How to Use LED Tactile Button Breakout: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The LED Tactile Button Breakout is an electronic component that combines the functionality of a tactile switch with an integrated LED, providing both tactile and visual feedback. This component is ideal for user interfaces where an immediate visual indication of a button press is beneficial, such as in control panels, user input devices, and interactive projects. The LED illuminates upon pressing the button, offering a clear indication of activation.

• Voltage Rating for LED: Typically 3.3V to 5V
• Current Rating for LED: 20mA (standard LED current)
• Switch Rating: 50mA at 12V DC
• LED Color: (Common colors include red, green, blue, yellow, white)
• Bounce Time: <10ms
• Operating Force: Approximately 250g to 350g
• Life Expectancy: 100,000 to 1,000,000 cycles

1. LED Connection:

   • Connect the LED anode (pin 1) to a digital output pin on the microcontroller through a current-limiting resistor.
   • Connect the LED cathode (pin 2) to the ground.

2. Button Connection:

   • Connect the button output (pin 3) to a digital input pin on the microcontroller.
   • Connect the button ground (pin 4) to the ground.

• Current-Limiting Resistor: Always use a current-limiting resistor with the LED to prevent damage. A typical value is 220 ohms for a 5V supply.
• Debounce: Implement software debouncing to handle the mechanical bounce of the tactile switch.
• Input Pull-up Resistor: Use the internal pull-up resistor feature of the microcontroller if available to simplify the circuit.

const int buttonPin = 2; // Button output connected to digital pin 2
const int ledPin = 13;   // LED anode connected to digital pin 13 through a resistor

void setup() {
  pinMode(ledPin, OUTPUT);      // Initialize the LED pin as an output
  pinMode(buttonPin, INPUT);    // Initialize the button pin as an input
}

void loop() {
  int buttonState = digitalRead(buttonPin); // Read the state of the button
  if (buttonState == HIGH) {
    // If the button is pressed, turn on the LED
    digitalWrite(ledPin, HIGH);
  } else {
    // If the button is not pressed, turn off the LED
    digitalWrite(ledPin, LOW);
  }
}

• LED Not Lighting Up:

  • Check if the LED is connected correctly with the correct polarity.
  • Ensure the current-limiting resistor is properly connected and of the correct value.
  • Verify that the microcontroller's output pin is configured correctly and functioning.

• Button Not Responding:

  • Confirm that the button's output pin is connected to the correct microcontroller pin.
  • Check for a secure ground connection for the button.
  • Ensure that the microcontroller's input pin is set up correctly in the code.

• Use a Multimeter: Check for continuity and correct voltages at various points in the circuit.
• Isolate the Problem: Test the LED and button separately to determine which part may be at fault.
• Code Verification: Double-check the code for any errors or misconfigurations, particularly pin assignments.

Q: Can I use a different voltage for the LED? A: Yes, but ensure you adjust the current-limiting resistor value accordingly to maintain the proper current through the LED.

Q: How can I change the LED color? A: The LED color is fixed based on the component you purchase. To change the color, you would need to use a different LED Tactile Button Breakout with the desired LED color.

Q: What is the purpose of the current-limiting resistor? A: The resistor limits the current flowing through the LED to prevent it from burning out due to excessive current.

Q: Can I use this component with a microcontroller other than Arduino UNO? A: Yes, the LED Tactile Button Breakout can be used with any microcontroller that has compatible digital I/O pins. Adjust the code and connections accordingly.