How to Use 3 Watt White Star LED Breakout Board: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The 3 Watt White Star LED Breakout Board by Keyes (Part ID: 3 Watt White Star LED Breakout Board) is a high-power LED module designed for efficient and bright illumination. This breakout board simplifies the integration of a 3 Watt white LED into various projects by providing easy-to-use solder pads or pin headers for power and control connections. It is ideal for applications requiring high-intensity lighting, such as flashlights, photography lighting, architectural lighting, and DIY electronics projects.

• High-intensity lighting for photography or videography
• DIY flashlights and portable lighting systems
• Accent lighting in architectural designs
• Robotics and automation projects requiring bright illumination
• Educational and prototyping purposes

The following table outlines the key technical details of the 3 Watt White Star LED Breakout Board:

The breakout board features two main solder pads or pin headers for connecting the LED to a power source. The pin configuration is as follows:

Note: Ensure proper polarity when connecting the LED to avoid damage.

1. Power Supply Selection:
   Use a constant current LED driver or a current-limiting resistor to power the LED. The LED requires a forward voltage of 3.0V to 3.4V and a forward current of 700mA. Exceeding these ratings may damage the LED.

2. Wiring the LED:

   • Connect the + terminal of the breakout board to the positive output of your power source or driver.
   • Connect the - terminal to the ground (GND) of your power source.
   • If using a resistor, calculate the resistance value using Ohm's Law:
     [ R = \frac{V_{supply} - V_f}{I_f} ]
     where ( V_{supply} ) is the supply voltage, ( V_f ) is the forward voltage, and ( I_f ) is the forward current.

3. Heat Dissipation:
   The aluminum PCB helps dissipate heat, but additional cooling (e.g., a heatsink or fan) is recommended for prolonged use to prevent overheating.

4. Testing the LED:
   After wiring, power on the circuit and verify that the LED emits bright white light. If it does not light up, immediately disconnect the power and check the connections.

The 3 Watt White Star LED can be controlled using an Arduino UNO with a suitable MOSFET or transistor for switching. Below is an example circuit and code:

• Connect the + terminal of the LED to the drain of an N-channel MOSFET (e.g., IRF540N).
• Connect the - terminal of the LED to the ground (GND).
• Connect the source of the MOSFET to GND.
• Connect the gate of the MOSFET to a PWM-capable pin on the Arduino (e.g., Pin 9).
• Use a 10kΩ resistor between the gate and GND to ensure proper switching.

// Example code to control the 3 Watt White Star LED with PWM
// Connect the LED to a MOSFET, and the MOSFET gate to Pin 9 on the Arduino.

const int ledPin = 9; // PWM pin connected to the MOSFET gate

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

void loop() {
  // Gradually increase brightness
  for (int brightness = 0; brightness <= 255; brightness++) {
    analogWrite(ledPin, brightness); // Set PWM duty cycle
    delay(10); // Small delay for smooth transition
  }

  // Gradually decrease brightness
  for (int brightness = 255; brightness >= 0; brightness--) {
    analogWrite(ledPin, brightness); // Set PWM duty cycle
    delay(10); // Small delay for smooth transition
  }
}

Important: Use a suitable current-limiting resistor or constant current driver to protect the LED when using it with an Arduino.

• Always use a constant current driver for optimal performance and longevity.
• Avoid looking directly at the LED when powered, as it emits very bright light.
• Ensure proper heat dissipation to prevent thermal damage.

1. LED Does Not Light Up:

   • Cause: Incorrect wiring or insufficient power supply.
   • Solution: Double-check the connections and ensure the power supply meets the voltage and current requirements.

2. LED Flickers or Dims:

   • Cause: Insufficient current or poor connections.
   • Solution: Use a constant current driver and ensure secure connections.

3. LED Overheats:

   • Cause: Inadequate heat dissipation.
   • Solution: Attach a heatsink or use active cooling (e.g., a fan).

4. LED Burns Out:

   • Cause: Exceeding voltage or current ratings.
   • Solution: Use a current-limiting resistor or constant current driver to protect the LED.

Q1: Can I power the LED directly from a 5V power supply?
A1: No, the LED requires a forward voltage of 3.0V to 3.4V. Use a current-limiting resistor or a constant current driver to step down the voltage and limit the current.

Q2: Can I control the brightness of the LED?
A2: Yes, you can use PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) with a MOSFET or transistor to control the brightness.

Q3: Do I need a heatsink for short-term use?
A3: For short-term use, the aluminum PCB may suffice. However, for prolonged use, a heatsink is recommended to prevent overheating.

Q4: Can I use this LED with a battery?
A4: Yes, but ensure the battery voltage and current output are compatible with the LED's requirements. Use a driver or resistor if necessary.