Home > Circuit Bricks > LED Array
UPDATED:.17:27 28 August 2011
FUNCTION BLOCK
DESCRIPTION

LED Arrays such as Bargraph types are usually formed from a row of LEDs next to each other.

These are useful for showing quantities or levels - such as an audio VU meter.

10-LED Arrays
CIRCUIT DIAGRAMS
Popular configurations

LED Arrays are simply lots of LEDs in the same package with individual connections to each one.

In most circumstances (unless specifically stated by an IC such as LM3914), an LED must have a resistor in series with it to prevent damaging it.

For voltages between 6 to 12v, a 470 ohm resistor will be fine but to get maximum brightness, without damaging it, you should work out the correct value.

The LED page has more information on this.

Cathodes Anodes

Common Anode
All anodes connected together for current sinking outputs
Common Cathode
All cathodes connected together for current sourcing outputs
LED ARRAY TYPES

20 Segment
LED Array
4 Segment
LED Array
These can be combined end-
to-end to make any number
of segments in an array.
You can combine square and
rectanglar (or even round) types to form a custom display.
Written by Phil Townshend - 2008
www.edutek.ltd.uk - Working Electronics For Students & Teachers