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How to Use LED: Two Pin (white): Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

Image of LED: Two Pin (white)
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Introduction

A white LED (Light-Emitting Diode) with two pins is a semiconductor device that emits white light when an electric current flows through it. LEDs are widely used due to their energy efficiency, long life, and compact size. Common applications include indicator lights, backlighting, automotive lighting, and general illumination.

Explore Projects Built with LED: Two Pin (white)

Use Cirkit Designer to design, explore, and prototype these projects online. Some projects support real-time simulation. Click "Open Project" to start designing instantly!
LED Array with Inductive Power Transfer
Image of Wind Mill: A project utilizing LED: Two Pin (white) in a practical application
The circuit consists of multiple red two-pin LEDs connected in parallel, with all cathodes tied together and all anodes tied together. A copper coil is also connected in parallel with the LEDs. There is no control circuitry or power regulation components indicated, and no embedded code provided, suggesting this is a simple illumination circuit possibly intended for inductive power transfer given the presence of the copper coil.
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Arduino UNO Blinking LED Circuit
Image of led : A project utilizing LED: Two Pin (white) in a practical application
This circuit consists of an Arduino UNO microcontroller connected to a red two-pin LED. The Arduino's digital pin D13 is connected to the LED's anode, and the LED's cathode is connected to the Arduino's ground (GND). The embedded code on the Arduino is programmed to blink the LED on and off at one-second intervals.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer
Arduino UNO Controlled Blinking LED Circuit
Image of led: A project utilizing LED: Two Pin (white) in a practical application
This circuit consists of an Arduino UNO microcontroller connected to a red two-pin LED. The Arduino's digital pin D13 is connected to the LED's anode, and the LED's cathode is connected to the Arduino's ground (GND). The embedded code on the Arduino is programmed to blink the LED on and off at one-second intervals.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer
Arduino UNO Controlled Red LED Blinker
Image of first arduino test: A project utilizing LED: Two Pin (white) in a practical application
This circuit consists of an Arduino UNO microcontroller connected to a red two-pin LED. The LED's cathode is connected to the Arduino's GND pin, and its anode is connected to digital pin D13. The provided code for the Arduino is empty, indicating that the LED's behavior (such as blinking) is not defined and would need to be implemented in the loop function of the Arduino code.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer

Explore Projects Built with LED: Two Pin (white)

Use Cirkit Designer to design, explore, and prototype these projects online. Some projects support real-time simulation. Click "Open Project" to start designing instantly!
Image of Wind Mill: A project utilizing LED: Two Pin (white) in a practical application
LED Array with Inductive Power Transfer
The circuit consists of multiple red two-pin LEDs connected in parallel, with all cathodes tied together and all anodes tied together. A copper coil is also connected in parallel with the LEDs. There is no control circuitry or power regulation components indicated, and no embedded code provided, suggesting this is a simple illumination circuit possibly intended for inductive power transfer given the presence of the copper coil.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer
Image of led : A project utilizing LED: Two Pin (white) in a practical application
Arduino UNO Blinking LED Circuit
This circuit consists of an Arduino UNO microcontroller connected to a red two-pin LED. The Arduino's digital pin D13 is connected to the LED's anode, and the LED's cathode is connected to the Arduino's ground (GND). The embedded code on the Arduino is programmed to blink the LED on and off at one-second intervals.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer
Image of led: A project utilizing LED: Two Pin (white) in a practical application
Arduino UNO Controlled Blinking LED Circuit
This circuit consists of an Arduino UNO microcontroller connected to a red two-pin LED. The Arduino's digital pin D13 is connected to the LED's anode, and the LED's cathode is connected to the Arduino's ground (GND). The embedded code on the Arduino is programmed to blink the LED on and off at one-second intervals.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer
Image of first arduino test: A project utilizing LED: Two Pin (white) in a practical application
Arduino UNO Controlled Red LED Blinker
This circuit consists of an Arduino UNO microcontroller connected to a red two-pin LED. The LED's cathode is connected to the Arduino's GND pin, and its anode is connected to digital pin D13. The provided code for the Arduino is empty, indicating that the LED's behavior (such as blinking) is not defined and would need to be implemented in the loop function of the Arduino code.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer

Technical Specifications

Key Technical Details

  • Forward Voltage (Vf): Typically 3.0V to 3.4V
  • Forward Current (If): Recommended 20mA (max. 30mA)
  • Luminous Intensity: Varies by specific model, often around 6000-8000 mcd
  • Viewing Angle: Typically 120 degrees
  • Color Temperature: Typically 5000K to 10000K (cool white)

Pin Configuration and Descriptions

Pin Number Name Description
1 Anode (+) Connects to the positive supply voltage
2 Cathode (-) Connects to the ground (0V)

Usage Instructions

Connecting the LED to a Circuit

  1. Identify the Pins: The longer pin is usually the anode (+), and the shorter pin is the cathode (-).
  2. Current Limiting Resistor: Always use a current limiting resistor in series with the LED to prevent it from burning out. The value of the resistor can be calculated using Ohm's law: R = (Vsupply - Vf) / If.
  3. Polarity: Ensure correct polarity when connecting the LED. Reversing the polarity may damage the LED.
  4. Soldering: Use a heat sink or be quick when soldering to prevent heat damage to the LED.

Best Practices

  • Avoid exceeding the maximum forward current and voltage ratings.
  • Use pulse width modulation (PWM) for dimming to maintain the LED's lifespan.
  • Consider heat dissipation in high-power applications.

Example Circuit with Arduino UNO

// Define the LED pin
const int ledPin = 13; // Most Arduino UNO boards have an LED on pin 13

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

void loop() {
  // Turn the LED on
  digitalWrite(ledPin, HIGH);
  delay(1000); // Wait for 1 second
  // Turn the LED off
  digitalWrite(ledPin, LOW);
  delay(1000); // Wait for 1 second
}

Troubleshooting and FAQs

Common Issues

  • LED Not Lighting Up: Check the polarity of the LED and the connection of the current limiting resistor.
  • LED Burnt Out: Ensure the current through the LED does not exceed the maximum rating.
  • Dim LED: Verify that the power supply voltage is adequate and the current limiting resistor is correctly calculated.

Solutions and Tips

  • Polarity Check: Use a multimeter to verify the anode and cathode if the LED's pins are trimmed.
  • Resistor Value: Recalculate the resistor value if the supply voltage changes.
  • Heat Management: In high-power applications, use appropriate heat sinks to manage heat dissipation.

FAQs

Q: Can I connect multiple LEDs in series? A: Yes, but ensure the power supply voltage is high enough to provide the forward voltage for all LEDs combined.

Q: How do I calculate the resistor value for a 5V Arduino pin? A: For a typical white LED with Vf = 3.2V and If = 20mA, R = (5V - 3.2V) / 0.02A = 90Ω. Choose the nearest standard resistor value, which is 100Ω.

Q: Can I use a 9V battery to power the LED? A: Yes, but you must recalculate the current limiting resistor value to accommodate the higher voltage.

Q: Is it possible to dim the LED? A: Yes, you can use PWM on an Arduino to dim the LED by changing the duty cycle of the output signal.