LED Primer - Revision history

Mparadis: /* Choosing Current and Voltage Settings */

2013-01-31T17:52:06Z

Choosing Current and Voltage Settings

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:52, 31 January 2013
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	===Choosing Current and Voltage Settings===		===Choosing Current and Voltage Settings===

	Make sure to choose the minimum supply voltage setting to drive the LED that requires the most voltage during operation. Any extra voltage not required by the LED will be converted to heat by the ~~1031~~. For example, a Blue LED being driven at 20mA, 3.9V Supply, that requires 3.7 volts will cause (3.9V-3.7V + 0.4V) * 0.02A = 12 milliwatts of heat to be produced on the 1032. If this example instead uses a high power, 1.5V infrared LED at 80mA, this will create (3.9V-1.5V+0.4V)*0.08 Amps = 224 milliwatts of heat. See the Heat Dissipation and Thermal Protection section later on in this manual for more information about this issue.		Make sure to choose the minimum supply voltage setting to drive the LED that requires the most voltage during operation. Any extra voltage not required by the LED will be converted to heat by the 1032. For example, a Blue LED being driven at 20mA, 3.9V Supply, that requires 3.7 volts will cause (3.9V-3.7V + 0.4V) * 0.02A = 12 milliwatts of heat to be produced on the 1032. If this example instead uses a high power, 1.5V infrared LED at 80mA, this will create (3.9V-1.5V+0.4V)*0.08 Amps = 224 milliwatts of heat. See the Heat Dissipation and Thermal Protection section later on in this manual for more information about this issue.

	==Multiplexed LEDs==		==Multiplexed LEDs==

Mparadis: /* Choosing Current and Voltage Settings */

2013-01-31T17:51:41Z

Choosing Current and Voltage Settings

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:51, 31 January 2013
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	===Choosing Current and Voltage Settings===		===Choosing Current and Voltage Settings===

	Make sure to choose the minimum supply voltage setting to drive the LED that requires the most voltage during operation. Any extra voltage not required by the LED will be converted to heat by the 1031. For example, a Blue LED being driven at 20mA, 3.9V Supply, that requires 3.7 volts will cause (3.9V-3.7V + 0.4V) * 0.02A = 12 milliwatts of heat to be produced on the ~~1031~~. If this example instead uses a high power, 1.5V infrared LED at 80mA, this will create (3.9V-1.5V+0.4V)*0.08 Amps = 224 milliwatts of heat. See the Heat Dissipation and Thermal Protection section later on in this manual for more information about this issue.		Make sure to choose the minimum supply voltage setting to drive the LED that requires the most voltage during operation. Any extra voltage not required by the LED will be converted to heat by the 1031. For example, a Blue LED being driven at 20mA, 3.9V Supply, that requires 3.7 volts will cause (3.9V-3.7V + 0.4V) * 0.02A = 12 milliwatts of heat to be produced on the 1032. If this example instead uses a high power, 1.5V infrared LED at 80mA, this will create (3.9V-1.5V+0.4V)*0.08 Amps = 224 milliwatts of heat. See the Heat Dissipation and Thermal Protection section later on in this manual for more information about this issue.

	==Multiplexed LEDs==		==Multiplexed LEDs==

Mparadis: /* Heat Dissipation and Thermal Protection */

2013-01-31T17:46:53Z

Heat Dissipation and Thermal Protection

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:46, 31 January 2013
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	The power supply that is included with the 1032 is rated at 12V and 2A (max). If your application requires more power, a larger power supply may be necessary. The on-board voltage regulator is able to supply up to 6A for each LED supply voltage setting, as long as the power supply is able to provide enough voltage and current to the regulator. Assume an efficiency of 80% for the on-board voltage regulator when determining if a different power supply is required.		The power supply that is included with the 1032 is rated at 12V and 2A (max). If your application requires more power, a larger power supply may be necessary. The on-board voltage regulator is able to supply up to 6A for each LED supply voltage setting, as long as the power supply is able to provide enough voltage and current to the regulator. Assume an efficiency of 80% for the on-board voltage regulator when determining if a different power supply is required.

