Article

What is the power consumption of SMD IR LEDs?

Sep 08, 2025Leave a message

Hey there! As a supplier of SMD IR LEDs, I often get asked about the power consumption of these handy little components. So, I thought I'd write a blog post to break it down for you.

First off, let's talk about what SMD IR LEDs are. SMD stands for Surface Mount Device, which means these LEDs are designed to be mounted directly onto a printed circuit board (PCB). IR, on the other hand, stands for Infrared, which refers to the type of light these LEDs emit. Infrared light is invisible to the human eye but can be detected by special sensors, making SMD IR LEDs ideal for a wide range of applications, including security cameras, remote controls, and proximity sensors.

Now, let's get into the nitty-gritty of power consumption. The power consumption of an SMD IR LED is determined by a few key factors, including its forward voltage (Vf), forward current (If), and the number of LEDs in the circuit.

The forward voltage is the amount of voltage required to turn on the LED and allow current to flow through it. Different types of SMD IR LEDs have different forward voltages, but most commonly range from around 1.2V to 2.5V. The forward current, on the other hand, is the amount of current that flows through the LED when it is turned on. This is typically measured in milliamperes (mA) and can range from a few milliamperes to several hundred milliamperes, depending on the specific LED and its intended application.

To calculate the power consumption of an SMD IR LED, you simply multiply the forward voltage by the forward current. For example, if you have an SMD IR LED with a forward voltage of 1.5V and a forward current of 20mA, the power consumption would be:

Power (P) = Voltage (V) x Current (I)
P = 1.5V x 0.02A
P = 0.03W or 30mW

So, in this case, the LED would consume 30 milliwatts of power.

It's important to note that the power consumption of an SMD IR LED can vary depending on a number of factors, including the temperature, the quality of the LED, and the specific application. For example, if the LED is operating in a high-temperature environment, its forward voltage may increase, which can lead to an increase in power consumption. Similarly, if the LED is being used in a high-power application, such as a security camera, it may require a higher forward current, which will also increase the power consumption.

Another factor to consider is the number of LEDs in the circuit. If you are using multiple SMD IR LEDs in a circuit, the total power consumption will be the sum of the power consumption of each individual LED. For example, if you have a circuit with 10 SMD IR LEDs, each consuming 30mW of power, the total power consumption of the circuit would be:

Total Power (Ptotal) = Power per LED (P) x Number of LEDs (n)
Ptotal = 30mW x 10
Ptotal = 300mW

Now, let's take a look at some specific types of SMD IR LEDs and their power consumption.

One popular type of SMD IR LED is the Smd 3528 Led Ir 850nm. These LEDs are commonly used in security cameras and other applications that require a high-intensity infrared light source. The power consumption of a typical 3528 SMD IR LED can range from around 20mW to 50mW, depending on the specific model and the forward current.

Another type of SMD IR LED is the High Power SMD IR LED. These LEDs are designed to provide a high-intensity infrared light output and are commonly used in applications such as long-range security cameras and industrial sensors. The power consumption of a high-power SMD IR LED can range from several hundred milliwatts to several watts, depending on the specific model and the forward current.

Finally, we have the Smd Side View Infrared Led. These LEDs are designed to emit infrared light at a 90-degree angle, making them ideal for applications such as proximity sensors and gesture recognition. The power consumption of a typical side view SMD IR LED can range from around 10mW to 30mW, depending on the specific model and the forward current.

So, why is it important to understand the power consumption of SMD IR LEDs? Well, for starters, it can help you choose the right LED for your application. If you are designing a battery-powered device, for example, you will want to choose an LED with a low power consumption to extend the battery life. On the other hand, if you are designing a high-power application, such as a security camera, you will need to choose an LED with a high power output to ensure that it provides enough light.

Smd 3528 Led Ir 850nmSmd 3528 Led Ir 850nm

In addition, understanding the power consumption of SMD IR LEDs can help you optimize your circuit design. By choosing the right LED and adjusting the forward current and voltage, you can minimize the power consumption of your circuit and improve its efficiency.

If you're interested in purchasing SMD IR LEDs for your project, I'd love to help. As a supplier, I have a wide range of SMD IR LEDs available, including the ones mentioned above. Whether you need a low-power LED for a battery-powered device or a high-power LED for a security camera, I can help you find the right product for your needs.

Feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions or if you'd like to discuss your specific requirements. I'm always happy to help!

References

  • Engineering textbooks on semiconductor devices and optoelectronics
  • Technical datasheets of SMD IR LEDs from various manufacturers
Send Inquiry