Circuit Parameters
Power Rating
-
Choose 2ร for safety margin
LED Voltage Drop
-
Total forward voltage
๐จ Resistor Color Code
4-band resistor color code (Tolerance: ยฑ5% Gold)
๐ก How It Works
LEDs need a current-limiting resistor to prevent burnout. Ohm's Law: R = (Vsupply - VLED ร N) / I
Typical LED Forward Voltages
- ๐ด Red LED: 1.8-2.2V
- ๐ข Green LED: 2.0-3.0V
- ๐ก Yellow LED: 1.8-2.2V
- ๐ต Blue LED: 3.0-3.4V
- โช White LED: 3.0-3.4V
- ๐ฃ Infrared LED: 1.2-1.6V
Important Notes
- Choose a resistor with at least 2ร the calculated power rating for safety
- If the result is negative, your supply voltage is too low โ increase voltage or reduce LED count
- Standard resistor values: E12 series (common) and E24 series (precision)