%

2800 mA
constant current

 5 25 mm x 21 mm high Suitable as a driver/pill replacement for a C8 torch. 5 modes, mode group selectable with solder bridge.

Includes a cool white Cree XM-L in a brass pill.

dsche low current driver

forum.fonarevka.ru

$16.00 (approx)
500 roubles (actual) + shipping

Linear regulator

2.8-5.5 V 1 1x Li-ion  

120 mA
constant current

 2 14 mm Linear regulator. Two modes, low (20 mA), medium (120 mA). Power interruption of less than 0.5 seconds is ignored. Power interrupted for 0.75 seconds or more changes modes. No power for 2 minutes or more resets to low mode.

IS1006
(SST-90 linear driver)

IS1006

CPF member

$25.00 + shipping

Linear regulator

3.0-12 V 1-4 4x NiMH "is probably the best configuration available"  

10 A
constant current

 2 26 mm The specs for this driver listed in this table may not be correct, as incomplete specs are listed in the sales thread and the specs thread isn't linked from it. (It might be this one but it has conflicting specs from the few that are actually listed in the sales thread.) Different versions are available, with high mode 5 A, 8 A or 10 A, and low mode from 1.2 A up. Switching between modes required a toggle switch or potentiometer (not included). Driver draws 0.5 mA when off.

K-003A6, 5 mode

7219200

FastTech

$2.28

Linear regulator

3.0-3.7 V 0 3x NiMH  

2200 mA

 5 17 mm 5 modes in Impractical Reverse Order; high, medium, low, strobe, SOS. Assumed to be a linear regulator.

LD-25, 2.0A

p-415

Intl Outdoor Store

$8.50
For 1-2: + shipping
(sold out and/or discontinued)

Linear regulator

3.0-4.2 V 1 1x Li-ion  

2000 mA
constant current

 5 17 mm x 7 mm high - two boards in double layer SKU number reused for a very different product.

Unknown drive method - no inductor so presumed to be a linear regulator. 5 modes with memory (claims to not use PWM); high (2.0 A), medium (1 A), low (150 mA), strobe, SOS. Change mode group to 3 mode (high, medium, low) by blinking it off at the right moment. Low voltage protection - under 3 V drops to low mode and starts flashing. No polarity protection. A higher output version is Intl Outdoor p-414.

LD-25, 2.6A

p-414

Intl Outdoor Store

$8.50
For 1-2: + shipping
(sold out and/or discontinued)

Linear regulator

3.0-4.2 V 1 1x Li-ion  

2600 mA
constant current

 5 17 mm x 7 mm high - two boards in double layer Driver removed from site.

Unknown drive method - no inductor so presumed to be a linear regulator. 5 modes with memory (claims to not use PWM); high (2.6 A), medium (1 A), low (150 mA), strobe, SOS. Change mode group to 3 mode (high, medium, low) by blinking it off at the right moment. Low voltage protection - under 3 V drops to low mode and starts flashing. No polarity protection. A lower output version is Intl Outdoor p-415.

LDCH LD-25

4594600

FastTech

$4.40

Linear regulator

3.0-4.2 V 1 1x Li-ion  

3000 mA

 3 17 mm (plus a little) 3 modes with memory, in Sensible Ascending Order, with the off-the-shelf current setpoints varying a bit; low (80mA), medium (somewhere in the range 700-1100mA), high (2200-3000mA). Double click for a hidden 12Hz strobe mode. Each steady mode is programmable.

This driver gets some good reviews. It uses an AON7520 MOSFET

LED AC DC Dimmer

863

Best Hong Kong

$6.49 + shipping

Linear regulator

5.0-24 V DC; also works with AC
(5-16 V AC)		 1-7    

700 mA

 1 54 mm x 26 mm Apparently a voltage-controlled driver with the output voltage set using a potentiometer; output voltage 1.5-22 V (use that potentiometer with care). There's an implication this driver should be used with a resistor in series with the LEDs. Claimed "max 700 mA, peak 2 A" is contradictory. Built-in rectifier for AC or DC operation. Unknown operation method but thought to be a linear regulator because of the presence of a large heat sink on the board.

Mini Constant Current Power Supply with rectifier,
9 versions 20-100 mA

Led-Tech

$2.80 (approx)
€1.99 (actual) + shipping

Linear regulator

6.5-38 V DC; also works with AC
(4.5-26 V AC)		 1-10   7-45%

100 mA
constant current

 1 16 mm x 7.5 mm x 3 mm Linear regulator based on a LM317 voltage regulator chip, with a rectifier so it can cope with AC (and can be connected either way with DC). Available in nine versions providing 10 mA, 20 mA, 30 mA, 40 mA, 50 mA, 60 mA, 70 mA, 80 mA and 100 mA. Supply voltage needs to be at least 3.8 V higher than total LED Vf and not more than 38, 27, 18, 14, 12, 10, 9, 8 or 7 V higher respectively for the different versions. Efficiency figures are given for a single LED but could theoretically be as high as 90% for a string.

