Summary of Universal High-Power LED Driver – Firmware update using PIC16F1823
This updated firmware for the Universal High-Power LED Driver adds an on-board current setup so you can change LED drive current without reprogramming the PIC microcontroller. After upgrading, use the board buttons to enter a config mode, view current setting via status LED blinks, adjust with left/right buttons, and store the selection in EEPROM. Settings persist and can be changed repeatedly.
Parts used in the Universal High-Power LED Driver:
- PIC16F1823 microcontroller
- On-board status LED
- Two configuration buttons (left and right)
- Dimmer knob
- LED load (connected LEDs)
- Power supply for the unit
- Non-volatile memory (EEPROM, on PIC)
Here’s the updated firmware for my Universal High-Power LED Driver.
This version has on-board current set up function, so you can change the drive current without re-programming the PIC microcontroller.
You can either download the ZIP file containing the while project, or just the HEX file.
After upgrading your firmware, you can change the drive current of the LEDs connected to the driver by using the buttons on board.
Here are the steps:
- Connect the LEDs and power up the unit.
- Turn the dimmer knob all the way to the left/counter-clockwise. LEDs will be dim.
- Push both buttons and hold for a second, until the status LED starts blinking.
- The number of blinks shows the current level: 1=350mA, 2=700mA, 3=1,000mA, 4=1,400mA (apox.).
- Push right button to up the current, left button to lower the current. (You can move the dimmer knob to see how the LEDs light up during this process.)
- Push both buttons again for a second to get out of the config mode. Status LED will stop blinking.
- The setting is now stored in the non-volatile memory (EEPROM).
You can change the current setting as many times as you want
For more detail: Universal High-Power LED Driver – Firmware update using PIC16F1823
- How do I change the drive current without reprogramming the PIC?
Upgrade to the new firmware, then use the on-board buttons to enter config mode and adjust the current; the setting is stored in EEPROM. - How do I enter the current configuration mode?
Turn the dimmer knob fully left, then push both buttons and hold for a second until the status LED starts blinking. - How does the driver indicate the current setting?
The status LED blinks a number of times showing the current level: 1=350mA, 2=700mA, 3=1,000mA, 4=1,400mA (approx.). - How do I increase or decrease the drive current?
In config mode, push the right button to increase the current and the left button to decrease it. - How do I exit configuration mode?
Push both buttons again for a second; the status LED will stop blinking and the setting is stored. - Will the current setting persist after power off?
Yes; the setting is stored in EEPROM (non-volatile memory) so it persists. - Can I change the current setting multiple times?
Yes; you can change the current setting as many times as you want. - What options are available for obtaining the firmware?
You can download either the ZIP file containing the whole project or just the HEX file.
