When it comes to keeping your TV running smoothly, two critical components often get overlooked: the Power Supply Board and the LED Driver. While both are essential for powering your TV, they serve distinct functions that are crucial to getting your favorite shows and movies to display correctly on the screen.
Let's break down these components and see how they keep your TV glowing and functioning.
Would you rather watch a video instead? Check out our helpful YouTube video on Identification 101 below:
🔌 Power Supply Board: The Power Hub of Your TV
The Power Supply Board is responsible for converting the electrical current from your wall outlet into the proper voltage for your TV’s internal components. Without it, your TV wouldn’t even turn on!
Key Functions:
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Converts AC to DC: The Power Supply takes your home’s 110V or 220V AC power and turns it into various DC voltages that the TV needs, such as 5V, 12V, and 24V. These different voltages power the internal boards and circuits.
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Powers Internal Components: It powers the main board, T-con board, audio circuits, and sometimes even the LED driver.
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May Include Standby and Main Power Sections: The power supply board usually has both a standby power section (for when the TV is off but still connected to power) and the main power section that runs when your TV is on.
🔧 TVpartsToday Tip: If your TV turns on and you hear sound but see no picture (or a dim screen), the issue may lie with the LED driver or backlighting, but if your TV doesn’t turn on at all, it's more likely the power supply that's at fault. Check your part numbers carefully before ordering a replacement!
🧠 LED Driver: The Backlight Specialist
The LED Driver, sometimes referred to as the Backlight Inverter, plays a more specialized role in powering the LED backlights behind your TV’s LCD screen. Without it, you wouldn’t be able to see the images or enjoy the visuals on your TV at all!
Key Functions:
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Powers the LED Backlight: It ensures that the correct voltage and current are sent to the LED strips that provide the light behind the LCD screen.
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Backlight Dimming and Control: Many LED drivers offer dimming control and the ability to turn the backlight on and off. This is typically achieved through PWM (pulse width modulation) or analog control.
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Integration or Standalone: In some TVs, the LED Driver is integrated directly into the Power Supply Board, while in others, it’s a separate unit entirely.
🎯 TVpartsToday Tip: If your TV screen is dim or you see no picture but still hear sound, the LED driver or the LED backlight may be malfunctioning. In this case, focus on fixing or replacing the LED driver.
🆚 Power Supply vs. LED Driver: What’s the Difference?
|
Feature |
Power Supply Board |
LED Driver |
|
Handles AC to DC Conversion |
✅ Yes |
❌ No |
|
Powers Main TV Circuits |
✅ Yes |
❌ No |
|
Powers LED Backlight |
Sometimes (or provides power to LED driver) |
✅ Yes (exclusively for LEDs) |
|
Controls Backlight Dimming |
❌ No (unless integrated) |
✅ Yes (often with PWM or analog control) |
|
Separate or Combined? |
Can be combined or separate depending on TV |
Can be a standalone board or integrated |
🧩 TVpartsToday Tip: If you're troubleshooting a TV and unsure of whether you need a new power supply or LED driver, always check the part numbers rather than the board numbers. The part number gives you the most accurate match for your specific TV model.
When to Replace: Power Supply or LED Driver? 🤔
It’s essential to know which part to focus on when your TV isn’t working properly:
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No power or no sound: Likely a Power Supply issue.
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Dim screen or no picture but sound works: Likely an LED Driver issue.
⚙️ What to Do Next
If you’ve diagnosed your TV and need a replacement, remember to use part numbers when ordering your replacement boards! Using part numbers ensures you get the exact match for your TV model, avoiding compatibility issues that can arise with board numbers.
💡 TVpartsToday Tip: Sometimes the LED Driver is integrated into the Power Supply Board, so be sure to double-check your TV’s specifications before ordering a separate LED Driver.
💬 Need Help?
If you’re still unsure about the issue or need to replace a part, reach out to TVpartsToday. We can help you identify the exact cause of the problem and provide the right replacement part!
Would you rather watch a video? Check out our helpful Troubleshooting 101 playlist over on YouTube!
Would you rather chat with a seasoned repair expert? Head on over to our TVRepairHelp subReddit!
📦 Need help finding the right board or part?
📞 Call us at 930-212-1975 or browse our inventory online.
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