Light Emitting Diode (LED)

Light Emitting Diode (LED)

LED
Display
Digital
Arduino
IoT
Embedded Systems
Indicator

A Light Emitting Diode (LED) is a semiconductor light source that emits light when current flows through it. LEDs are energy-efficient, long-lasting, and available in various colors, making them ideal for indicators and displays.

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Specifications

Anode (+)Positive lead (longer leg), connects to power through a current-limiting resistor
Cathode (-)Negative lead (shorter leg), connects to ground

Sample Code

const int LED_PIN = 13; // Built-in LED or any digital pin

void setup() {
pinMode(LED_PIN, OUTPUT); // Set the LED pin as output
}

void loop() {
// Basic blinking
digitalWrite(LED_PIN, HIGH); // Turn LED on
delay(1000); // Wait for 1 second
digitalWrite(LED_PIN, LOW); // Turn LED off
delay(1000); // Wait for 1 second

// Fading example (using PWM)
for(int brightness = 0; brightness <= 255; brightness++) {
analogWrite(LED_PIN, brightness);
delay(10);
}
for(int brightness = 255; brightness >= 0; brightness--) {
analogWrite(LED_PIN, brightness);
delay(10);
}
}

Crash Course: Using the Light Emitting Diode (LED)

Objective

Learn how to properly connect and control LEDs, including basic operations like blinking and PWM-based brightness control with a TRIOE microcontroller.

Materials Required

  • LEDs (various colors)
  • Current limiting resistors (220Ω - 1kΩ)
  • TRIOE Board
  • Breadboard and jumper wires
  • USB cable for programming

Steps

1Understanding LEDs

  • LEDs are polarized components - they only work when connected in the correct direction
  • Always use a current-limiting resistor to protect the LED
  • Different colors have different forward voltages

2Circuit Setup

  • Connect LED anode to digital pin through a resistor
  • Connect LED cathode to ground
  • Calculate appropriate resistor value using Ohm's law
  • For multiple LEDs, each needs its own current-limiting resistor

3Programming

  • Use digitalWrite() for basic on/off control
  • Use analogWrite() for PWM brightness control
  • Create patterns and animations with multiple LEDs

Video Tutorial: Using the Light Emitting Diode (LED)

Common Applications

Status Indicators

Used to show system status, power indicators, and error notifications in electronic devices.

Display Arrays

Multiple LEDs arranged to create numeric displays, dot matrices, or custom indicators.

Visual Feedback

Providing user feedback in interactive systems and control panels.

Mood Lighting

RGB LEDs used for ambient lighting and color-changing effects in smart home applications.

Educational Projects

Teaching basic electronics, digital logic, and programming concepts through hands-on LED projects.