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Littelfuse Open LED Protectors

PLED devices are connected in parallel with each LED in a series string. If one LED should fail open-circuit then the PLED connected to it will turn on and carry the current that would have gone through the failed LED. This keeps the rest of the string operating, so that only a single LED goes dark instead of the whole string. In the off state, a PLED draws only a few microamps so it does not affect the circuit. When triggered it carries the full current of the string with a voltage drop of about 1.3 volts.

PLED devices help protect the LED from surges induced by nearby lightning strikes and ESD events. In addition, PLEDs contain reverse current diodes that will protect the LED string if the power supply is connected with reverse polarity. PLED devices are typically connected across each LED in a string, but units are available to connect across two or even three LEDs. This reduces the cost of protection but causes more than one LED to go dark if one fails. 

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PLEDxSW Series - White Body

Littelfuse PLEDxSW Open LED Protectors offer a switching electronic shunt path when an LED in an LED string fails as an open circuit. PLEDxSW Open LED Protectors ensure the remaining string of LEDs continues to function even if a single LED does not. These devices automatically reset if the LED heals itself or the power is cycled.

Designed using white materials for less visibility in the LED fixture, the devices feature white molding to reflect more light and improve overall light engine efficiency. Compatible with one, two and three watt LEDs that have a nominal 3V forward characteristic and PWM frequencies up to 30 kHz, PLEDxSW Series devices are available in SMB surface mount package.

With a DO-214AA (SMB) low profile package, the PLEDxSW Open LED Protectors are ideal for dense board applications such as indoor lights, aircraft / runway lights, advertisement lighting, and other indoor LED lighting applications.


Part Number Description Data Sheet Breakdown Voltage Rated Repetitive Off-State Voltage VDRM Maximum Operating Temperature Minimum Operating Temperature







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PLED Unidirectional Series (PLEDxUx)

PLED Unidirectional Series (PLEDxUx Series) open LED protectors provide a switching electronic shunt path around a single LED that fails as an open circuit. This ensures the remaining string of LEDs will continue to function even though a single LED in the string has failed open. It also provides reverse battery or reverse power polarity protection.

PLED Unidirectional Series devices were designed to enable higher reliability in outdoor LED lighting applications such as street lighting, outdoor signage, aircraft runway lighting, roadside warning lights and other applications.

Compatible with one, two and three watt LEDs that have a nominal 3V forward characteristic, PLED Unidirectional Series devices are available in two surface mount packages, the DO-214AA and the Quad Flat Pak No-lead (QFN). The QFN's low profile, chip scale package (CSP) is ideal for dense board applications.


Part Number Description Data Sheet Breakdown Voltage Rated Repetitive Off-State Voltage VDRM





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Published: 0001-01-01 | Updated: 0001-01-01