Abstract: The object of the invention is to implement an energy-efficient, compact and cost-effective solution for driving a number of high-power LED groups for lighting applications, by using a single switching power supply together with LEDs connected in series and/or in parallel and pulse width-controlled switches in parallel across the individually controllable LED groups. If the switch of an LED group is ON, the LED group will not light up. If the switch is in the OFF position, the full current of the power supply will pass through the corresponding LED group. Another aspect of the invention is the restriction within the drive protocol, according to which but a single switch is actuated at any one time within a particular time interval. This aspect guarantees a minimum time interval between each individual actuation event. Another aspect is the derating of the power supply in those phases where not a single LED group is ON.