Temperature
The LEDs used for the lights can get very hot very quickly. It is important that the temperature of the lights stays within limits that will not interfere with the functionality of any nearby circuits, and will not pose a safety hazard.
Below is a graph displaying The graphs below represent the temperature of revision 3 of the tail light prototypes board over time.
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A temperature probe was used to measure the temperature. PWM was at approximately 50% duty cycle. No enclosures were used during testing.
The temperature stabilized at around 47 C after approximately 15 minutes.
Next steps would include testing the lights in an enclosure.All trials were performed with 12V supply. Duty cycle was set to 100%.
Red Lights: back
Temperature appears to be unstable throughout the trial, this is because the temperature probe came off of the board. Temperature at the end is somewhat more stable. Temperature stabilized to around 66 degrees.
The power supply drew 0.43 A of current (5.16 W).
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Red Lights: front
Temperature stabilized to around 68 degrees.
The power supply drew 0.43 A of current (5.16 W).
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White lights: back
Temperature stabilized to 79 degrees.
The power supply drew 0.59 A of current (7.08 W).
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White lights: front
Temperature stabilized to about 90 degrees.
The power supply drew 0.59 A of current (7.08 W).
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Voltage Boost
Since a boost converter is used in the driver board, a boost in output voltage is expected.
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