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LEDs - Circuit Board Indicators, Arrays, Light Bars, Bar Graphs

LEDs, or light-emitting diodes, are a type of semiconductor device. They emit light when current passes through them, and so can be used for signaling or lighting. LEDs have a wide variety of applications, from indicators and display backlighting to automotive headlights and home lighting. This article will focus on the use of LEDs in circuit board indicators, arrays, light bars and bar graphs.

LEDs as Circuit Board Indicators

Circuit board indicators are small, low-power LEDs used to indicate the state of an electronic device or subsystem. Common examples of circuit board indicators are power-on, error, status, and over-temperature LEDs. Most can be found on the outside of an electronic device, or on an internal circuit board. Circuit board indicators can be used to quickly and easily observe the state of a device or process.

LED Arrays for Display Backlighting

LED arrays are a great way to backlight flat-panel displays. LED arrays are usually composed of many individual LED components mounted onto a printed circuit board. The LED array is then mounted behind the display in order to provide uniform backlighting across the entire surface of the display. LED arrays can be used in displays ranging from small portable LCD screens up to large-format televisions or electronic billboards.

Light Bars for Illumination

Light bars are LED arrays that are used for illumination as opposed to display backlighting. Light bars are typically composed of many individual LED components, often arranged in particular patterns. Light bars can be used in a variety of applications, including automotive headlights, outdoor signage, garden and landscape lighting, and more.

LED Bar Graphs

LED bar graphs are composed of individual LED components arranged in a particular pattern and are used to display a variety of information. Common applications of LED bar graphs include sound level meters and industrial process display panels, where they can be used to easily visualize the state or progress of a system. LED bar graphs are also commonly used as an alternative to traditional analogue gauge meters.

Conclusion

LEDs have many applications, from circuit board indicators and displays to lighting and bar graphs. The range of applications for LEDs is growing as technology advances, and the cost of LEDs is ever falling. LEDs are sure to remain a staple in the electronics industry for many years to come.