LED is the most popular among diodes
LEDs are electronic components that emit light when voltage is applied to their leads. Like "ordinary" semiconductor diodes, LEDs also conduct electricity in one direction, i.e. from the anode to the cathode. The parameter that determines the color of the diode is the voltage at which the diode begins to conduct, and this voltage is usually higher than for germanium diodes (usually about 0.3V) or silicon (usually about 0.7V). For example, for a very brightly glowing blue LED, it will be about 3.3V, and for a red LED about 2.2V. LEDs are widely used in interfaces of various devices as a visual signaling, for example to inform about the end of battery charging, or the level of audio signal drive. Moreover, by writing a program for microcontroller and using PWM controller, you can design an interesting animation displayed on LEDs. Increasingly, LEDs can also be found in streetlights, displays and toys. There are also LEDs that emit light that is invisible to the human eye, such as infrared LEDs, present in most remote controls for home electronics. Another practical application of LEDs is the optical isolation of high voltage circuits from low voltage circuits using optocouplers, where the LED works in conjunction with an optical sensor.
RGB LEDs - a rich palette of colors in the electronic edition!
With RGB LEDs, you can produce light of virtually any color visible to the human eye by using the right combination of red, green and blue light intensity emitted by the RGB LED. For example, to produce pure blue light, you would set the blue LED drive to the maximum possible value and the red and green LEDs to the lowest possible voltage. To get white light, you need to drive all the LEDs that make up the RGB LED so that they all shine with the most intense light. Since the LEDs in the RGB diode are located very close to each other, the visual effect is a combination of colors emitted by them. The best way to control RGB LEDs and get different colors is to use PWM controllers, which are also available in our offer and are compatible with Grove LED modules.
Impressive LED matrices
In Botland store offer, there are also square matrices built from LEDs in 8x8 arrangement, which can work with Arduino and other popular platforms equipped with microcontroller. LED arrays have many applications - such as light advertising on building facades. The control signal to the LED matrix can be connected in series or parallel, which will determine the order in which the LEDs in the matrix light up and turn off. Remember, when connecting the LED matrix to the Arduino, to connect the power ground (GND) of the matrix to the ground on the Arduino board. Once connected, you can immediately start uploading ready-made programs to visualize LED graphics, and create your LED matrix animation projects.