	~~==Heat Dissipation and Thermal Protection==~~

	Projects that require a high supply voltage, or have a lot of heat being produced from over voltage settings, will have over-temperature problems. This can be mitigated somewhat by understanding how channels are grouped and how the heat is distributed around the controller. On the 1032 channels are split into four groups: (0-7,24-31), (8-23), (32-39, 56-63) and (40-55); each controlled by their own individual IC. Evenly distributing the LEDs that may produce a lot of heat across these groups will balance the load on the ICs and reduce the risk of thermal overload. When thermal overload occurs, the integrated circuit (IC) controlling the involved LEDs will disable the output of all the channels it controls. For example, if an over-temperature occurs due to channel 12, all of the channels 8 through 23 will be disabled by the IC until the temperature back within the operating range. Thermal protection is activated when the die of the IC reaches approximately 160 degrees Celsius. Once the over-temperature fault has been corrected (ie, the IC has cooled down), the output channels will be re-enabled with the same settings as before the thermal shutdown. An error message will be produced during an over-temperature.

Mparadis: /* Heat Dissipation and Thermal Protection */

2013-01-31T17:46:36Z

Heat Dissipation and Thermal Protection

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:46, 31 January 2013
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	==Heat Dissipation and Thermal Protection==		==Heat Dissipation and Thermal Protection==

	Projects that require a high supply voltage, or have a lot of heat being produced from over voltage settings, will have over-temperature problems. This can be mitigated somewhat by understanding how channels are grouped and how the heat is distributed around the controller. On the ~~1031~~ channels are split into four groups: (0-7,24-31), (8-23), (32-39, 56-63) and (40-55); each controlled by their own individual IC. Evenly distributing the LEDs that may produce a lot of heat across these groups will balance the load on the ICs and reduce the risk of thermal overload. When thermal overload occurs, the integrated circuit (IC) controlling the involved LEDs will disable the output of all the channels it controls. For example, if an over-temperature occurs due to channel 12, all of the channels 8 through 23 will be disabled by the IC until the temperature back within the operating range. Thermal protection is activated when the die of the IC reaches approximately 160 degrees Celsius. Once the over-temperature fault has been corrected (ie, the IC has cooled down), the output channels will be re-enabled with the same settings as before the thermal shutdown. An error message will be produced during an over-temperature.		Projects that require a high supply voltage, or have a lot of heat being produced from over voltage settings, will have over-temperature problems. This can be mitigated somewhat by understanding how channels are grouped and how the heat is distributed around the controller. On the 1032 channels are split into four groups: (0-7,24-31), (8-23), (32-39, 56-63) and (40-55); each controlled by their own individual IC. Evenly distributing the LEDs that may produce a lot of heat across these groups will balance the load on the ICs and reduce the risk of thermal overload. When thermal overload occurs, the integrated circuit (IC) controlling the involved LEDs will disable the output of all the channels it controls. For example, if an over-temperature occurs due to channel 12, all of the channels 8 through 23 will be disabled by the IC until the temperature back within the operating range. Thermal protection is activated when the die of the IC reaches approximately 160 degrees Celsius. Once the over-temperature fault has been corrected (ie, the IC has cooled down), the output channels will be re-enabled with the same settings as before the thermal shutdown. An error message will be produced during an over-temperature.

Mparadis: /* Power Requirements and Power Supply Selection */

2013-01-31T17:46:23Z

Power Requirements and Power Supply Selection

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:46, 31 January 2013
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	==Power Requirements and Power Supply Selection==		==Power Requirements and Power Supply Selection==

	The power supply that is included with the ~~1031~~ is rated at 12V and 2A (max). If your application requires more power, a larger power supply may be necessary. The on-board voltage regulator is able to supply up to 6A for each LED supply voltage setting, as long as the power supply is able to provide enough voltage and current to the regulator. Assume an efficiency of 80% for the on-board voltage regulator when determining if a different power supply is required.		The power supply that is included with the 1032 is rated at 12V and 2A (max). If your application requires more power, a larger power supply may be necessary. The on-board voltage regulator is able to supply up to 6A for each LED supply voltage setting, as long as the power supply is able to provide enough voltage and current to the regulator. Assume an efficiency of 80% for the on-board voltage regulator when determining if a different power supply is required.

