An Introductory Lesson on Making Your own LED Circuit
LEDS (light emitting diodes) are commonly found in many different types of electronic devices ranging from traffic lights to electronic toys. When the current passes through the semiconductor material of the LED it causes it to glow. These can easily be used in nearly every situation normal lights can. In contrast from a regular light however, LEDs use less electricity, give off more light and produce less heat than an incandescent light. LEDs can also be quite small when used for any of today’s miniature technology and custom printed circuit boards.
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A Simple LED Circuit
Beginning electronic hobbyists enjoy working with LEDs because of their miniature size and versatility. This abbreviated “how to” will give you the basics for making and LED circuit.
You Need the Following
- 1 Circuit board (Breadboard will work the best for this project.)
- 1 9-volt battery
- 2 pieces of 1-inch wire
- 1 100-ohm resistor
- 1 Small LED
Directions:
1. Using a 9-volt battery, take a single loop from one of the wires and wrap it around the positive terminal.
2. Next, take the opposite end of the wire and insert it through the first hole of the first row and first column of the circuit board.
3. Insert the long wire of your resistor into the same row as your wire, but in the second column of the circuit board.
4. Insert the short wire of the resistor into the hole in the second row and second column of the circuit board.
5. In the second column of the circuit board, insert the long wire of the LED into the hole in the third row of the circuit board.
6. The next step is to place the short wire into the hole located in the third row, third column of the circuit board.
7. Wrap a single loop of your other wire around the negative terminal of the 9-volt battery.
8. Using the opposite end of the negative wire, place it in the hole of the third
At the completion of Step 8, your LED should light up since you have completed your circuit.
Get additional PCB prototype information.
Congratulations! You’ve just made a PCB prototype. If you want to try more introductory circuit projects, there are many to choose from on the Internet. You could even modify this one with other components like switches, buzzers, fans, or speakers. Be creative and have fun with it.
