How to Use LED Tactile Button Breakout v10: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The LED Tactile Button Breakout v1.0 is a compact and versatile electronic component that integrates a tactile pushbutton switch with an embedded LED. This combination allows for a convenient user interface component with both input (button press) and output (LED illumination) capabilities. It is commonly used in electronic projects for initiating actions, user input, and providing visual feedback.

• User interfaces for microcontroller projects
• Interactive displays and control panels
• Prototyping and educational kits
• DIY electronics and hobbyist projects

• Voltage: Typically 3.3V to 5V for LED operation
• Current: LED current typically 20mA, button contact rated for 50mA
• Power Ratings: Dependent on LED color and usage
• Switch Bounce Time: <10ms
• LED Wavelength/Color: Dependent on model (e.g., Red, Green, Blue)

1. Connecting the LED:

   • Connect pin 1 (LED Anode) to a digital output pin on your microcontroller through a current-limiting resistor.
   • Connect pin 4 (LED Cathode) to the ground.

2. Connecting the Button:

   • Connect pin 2 (Button Output) to a digital input pin on your microcontroller.
   • Enable the internal pull-up resistor on the microcontroller or use an external pull-up resistor.
   • Connect pin 3 (Button Ground) to the ground.

3. Calculating the Current-Limiting Resistor for the LED:

   • Use Ohm's Law: R = (V_supply - V_led) / I_led
   • Where V_supply is the supply voltage, V_led is the LED forward voltage, and I_led is the desired current through the LED (typically 20mA).

• Always use a current-limiting resistor for the LED to prevent damage.
• Ensure the supply voltage does not exceed the maximum rating for the LED.
• Debounce the button either in hardware with a capacitor or in software to prevent false triggering.
• Avoid applying force to the button that exceeds its mechanical limits.

// Define the pin connections
const int buttonPin = 2; // Button output connected to digital pin 2
const int ledPin = 3;    // LED anode connected to digital pin 3 through a resistor

void setup() {
  pinMode(buttonPin, INPUT_PULLUP); // Enable internal pull-up resistor
  pinMode(ledPin, OUTPUT);          // Set the LED pin as an output
}

void loop() {
  // Check if the button is pressed (button output goes LOW)
  if (digitalRead(buttonPin) == LOW) {
    digitalWrite(ledPin, HIGH); // Turn on the LED
  } else {
    digitalWrite(ledPin, LOW);  // Turn off the LED
  }
}

• LED not lighting up: Check the polarity of the LED pins and ensure the current-limiting resistor is correctly calculated and installed.
• Button not responding: Verify the button pins are correctly connected and the internal pull-up resistor is enabled.
• Unstable button state: Implement software debouncing or add a hardware debounce circuit.

• Double-check all connections against the pin configuration table.
• Measure the voltage across the LED to ensure it is within the specified range.
• Use a multimeter to check the continuity of the button when pressed.
• If using long wires, ensure there is no significant voltage drop that could affect the LED brightness or button functionality.

Q: Can I use this component with a 3.3V system? A: Yes, the LED Tactile Button Breakout v1.0 can typically be used with a 3.3V system, but ensure the LED forward voltage is compatible.

Q: What size resistor do I need for the LED? A: The resistor value depends on your supply voltage and the LED's forward voltage and current. Use the Ohm's Law formula provided in the usage instructions to calculate the appropriate value.

Q: How can I debounce the button in software? A: Implement a delay after detecting a button press or use a state-change detection algorithm to ignore noise.

Q: Is it possible to control the brightness of the LED? A: Yes, you can use Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) on the LED pin to control the brightness.

This documentation provides a comprehensive guide to using the LED Tactile Button Breakout v1.0. For further assistance or technical support, please refer to the manufacturer's resources or community forums.