Mini Constant Current Power Supply,
9 versions 10-100 mA

Led-Tech

$2.80 (approx)
€1.99 (actual) + shipping

Linear regulator

5.2-37 V 1-10   7-52%

100 mA
constant current

 1 16 mm x 7.5 mm x 3 mm Linear regulator based on a LM317 voltage regulator chip, available in nine versions providing 10 mA, 20 mA, 30 mA, 40 mA, 50 mA, 60 mA, 70 mA, 80 mA and 100 mA. Supply voltage needs to be at least 2.5 V higher than total LED Vf and not more than 37, 27, 18, 14, 12, 10, 9, 8 or 7 V higher respectively for the different versions. Efficiency figures are given for a single LED but it could theoretically be as high as 93% for a string.

Nanjg 28

15880

DealExtreme

$4.99
(down from $5.35,
down from $5.50)

Boost driver and linear regulator

0.9-4.5 V 1 1-3x AA
(2x AA ideal),
1x Li-ion		 63-83%

1000 mA
constant current

 5 17 mm Recent buyers have reported problems with this driver. Buyer beware.

Boost driver, possibly Seiko S-8352D boost chip. Uses PIC12F629 microcontroller chip for modes, probably with an AMC7136 (sic) linear regulator (datasheet, PDF 954 KB) for dropping small excess voltage as well. 5 modes: High (1,000 mA), mid (350 mA), low (50 mA), strobe (1,000 mA), SOS (1,000 mA). Testing here and here shows that above 2.4 V input the output current is surprisingly regulated. Average efficiency 70%.

PowerLine Constant Current Power Supply,
6 versions 350 mA - 2.8 A

Led-Tech

$21.00 (approx)
€14.90 (actual) + shipping

Linear regulator

7.0-30 V
(actual permitted V over total LED Vf varies)		 1-8   46-96%

2800 mA
constant current

 1 63 mm x 21 mm x 33 mm Linear regulator with a heatsink, available in six versions providing 350 mA, 700 mA, 1000 mA, 1.4 A, 2.0 A and 2.8 A. Large input voltage range (the minimum input voltage of 1 V is assumed) but input voltage must be at least 1 volt above output voltage and a maximum of 22, 13, 9, 7, 6 or 4 V above output voltage for the respective versions. The mention of PWM is believed to mean this driver can be used with a separate PWM driver, not that this driver uses PWM. Has thermal protection and output short circuit protection.
 
Also available in SLIM versions which lack the heatsink and so have tighter input voltage tolerances.

PowerLine SLIM Constant Current Power Supply,
8 versions 180 mA - 2.8 A

Led-Tech

$18.00 (approx)
€12.90 (actual) + shipping

Linear regulator

1.0-30 V
(actual permitted V over total LED Vf varies)		 1-8   63-96%

2800 mA
constant current

 1 50 mm x 7 mm x 15 mm Linear regulator, available in eight versions providing 180 mA, 350 mA, 500 mA, 700 mA, 1000 mA, 1.4 A, 2.0 A and 2.8 A. Large input voltage range (the minimum input voltage of 1 V is assumed) but input voltage must be at least 1 volt above output voltage and a maximum of 10, 10, 7, 5, 4, 3, 2.5 or 2 V above output voltage for the respective versions. The mention of PWM is believed to mean this driver can be used with a separate PWM driver, not that this driver uses PWM. Has thermal protection and output short circuit protection.
 
Also available in non-SLIM versions which have a heatsink, allowing better heat dissipation and wider input voltage tolerance.

V10

846

LCK-LED

$6.00 + shipping

Linear regulator

3.2-4.5 V 1    

3500 mA

 5 17 mm Driver uses at least four AMC7135 chips on one of two back-to-back boards, and probably an ATtiny13 on the other board. Five modes - high (100%), medium (45%), low (10%), strobe, SOS. Claimed constant current, but the maximum output is variously listed as 3.0 A and 3.5 A, and test results listed show the output is definitely not constant over the voltage range tested (and has a high of 3.3 A). This calls into doubt the constant current claim for all drivers from this retailer. Buyer beware. See extra AMC7135 notes below.

WY6890 adjustable driver with switch

162781

DealExtreme

$4.10

Linear regulator

2.8-4.5 V 1 3x AAA,
1x Li-ion		  

5 mA

Can be modified to 1000 mA

 1 34 mm x 20 mm Output current continuously adjustable from 5 mA to 1000 mA using on-board potentiometer. Unknown regulation method. Switch is momentary, turns driver on or off with each push. Stand-by current 10 µA.