	==Heat Dissipation and Thermal Protection==		==Heat Dissipation and Thermal Protection==

	Projects that require a high supply voltage, or have a lot of heat being produced from over voltage settings, will have over-temperature problems. This can be mitigated somewhat by understanding how channels are grouped and how the heat is distributed around the controller. On the 1031 channels are split into four groups: (0-7,24-31), (8-23), (32-39, 56-63) and (40-55); each controlled by their own individual IC. Evenly distributing the LEDs that may produce a lot of heat across these groups will balance the load on the ICs and reduce the risk of thermal overload. When thermal overload occurs, the integrated circuit (IC) controlling the involved LEDs will disable the output of all the channels it controls. For example, if an over-temperature occurs due to channel 12, all of the channels 8 through 23 will be disabled by the IC until the temperature back within the operating range. Thermal protection is activated when the die of the IC reaches approximately 160 degrees Celsius. Once the over-temperature fault has been corrected (ie, the IC has cooled down), the output channels will be re-enabled with the same settings as before the thermal shutdown. An error message will be produced during an over-temperature.		Projects that require a high supply voltage, or have a lot of heat being produced from over voltage settings, will have over-temperature problems. This can be mitigated somewhat by understanding how channels are grouped and how the heat is distributed around the controller. On the 1031 channels are split into four groups: (0-7,24-31), (8-23), (32-39, 56-63) and (40-55); each controlled by their own individual IC. Evenly distributing the LEDs that may produce a lot of heat across these groups will balance the load on the ICs and reduce the risk of thermal overload. When thermal overload occurs, the integrated circuit (IC) controlling the involved LEDs will disable the output of all the channels it controls. For example, if an over-temperature occurs due to channel 12, all of the channels 8 through 23 will be disabled by the IC until the temperature back within the operating range. Thermal protection is activated when the die of the IC reaches approximately 160 degrees Celsius. Once the over-temperature fault has been corrected (ie, the IC has cooled down), the output channels will be re-enabled with the same settings as before the thermal shutdown. An error message will be produced during an over-temperature.

Mparadis: /* Other uses for LED controllers */

2013-01-31T17:46:08Z

Other uses for LED controllers

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:46, 31 January 2013
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	==Other uses for LED controllers==		==Other uses for LED controllers==

	LED controllers are typically just a set of special digital outputs. This means they aren't limited to just controlling LEDs. They can be used to control relays, solenoids and even very small motors. The PhidgetLED can also be used to drive opto-isolators and MOSFET SSRs. A diode integrated into the ~~1031~~ on each cathode will clamp inductive surges to the anode supply voltage.		LED controllers are typically just a set of special digital outputs. This means they aren't limited to just controlling LEDs. They can be used to control relays, solenoids and even very small motors. The PhidgetLED can also be used to drive opto-isolators and MOSFET SSRs. A diode integrated into the 1032 on each cathode will clamp inductive surges to the anode supply voltage.

	==Power Requirements and Power Supply Selection==		==Power Requirements and Power Supply Selection==

Mparadis: /* Maximum Current and Brightness Control */

2013-01-31T17:45:52Z

Maximum Current and Brightness Control

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:45, 31 January 2013
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	\|-valign="top"		\|-valign="top"
	\|		\|
	Most LEDs ~~fall within~~ 20, 40, 60 or 80mA~~, and applies to all LEDs~~. The ~~<br />~~Phidgets DiscreteLED API call can be used to provide more current ~~<br />~~or control brightness and will adjust the current linearly between 0 ~~<br />~~and the set maximum. This however does not imply a precise method ~~<br />~~for controlling the visibility of emitted light, as this is affected by the ~~<br />~~construction and quality of the LED as well as the eyes of the viewer. ~~<br />~~Be cautious when changing the current property. Many small LEDs are ~~<br />~~designed for a maximum 20mA, and can be destroyed if driven at higher ~~<br />~~currents.		Most LEDs have a current rating of 20, 40, 60 or 80mA. The Phidgets DiscreteLED API call can be used to provide more current or control brightness and will adjust the current linearly between 0 and the set maximum. This however does not imply a precise method for controlling the visibility of emitted light, as this is affected by the construction and quality of the LED as well as the eyes of the viewer. Be cautious when changing the current property. Many small LEDs are designed for a maximum 20mA, and can be destroyed if driven at higher currents.
	\|		\|
	[[image:Ledcurrent.png\|link=\|400px]]		[[image:Ledcurrent.png\|link=\|400px]]

Mparadis: /* Forward Voltage */

2013-01-31T17:42:20Z

Forward Voltage

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:42, 31 January 2013
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	===Forward Voltage===		===Forward Voltage===

	The materials used within LEDs that cause them to emit different colors of light affect a property called its forward voltage. The forward voltage is the voltage at which current in the forward direction will flow through the device and allow the LED to convert electrical energy into light. If the voltage applied to the LED is below the forward voltage of the LED, very little current (or none) may flow, and therefore very little light will be emitted. Most standard LEDs with colors such as red, amber, orange, yellow, and green have forward voltages below 2.75 Volts, and can be used with a [[Digital Output Primer\|digital output]] by simply soldering them to a connector-wire and inserting the wire into the output port. The forward voltage in the [{{SERVER}}/products.php?product_id=~~1031 1031~~ - PhidgetLED] will default to 2.75V, and the maximum current defaults to 20mA.		The materials used within LEDs that cause them to emit different colors of light affect a property called its forward voltage. The forward voltage is the voltage at which current in the forward direction will flow through the device and allow the LED to convert electrical energy into light. If the voltage applied to the LED is below the forward voltage of the LED, very little current (or none) may flow, and therefore very little light will be emitted. Most standard LEDs with colors such as red, amber, orange, yellow, and green have forward voltages below 2.75 Volts, and can be used with a [[Digital Output Primer\|digital output]] by simply soldering them to a connector-wire and inserting the wire into the output port. The forward voltage in the [{{SERVER}}/products.php?product_id=1032 1032 - PhidgetLED] will default to 2.75V, and the maximum current defaults to 20mA.

	===Supply Voltage===		===Supply Voltage===

Mparadis: /* Introduction */

2013-01-31T17:41:57Z

Introduction

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:41, 31 January 2013
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	Like normal diodes, Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) are semiconductor devices designed to conduct current in one direction only. What makes LEDs unique is their internal material makeup: when atoms in an LED release energy due to the flow of forward current, it is released in the form of photons (light). Different construction materials and various phosphor coatings are used to produce numerous colors of light.		Like normal diodes, Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) are semiconductor devices designed to conduct current in one direction only. What makes LEDs unique is their internal material makeup: when atoms in an LED release energy due to the flow of forward current, it is released in the form of photons (light). Different construction materials and various phosphor coatings are used to produce numerous colors of light.

	LEDs that Phidgets sells are all operable via the [[Digital Output Primer\|digital outputs]] on any of our interface kits. However Phidgets also sells a specific [{{SERVER}}/products.php?product_id=~~1031~~ PhidgetLED-64 Advanced LED controller] since it is often desirable to control more LEDs than even the [{{SERVER}}/products.php?product_id=1012 1012 Phidget Interface Kit 0/16/16] can operate. It offers some unique features such as brightness control.		LEDs that Phidgets sells are all operable via the [[Digital Output Primer\|digital outputs]] on any of our interface kits. However Phidgets also sells a specific [{{SERVER}}/products.php?product_id=1032 PhidgetLED-64 Advanced LED controller] since it is often desirable to control more LEDs than even the [{{SERVER}}/products.php?product_id=1012 1012 Phidget Interface Kit 0/16/16] can operate. It offers some unique features such as brightness control.

	==How it works==		==How it works==

Burley at 19:54, 7 August 2012

2012-08-07T19:54:14Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:54, 7 August 2012
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	Projects that require a high supply voltage, or have a lot of heat being produced from over voltage settings, will have over-temperature problems. This can be mitigated somewhat by understanding how channels are grouped and how the heat is distributed around the controller. On the 1031 channels are split into four groups: (0-7,24-31), (8-23), (32-39, 56-63) and (40-55); each controlled by their own individual IC. Evenly distributing the LEDs that may produce a lot of heat across these groups will balance the load on the ICs and reduce the risk of thermal overload. When thermal overload occurs, the integrated circuit (IC) controlling the involved LEDs will disable the output of all the channels it controls. For example, if an over-temperature occurs due to channel 12, all of the channels 8 through 23 will be disabled by the IC until the temperature back within the operating range. Thermal protection is activated when the die of the IC reaches approximately 160 degrees Celsius. Once the over-temperature fault has been corrected (ie, the IC has cooled down), the output channels will be re-enabled with the same settings as before the thermal shutdown. An error message will be produced during an over-temperature.		Projects that require a high supply voltage, or have a lot of heat being produced from over voltage settings, will have over-temperature problems. This can be mitigated somewhat by understanding how channels are grouped and how the heat is distributed around the controller. On the 1031 channels are split into four groups: (0-7,24-31), (8-23), (32-39, 56-63) and (40-55); each controlled by their own individual IC. Evenly distributing the LEDs that may produce a lot of heat across these groups will balance the load on the ICs and reduce the risk of thermal overload. When thermal overload occurs, the integrated circuit (IC) controlling the involved LEDs will disable the output of all the channels it controls. For example, if an over-temperature occurs due to channel 12, all of the channels 8 through 23 will be disabled by the IC until the temperature back within the operating range. Thermal protection is activated when the die of the IC reaches approximately 160 degrees Celsius. Once the over-temperature fault has been corrected (ie, the IC has cooled down), the output channels will be re-enabled with the same settings as before the thermal shutdown. An error message will be produced during an over-temperature.

	~~==Products that fall under this category==~~

	*[{{SERVER}}/products.php?product_id=1031 1031 - PhidgetLED-64 Advanced]


	*[{{SERVER}}/products.php?product_id=3601 3601 - 10mm Red LED (Bag of 20)]
	*[{{SERVER}}/products.php?product_id=3602 3602 - 10mm Green LED (Bag of 20)]
	*[{{SERVER}}/products.php?product_id=3603 3603 - 10mm Blue LED (Bag of 20)]
	*[{{SERVER}}/products.php?product_id=3604 3604 - 10mm Yellow LED (Bag of 20)]
	*[{{SERVER}}/products.php?product_id=3605 3605 - 10mm White LED (Bag of 20)]


	*[{{SERVER}}/products.php?product_id=3606 3606 - 5mm Four Chip Super Flux Red (Bag of 5)]
	*[{{SERVER}}/products.php?product_id=3607 3607 - 5mm Four Chip Super Flux Green (Bag of 5)]
	*[{{SERVER}}/products.php?product_id=3608 3608 - 5mm Four Chip Super Flux Blue (Bag of 5)]
	*[{{SERVER}}/products.php?product_id=3609 3609 - 5mm Four Chip Super Flux Yellow (Bag of 5)]
	*[{{SERVER}}/products.php?product_id=3610 3610 - 5mm Four Chip Super Flux White (Bag of 5)]


	*[{{SERVER}}/products.php?product_id=3611 3611 - 5mm Diffused Red (Bag of 30)]
	*[{{SERVER}}/products.php?product_id=3612 3612 - 5mm Diffused Yellow/Green (Bag of 30)]
	*[{{SERVER}}/products.php?product_id=3613 3613 - 5mm Diffused Blue (Bag of 30)]


	*[{{SERVER}}/products.php?product_id=3614 3614 - Flexible LED Strip Green (5m)]
	*[{{SERVER}}/products.php?product_id=3615 3615 - Flexible LED Strip Blue (5m)]
	*[{{SERVER}}/products.php?product_id=3616 3616 - Flexible LED Strip White (5m)]


	*[{{SERVER}}/products.php?product_id=3618 3618 - RGB LED Modules - String of 10]