Latest LEDs Technical Articles

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The Physical Operation of Light-Sensitive pn Junctions

In this article, we’ll delve into semiconductor physics to better understand the operation of photodiodes.

December 18, 2020 by Robert Keim

Introduction to Adaptive Front Lighting Systems (AFS)

Learn more about the design considerations that go into developing adaptive automotive lighting solutions.

November 06, 2019 by Dr. Steve Arar

Characterizing LED Performance with a Frequency Response Analyzer and Line Injector

This application note series explores the measurement of the dynamic resistance of an LED and how to create a usable SPICE model from the data.

October 28, 2019 by Steve Sandler

Beyond the Optocoupler: Understanding Digital Isolators

Optocouplers are undoubtedly effective, but alternative isolation technologies may be a better choice for your application.

July 13, 2018 by Robert Keim

Need a Current Regulator? Use a Voltage Regulator!

This article, part of AAC’s Analog Circuit Collection, shows you how linear voltage regulators can also be handy in constant-current applications.

February 12, 2018 by Robert Keim

Conveniently Control Your Load Current with a Voltage-to-Current Converter

This article, part of AAC’s Analog Circuit Collection, presents a straightforward way to precisely control the current through an LED (or through a typical resistive load).

February 05, 2018 by Robert Keim

The MIT-i Color Blender! RGB LED Color Blending

Blending colors may sound elementary but it is vital in drawing attention to your project with RGB LEDs!

November 08, 2017 by Ryan Jones

An Introduction to Optoelectronics

In this article, we talk about the basics of optoelectronics, including a brief lecture on photons. Also, various optoelectronic devices will be discussed including lamps, LEDs, photodiodes, photoresistors, and laser diodes.

July 10, 2017 by Nick Davis

Simplify Your Lighting Design: A New Constant-Current Regulator from Diodes Incorporated

ICs such as the BCR401U provide high-quality control of LEDs for applications that require something better than the typical series-resistor arrangement.

May 25, 2017 by Robert Keim

Keeping the Lights On: A New “Open LED Protector” from Littelfuse

Let’s take a look at how to make your LED array more robust; we’ll use the PLEDxN series from Littelfuse as an example.

March 30, 2017 by Robert Keim

The AS7261 Color Sensor: Measuring Color in XYZ

The AS7261 is a highly integrated sensor that provides optical measurements via a digital interface.

March 23, 2017 by Robert Keim

Testing a Custom IoT Framework by Controlling an LED: RIOT (RealTime Internet of Things)

Using a custom framework (RIOT) to control an LED with a networked computer.

February 08, 2017 by Robin Mitchell

Build Your Own LED Photography Ring Light

LED ring flashes and lights can be a valuable tool for photographers. In this tutorial, we are going to build our own ring light out of LEDs!

January 26, 2017 by Alex Udanis

Building an Infrared Tracker with a PICAXE 14M2 and a Stepper Motor

Tracking an infrared light source is not as difficult as you might think; a 14-pin PICAXE, a stepper motor with a driver IC, three phototransistors, and a few other components will do the trick.

January 17, 2017 by Charles R. Hampton

LED Arrays: One Resistor or Many?

When you have multiple LEDs with a common anode or common cathode, can you use just one current-limiting resistor? Let’s take a look.

November 15, 2016 by Robert Keim

Flash Freeze Photography with an Arduino

Freeze moments in time to easily produce extraordinary close-up pictures with your digital camera, an Arduino, and these simple circuits.

November 14, 2016 by Raymond Genovese

Build Your Own LED Saber—Assembly and Hilt Construction

In the final installment, we build our light-blade and assemble the electronics into the hilt.

October 21, 2016 by Jeremy Lee

Build Your Own LED Saber—Firmware, Microcontroller, and Testing

In part 3, we compile the firmware and build the controller at the heart of the Saber, then do initial testing and diagnostics.

October 20, 2016 by Jeremy Lee

Build Your Own LED Saber—Audio and Power Systems

In part 2 of the LED saber project, we'll assemble the power and audio systems.

October 19, 2016 by Jeremy Lee

How to Build the Brightest LED Saber in the World

The brightest blade in the world. Fluid sound effects generated in real time. Any colour, changeable on the fly. If you want to know what it feels like to hold a Lightsaber, this project is the closest you can get today.

October 18, 2016 by Jeremy Lee