Hey there! As a supplier of 3mm IR LEDs, I often get asked about the voltage drop across these little components. So, I thought I'd write a blog post to share some insights and answer this common question.
First off, let's understand what voltage drop is. In simple terms, voltage drop is the decrease in voltage that occurs as electric current flows through a component in a circuit. It's like the energy that gets used up by the component to do its job. For an IR LED, this energy is used to emit infrared light.
The voltage drop across a 3mm IR LED can vary depending on a few factors. One of the main factors is the forward current flowing through the LED. The forward current is the amount of current that flows from the anode (positive terminal) to the cathode (negative terminal) of the LED. Generally, as the forward current increases, the voltage drop across the LED also increases.
Most 3mm IR LEDs have a typical forward voltage drop in the range of 1.2V to 1.6V when operated at a forward current of around 20mA. However, this is just a ballpark figure, and the actual voltage drop can be different based on the specific characteristics of the LED. Some high - power 3mm IR LEDs might have a slightly higher voltage drop, especially if they are designed to handle more current.
Another factor that can affect the voltage drop is the temperature. As the temperature of the LED increases, the voltage drop tends to decrease. This is because the semiconductor material inside the LED behaves differently at different temperatures. So, if you're using the 3mm IR LED in an environment where the temperature can vary significantly, you need to take this into account.
Now, let's talk about why understanding the voltage drop is important. When designing a circuit with a 3mm IR LED, you need to make sure that the power supply can provide the right amount of voltage and current. If the voltage drop across the LED is not properly considered, the LED might not operate at its optimal level. For example, if the power supply voltage is too low, the LED might not emit enough infrared light. On the other hand, if the power supply voltage is too high, it could damage the LED.
As a 3mm IR LED supplier, I've seen all sorts of applications for these LEDs. They are commonly used in remote controls, security systems, and proximity sensors. In each of these applications, getting the voltage drop right is crucial for the proper functioning of the device.
If you're looking for other types of infrared LEDs, we also offer 5mm Infrared LED Emitters and 0.5W IR LED. These LEDs have different characteristics and voltage drops compared to the 3mm IR LEDs. The 5mm infrared LED emitters are larger and can sometimes provide a more focused beam of infrared light, while the 0.5W IR LEDs are more powerful and can be used in applications that require a higher intensity of infrared radiation.
When you're choosing an IR LED for your project, it's important to consider the voltage drop along with other factors such as the wavelength of the infrared light, the viewing angle, and the power consumption. Our 3mm IR LED is a great choice for many applications because of its compact size and relatively low power consumption.
If you're in the market for 3mm IR LEDs or any other infrared LEDs, I'd love to have a chat with you. Whether you're a hobbyist working on a small project or a professional engineer designing a large - scale system, we can provide you with the right products and technical support. We have a wide range of 3mm IR LEDs with different specifications to meet your specific needs. So, don't hesitate to reach out and start a conversation about your requirements. We're here to help you find the best solution for your project.
References
- "LED Datasheets": General information about LED characteristics including voltage drop.
- "Circuit Design Basics": Resources on understanding the role of voltage drop in LED circuits.