Light-emitting diode

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Revision as of 17:22, 26 July 2008 by DavidCary (talk | contribs) (LEDs used "in reverse": as light sensors (moved from sensors))
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Light emitting diode

To make the LED light up, you need a power supply (any voltage) and a resistor.

The resistance required is as follows: R = (U_power - U_led) / I_max

Example: a LED with voltage drop of Uled=1.2V and a max current of I_max=0,020A (20mA) to be powered by a 5V DC source needs:

R = (5-1.2)/.02 = 190 ohm

You then connect a 190 ohm resistance in series with the LED to make it work.

sensor

A few people use LEDs in an unusual way: as sensors.


further reading

LEDs used normally: to emit light:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LED

LEDs used "in reverse": as light sensors: