How to choose a LED strip driver?

Question

Do it yourself

There was a question about the power supply for the LED strip.
1. Can I use an old laptop power supply and DC-DC step down module?
2. What is the difference between a universal laptop power supply and a transformer for LED strips?
3. Do I understand correctly that the power supply / transformer for halogen lamps actually only lowers the voltage, and the current remains variable?

Answer 1

1. It is possible, but it is pointless, especially in the context of the fact that you do not understand well how it works.
2. The fact that the power supply for a laptop is a device that maintains a constant voltage on the load, and the driver (it is not called a "transformer") for the LEDs maintains a constant current , which is required for the normal functioning of the LEDs.
3. Devices for powering halogen lamps can either be simple transformers (the voltage shape remains the same as in the network, that is, they produce a sinusoidal alternating voltage), or if they are equipped with a dimming mechanism, this will also be alternating voltage, but rather intricate forms.