Notes

Footnotes & Instructions

  • Video Foundry/Aqualab does not sell any of these drivers. Links are provided to resellers.
  • Use the pop-up menus, check boxes, etc, in the second row of the table to filter the results.
  • Click on the links in the titles in the top row of the table to order the results by that information.
  • Results of searches can be bookmarked because all the search parameters are contained in the URL. (You can delete the parameters you don't want - for example, http://www.videofoundry.co.nz/ianman/laboratory/research/driverlist.php?sku=26110 brings up just that driver.)
  • All prices in US$ (except where dual prices are listed in US$ and € for some European retailers).
  • All driver boards from DealExtreme and KaiDomain include shipping.
  • Information is unfortunately not guaranteed to be correct. any updates, corrections, omissions, etc.
  • However, please don't bother sending me an email to tell me about your company's LED products. It will be treated as spam. I really don't like spam, and SpamCop is busy enough as it is without having to process your email as well. Putting "Re" in the front of your spam's subject does not make it any less likely your spam will be sent to SpamCop.
  • Recommended drivers highlighted in green. They have a good combination of price, features and efficiency.
  • Drivers no longer available (sold out or backordered) are highlighted in grey.
  • Recommended drivers no longer available are highlighted in a darker green.
  • Drivers listed at those resellers as "Backordered" etc for more than a month are deemed to be discontinued (although I'm happy to later be proven wrong).
  • Don't connect drivers that have capacitors across their outputs to LEDs while the driver is powered. An explanation (on CPF) why not.
  • No mains driver will be completely waterproof. Those that are water resistant mostly have an IP rating (eg, IP67).

Notes on AMC7135 linear regulator (click to expand/contract)

The AMC7135 (datasheet) is a linear regulator, which means it acts like a variable resistor changing its value to try to keep the current constant. Like a resistor, any dropped voltage is burnt off as heat. Boards include a polarity protection diode and can easily be PWM-driven for lower modes.

Vin must be at least 0.12 V above Vf of LED to stay in regulation, although they drop out of regulation quite gracefully, not suddenly. The graph in the AMC7135 datasheet (Jan 2006) has the 0.1 and 1 volt vertical lines missing. Each AMC7135 provides constant current, about 1/3 amp (actually 300-380 mA depending on particular version; I've generally assumed 330-335 mA for above listings). Boards come with one to eight AMC7135s, and single mode up to 20 mode. Boards can be paralleled to give greater output, or connected with one multimode board controller providing the modes for several boards.

The AMC7135 is very efficient when input voltage is close to output voltage but not particularly good when input voltage is significantly higher. Average efficiency for 3x NiMH or 1x Li-ion can be well over 90% with an LED with the right Vf. Test results and discussion for 3 and 4 chip boards.

Since the AMC7135 just burns off excess input volts as heat, the more volts fed into them the hotter they'll get. One guy claimed that his got so hot they slid right off the board (ie, >183-190 °C melting range of 60/40 solder). The AMC7135 has built-in thermal protection (which will cause dropouts or a flickering effect if it gets too hot) but the multi-mode control chips used on the multi-mode boards are much less rugged. (And here.) If using with an input voltage above 4.5 V or so you can expect them to get hot!

To get multiple modes typical microcontrollers used are the Atmel ATtiny13 (or 13A or 13V) and the Microchip PIC12F629. These both have a 5.5 V maximum, while the AMC7135 linear regulator has a 6.0 V maximum. This means that multimode drivers will have a slighty lower maximum voltage than single mode boards.

Tip 1: To get reliable operation at low voltages, especially with only one AMC7135 chip being used, you may need to short out (and maybe remove) the polarity protection diode(s)*. This is because the AMC7135 in series with a polarity protection diode needs a minimum 2.7 V + 0.6 V (silicon diode) = 3.3 V to stay in regulation. The Vf of LEDs at 330-350 mA can easily be quite a bit lower than 3.3 V so will not be running in regulation. Note that if a germanium or Schottky diode was used the drop could be as low as 0.3 V instead of 0.6 V.

* However, I found with one multimode board this caused the board to go unstable (don't know exactly why) but I found that inserting a small value resistor instead of the diode was enough to get the driver stable again. Because the drive current through that point in the circuit is so low (6 mA for mine) there's very little voltage drop across the resistor - much less than across the diode - so it still serves the purpose of saving ~0.6 V.

Tip 2: If the input voltage is too high you may be able to use another LED in series with the board to drop the voltage - it beats burning it all off as heat. (The set current is <1 mA for single mode boards so both LEDs will get practically identical current. Diagrams and much discussion of use with multiple Seoul P7s and multi-mode boards.) More than one extra LED appears to be not a good idea for use with the lower modes of multi-mode boards since the Vf of the extra LEDs decreases too much at the low current to protect the driver from the battery voltage. (Many of the multi-mode boards have a capacitor on the output.) Flashing modes appear unsuited to this technique.

AMC7135-based driver options are discussed here, or an inexpensive multimode AMC7135 driver here.

Notes on Schottky diodes (click to expand/contract)

Schottky diodes are diodes that have a low voltage drop across them. 0.3 V is a typical figure, compared to around 0.60-0.65 V for a typical silicon diode. This makes Schottky diodes good for rectifiers and LED drivers where high efficiency is required. Drivers that use the AX2002 such as DX 3256 can easily be modified for higher output current but the Schottky diode needs to be replaced if the output current is to exceed 1 A.

Inexpensive Schottky diodes are available from these sources:


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