Gravity - LED

The most important parameters of LEDs

Like any electronic component, LEDs also have their parameters, on the basis of which we can easily select them in an appropriate manner for our application. In fact, LEDs are very similar to classical rectifier diodes (e.g. 1N4148, 1N914, 1N4007), except that they additionally emit light when conducting electricity. The first important parameter of LEDs is the conduction voltage. It is the value of voltage applied to the diode in the conduction direction (i.e. from the anode to the cathode), which causes the transition of the p-n junction in the diode in the conducting state, but when we reverse the direction of voltage (higher potential on the cathode in relation to the anode potential), then the diode will not conduct (transition into the stop state). Depending on the parameters of the power source, a resistor must be selected to limit the current flowing through the diode, which is connected in series with the diode, either on the cathode or anode side. For example, if the LED starts to conduct at 1.8V, and the power source gives a voltage of 5.0V, then you should choose a resistor that limits the current so that the voltage drop at its leads is preferably about 3.0V. Choosing a resistor with a too high resistance may cause the LED not to light. Choosing a resistor with too low a resistance can lead to irreversible damage to the LED. At this point, when selecting a resistor for the LED, in addition to the source and conduction voltage must also take into account the value of the conduction current of the LED. Fortunately, in the case of LED modules from the Gravity series, we do not have to worry about this problem, because the designers from DFRobot designing the LED modules have included the appropriate additional components on the module boards - just connect the power and control (e.g. from the Arduino Uno base module) and you're done!

Example applications of LED modules

To use Gravity series LED modules, connect them to Arduino board using 3-pin JST connector. JST connector has three pins, i.e. power supply voltage (VCC), ground (GND) and control signal - this last pin should be connected to one of the pins in "DIGITAL" section of Arduino. An important advantage of Gravity LED modules, is a very clear light, so you can use them as a complement to the accessories of robots, drones and toys, which adds a very attractive visual value. LEDs are also a real must-have in any control panel, as a visual signaling element that informs about the presence of a supply voltage or the emergency state of the controlled device.