A light emitting diode (LED) driver circuit includes an LED string and a conducting state detection circuit. The conducting state detection circuit detects a conducting state of the LED string, and generates a discharge control signal upon sensing that the LED string is in a non-conducting state. A current source generates a discharge current according to the discharge control signal when the LED string is in the non-conducting state. A passive bleeder provides current compensation by internal regulator operation. An LED spike current suppression circuit suppresses spike current that can occur when the input voltage increases above a threshold. A bias supply circuit has an input capacitor that provides a bias voltage.