As an axial LED supplier, I've encountered numerous inquiries regarding the differences between infrared and visible axial LEDs. This topic is crucial for those in the lighting and electronics industries, as understanding these distinctions can lead to more informed decisions when selecting the appropriate LEDs for various applications. In this blog post, I'll delve into the characteristics, applications, and key differences between infrared and visible axial LEDs.
Understanding Axial LEDs
Before we dive into the differences between infrared and visible axial LEDs, let's briefly understand what axial LEDs are. Axial LEDs are a type of light - emitting diode that have leads extending from both ends, making them suitable for through - hole mounting on printed circuit boards (PCBs). They are commonly used in a wide range of electronic devices due to their ease of installation and relatively low cost.
Characteristics of Visible Axial LEDs
Visible axial LEDs emit light within the visible spectrum, which ranges from approximately 380 to 750 nanometers. This spectrum includes colors such as red, green, blue, and white.
Color Range
One of the most significant advantages of visible axial LEDs is their wide color range. For instance, red axial LEDs typically emit light at wavelengths around 620 - 750 nanometers, while blue axial LEDs have wavelengths in the range of 450 - 495 nanometers. If you're looking for a specific color, you can easily find a visible axial LED to meet your needs. For example, our SMD LED Axial Blue offers a vibrant blue light that is ideal for decorative and indicator applications.
Brightness
Visible axial LEDs are known for their high brightness levels. The brightness of an LED is measured in millicandelas (mcd). Depending on the specific model and application requirements, visible axial LEDs can achieve brightness levels that are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. For example, our Axial LED White provides a high - intensity white light that is perfect for general illumination purposes.
Applications
Visible axial LEDs are widely used in a variety of applications, including:
- Indicator Lights: They are commonly used in electronic devices to indicate the status of a system, such as power on/off, charging, or error conditions.
- Decorative Lighting: Due to their wide color range, visible axial LEDs are popular for decorative purposes, such as in Christmas lights, signage, and architectural lighting.
- Backlighting: They are used to provide backlighting for LCD displays, keypads, and other devices.
Characteristics of Infrared Axial LEDs
Infrared axial LEDs emit light in the infrared spectrum, which has wavelengths longer than those of visible light, typically ranging from 700 nanometers to 1 millimeter.
Wavelength
Infrared axial LEDs are available in different wavelengths, with the most common ones being around 850 nanometers and 940 nanometers. These wavelengths are not visible to the human eye but can be detected by infrared sensors.
Power Output
Infrared axial LEDs are designed to emit a significant amount of power in the infrared spectrum. The power output of an infrared LED is usually measured in milliwatts (mW). Higher power output is often required for applications that need to cover longer distances or penetrate through certain materials.
Applications
Infrared axial LEDs are used in a variety of applications, including:
- Remote Controls: They are the primary light source in most remote controls, emitting infrared signals that are detected by the receiving device.
- Security Systems: Infrared axial LEDs are used in security cameras and motion sensors to provide illumination in low - light or dark conditions.
- Optical Communication: They are used in short - range optical communication systems, such as infrared data transmission between devices.
Key Differences between Infrared and Visible Axial LEDs
Visibility
The most obvious difference between infrared and visible axial LEDs is visibility. Visible axial LEDs emit light that can be seen by the human eye, while infrared axial LEDs emit light that is invisible to us. This difference in visibility has a significant impact on their applications. For example, visible axial LEDs are used for lighting and indication purposes where the light needs to be seen, while infrared axial LEDs are used for applications where the light is used for non - visual functions, such as signal transmission or sensing.
Wavelength and Frequency
As mentioned earlier, visible axial LEDs have wavelengths in the range of 380 - 750 nanometers, while infrared axial LEDs have wavelengths longer than 700 nanometers. The difference in wavelength also corresponds to a difference in frequency, with visible light having a higher frequency than infrared light. This difference in wavelength and frequency affects the way these LEDs interact with materials and sensors.
Power Consumption
In general, infrared axial LEDs tend to consume less power than visible axial LEDs. This is because they are designed to emit light at longer wavelengths, which requires less energy. However, the power consumption can vary depending on the specific model and application requirements.
Applications
The applications of infrared and visible axial LEDs are quite different due to their unique characteristics. Visible axial LEDs are mainly used for lighting, decoration, and indication, while infrared axial LEDs are used for sensing, communication, and control.
Selecting the Right LED for Your Application
When choosing between infrared and visible axial LEDs for your application, there are several factors to consider:
- Function: Determine the primary function of the LED. If you need to provide visible light for illumination or indication, a visible axial LED is the way to go. If you need to transmit signals or sense objects, an infrared axial LED is more suitable.
- Wavelength: Consider the specific wavelength requirements of your application. For visible LEDs, choose the color that best suits your needs. For infrared LEDs, select the appropriate wavelength based on the sensing or communication requirements.
- Power and Brightness: Evaluate the power consumption and brightness requirements of your application. Make sure the LED you choose can provide the necessary power and brightness levels without consuming too much energy.
Conclusion
In conclusion, infrared and visible axial LEDs have distinct characteristics and applications. As an axial LED supplier, we understand the importance of providing high - quality LEDs that meet the specific needs of our customers. Whether you need a visible axial LED for decorative lighting or an infrared axial LED for a security system, we have a wide range of products to choose from.
If you're interested in learning more about our axial LED products or have specific requirements for your project, we encourage you to contact us for a detailed discussion. Our team of experts is ready to assist you in selecting the right LEDs for your application and providing you with the best solutions.
References
- "LED Lighting Handbook" by John C. Lin
- "Optoelectronics: An Introduction" by John Wilson and Jim Hawkes