#FlexibleFilamentLED

The Flexible Filament LED

This style has been available for years in consumer bulbs. But recently these 3V versions have become available. Unfortunately datasheets seem non-existent leaving us in the dark!

I noticed they seem to run 100 LEDs in parallel. On lengths over 120mm they run another parallel section in series to make up the remaining length.

If I underpower the filament I can see the individual LEDs and it ruins the effect. They need to be brighter to look more like a solid tungsten filament. But overpowering them is bad.

Most sources recommend limiting the current to 50 or 100mA.

But I did some testing and let one run for 3 days at 200mA - it seemed to be just fine. However the 250 mW resistor was understandably hot since it was burning off the excess 400 mW!

At 5V I recommend using a 22 ohm resistor for any length up to 120mm. However, longer versions need more current, so I recommend two 22 ohm resistors in parallel. This reduces the resistance and doubles the current capacity, keeping your resistors cool.

I’m thrilled to have some new components in my toolkit!

I feel like these new filament style LEDs are gonna unlock a lot of creative options for future projects!

#FlexibleFilamentLED
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