LED Gallery

What is an LED?

LED (Light Emitting Diode) is a semiconductor device that emits light when an electric current passes through it. LEDs are widely used in electronic devices, displays, and lighting due to their efficiency and long lifespan.

LEDs are polarized components, meaning they must be connected in the correct direction to work:

The longer leg is the positive (anode)
The shorter leg is the negative (cathode)
The flat side of the LED casing indicates the cathode

Simple LED Connection and Leg Length

LED circuit with 9V battery and current-limiting resistor

LED leg identification - longer leg (anode +) and shorter leg with flat side (cathode -)

Common LED Specifications

Forward Voltage (Vf):
- Red: 1.7V - 2.1V
- Green: 2.0V - 2.2V
- Blue/White: 3.0V - 3.3V
Forward Current: Typically 20mA (0.02A)
Viewing Angle: Usually 20° - 120°
Brightness: Measured in millicandela (mcd)

LED Projects

LED Videos

Future Project Ideas

For more advanced LED projects, you might want to explore digitally controlled LEDs like NeoPixels. These are RGB LEDs with integrated control circuits that allow you to:

Control multiple LEDs with just one data wire
Create complex color animations
Build LED matrices and strips
Make interactive light displays

Learn more about NeoPixels at:

Adafruit NeoPixel Überguide - The Magic of NeoPixels

References

For more information about LED types, visit:

LEDKIA - Types of LED diodes available on the market

Additional Resources

Watch an educational video about LEDs:

YouTube - Understanding LEDs