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LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) have been used for decades in a variety of applications, circuit board indicators, arrays, light bars, bar graphs and more.

These LED circuits can be used to indicate a power supply circuit or a logic state or they may be used as visual indication of a control. Generally, LEDs operate from a DC source, typically 5V or 12V, although other voltages are also available. An LED will operate from as low as 2V and up to 24V.

Application Field

LEDs have found widespread use in a range of technological applications because of their bright and distinct visual characteristics, their robustness and their energy efficiency. They have been used in applications including status indicators, instrument panels, industrial control, automotive and process control applications.

In the automotive industry, LEDs are widely used as taillights and stoplights, as well as indicators, such as hazard warning and turn signals. In the telecommunications industry, LEDs are widely used as indicators of status, such as the charging status of a cellular phone battery. In the production industry, LEDs are used in process control, for example for signaling when a process has reached a certain status. And, in the medical industry, LEDs are increasingly acknowledged for use as light sources for dental curing, and as illumination sources for Endoscopic Imaging.

Working Principle

LEDs are semiconductor light sources that generate light when electricity passes through them. The LED emits light when a current flows through it in the forward direction of the diode. As the current passes through the LED, electrons located within the semiconductor material of the LED recombine with electron holes, releasing energy in the form of photons. The color of the light produced by an LED is determined by the type of semiconductor material used to make the LED.

LEDs are typically manufactured in one of two architectures – discrete or integrated. Discrete LEDs are typically small and self-contained, and they can be used in any application where a relatively small light source is needed to indicate the status of equipment. Integrated LEDs are made up of several discrete LEDs arranged in one or more arrays, and they are typically used for more complex applications where more than one light source is needed.

LEDs typically have a very low voltage drop, so they do not require much power to operate, and this makes them very energy efficient. This efficiency advantage makes them ideal for applications where power consumption is a factor, such as in battery operated devices, as well as applications where saving power is necessary for environmental or cost reasons.

Conclusion

LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) have been used for years in applications ranging from status indicators in telecommunications to process control in industry. They are very energy efficient, making them ideal for applications where power consumption is an issue or where saving power is important. They are available in both discrete architectures, and integrated architectures, making them suitable for many applications.

LEDs offer a bright and distinct visual indication that is used in a variety of products and industries. They are robust, reliable, and energy efficient, making them an ideal light source for a range of applications.