Choosing LED Drivers for North American Lighting Projects: A Guide to the EUCHIPS PUP Series

How do you choose the right LED drivers for your next North American lighting project?

The selection starts with the luminaire’s electrical requirements, the lighting control system and the available installation space. A driver must deliver the required current within the LED module’s operating voltage range, support the intended dimming method and fit the installation.

EUCHIPS offers several LED driver series for different applications. This article focuses on the PUP series, one option for downlights, spotlights and panel lights. The accompanying video introduces its dimming options, tunable-white versions, auxiliary power functionality and installation accessories.

PUP Series at a Glance

• 0–10V single-channel dimming — Power options: 10W, 20W and 40W. Features: 0.1–100% dimming and eight DIP-switch settings for output-current adjustment.
• 0–10V dual-channel tunable white — Power options: 20W and 40W. Features: Colour temperature adjustment from 2700K to 6500K.
• DALI single-channel dimming — Power options: 10W, 20W and 40W. Features: 0.1–100% dimming and eight DIP-switch settings for output-current adjustment.
• DALI DT8 tunable white — Power options: 20W and 40W. Features: 0.1–100% dimming, 2700–6500K colour temperature adjustment and eight output-current settings.
• TRIAC dimming — Power options: 10W, 20W and 40W. Features: Leading-edge and trailing-edge dimming.
• Combined 0–10V and TRIAC dimming — Power options: 10W, 15W, 20W, 30W and 40W. Features: Support for 0–10V, TRIAC, PWM and potentiometer dimming, with programmable parameters.
• Non-dimmable — Power options: 10W, 20W and 40W. Features: Eight DIP-switch settings for output-current adjustment.

Features vary by model. The specifications of the selected driver should be checked against the luminaire and project requirements.

1. 0–10V Dimming and Tunable White

For projects using a 0–10V control system, the PUP series offers both single-channel dimming and dual-channel tunable-white versions.

The single-channel dimming models are available in 10W, 20W and 40W. They provide a dimming range of 0.1–100% and eight DIP-switch settings for adjusting the output current.

These settings allow the driver to be configured for compatible LED modules. During selection, the required current should be checked together with the module’s operating voltage and the driver’s permitted operating range.

The dual-channel tunable-white models, available in 20W and 40W, support colour temperature adjustment from 2700K to 6500K. This provides a choice from warm white to cool white for luminaires designed with compatible warm-white and cool-white LED channels.

2. DALI Dimming and DT8 Control

For projects using DALI, PUP provides:

• Single-channel dimming models in 10W, 20W and 40W.
• Dual-channel tunable-white models in 20W and 40W.

Both versions provide 0.1–100% dimming and eight DIP-switch settings for output-current adjustment. The DALI DT8 versions also support colour temperature adjustment from 2700K to 6500K.

When selecting a DALI driver, confirm the required control functionality, the LED channel configuration and compatibility with the project’s DALI control system. Tunable-white applications require the driver, LED module and controller to support the intended colour temperature control.

3. TRIAC Dimming

PUP TRIAC dimming drivers are available in 10W, 20W and 40W, with support for leading-edge and trailing-edge dimming.

For these installations, the driver and dimmer need to be assessed together. Input voltage, dimmer type, connected load and the required dimming performance all affect selection.

Compatibility should be confirmed for the specific driver and dimmer combination before installation, particularly when a project requires consistent performance across multiple luminaires.

4. Combined Dimming and Programmable Settings

The combined-dimming PUP range supports 0–10V, TRIAC, PWM and potentiometer dimming, with power options of 10W, 15W, 20W, 30W and 40W.

These compact drivers provide another option when selecting a control method for a luminaire platform. The supported input voltage and operating conditions for each dimming method should be checked in the relevant model’s datasheet.

Compatible programmable models allow settings such as the following to be adjusted using a programmer connected through a 2.5mm AUX jack cable:

• Output current.
• Dimming curve.
• Minimum dimming level.

This gives luminaire manufacturers additional flexibility when configuring a driver for a particular LED module or dimming requirement.

Auxiliary Power for Sensors and Controllers

The PUP20ATS-1WPC adds an auxiliary power output to the 20W version:

12Vdc, 60mA

This output can supply compatible sensors and controllers in 0–10V applications. With a suitable sensor and control configuration, the driver and sensor can work together to make lighting respond to occupancy—for example, switching lights on when someone enters and dimming or switching them off when the space is unoccupied.

Sensor selection should account for both the auxiliary output voltage and the connected device’s current requirement.

The 20W auxiliary-power version is currently available, while 40W and other power options are under development.

For the PUP20ATS-1WPC, the datasheet specifies that the auxiliary source is not connected during TRIAC dimming. The supported control mode and wiring arrangement should therefore be confirmed during system design.

5. Non-Dimmable Versions

For applications that do not require dimming, PUP also includes 10W, 20W and 40W non-dimmable drivers.

These models provide eight DIP-switch settings for output-current adjustment. This allows the output to be configured for compatible luminaires while keeping the control arrangement straightforward.

The selected current setting must remain within the driver’s specified voltage and power operating limits.

Matching Junction Boxes to the Installation

Mechanical fit and wiring space are part of driver selection. The PUP series offers three matching junction-box options:

• EUA-JB-H30B: Supports 10W, 15W, 20W and 40W PUP drivers.
• EUA-JB-L150: Supports 10W and 15W PUP drivers.
• EUA-JB-L170: Supports 10W, 15W and 20W PUP drivers.

The appropriate combination depends on the exact driver model, enclosure dimensions and installation arrangement. Confirm the driver-to-box pairing and allow sufficient space for wiring and installation access.

What Information Helps Narrow the Selection?

Before choosing a driver, prepare the following specifications:

1. Input supply: The project’s supply voltage and frequency.
2. Luminaire power: The required operating power.
3. LED current: The rated current required by the LED module.
4. LED voltage range: The module’s operating voltage at the intended current.
5. Control method: 0–10V, DALI, TRIAC, another supported method or non-dimmable operation.
6. Lighting functionality: Single-channel dimming, tunable white or sensor-based control.
7. Installation constraints: Available dimensions, enclosure requirements and wiring space.
8. Auxiliary load, if required: The sensor or controller’s supply voltage and current consumption.

These details help identify suitable models within PUP or another EUCHIPS driver series.

Find a Driver That Fits Your Project

Watch the video for a visual overview of the PUP series, including its control options, programming features, auxiliary power application and junction-box accessories.

Share your luminaire specifications and project requirements with EUCHIPS. Our team can help you match a suitable LED driver from the PUP series or another option in the EUCHIPS range.