A complete guide to 5mm white light-emitting diodes (LEDs).
Working
A 5mm white LED emits light when a forward voltage is applied across its terminals. The LED's internal semiconductor material converts electrical energy into visible light. These LEDs are compact, efficient, and widely used for illumination and indicator purposes.
Applications
- Used as indicators in electronic circuits.
- Illumination in flashlights and decorative lights.
- Backlighting for LCDs and displays.
- Used in automotive lighting for dashboards and indicators.
- Light sources in optoelectronic devices.
Specifications
- Forward Voltage: 3.0–3.4V
- Forward Current: 20mA (typical)
- Brightness: 2000–3000 mcd
- Viewing Angle: 20–30 degrees
- Size: 5mm diameter
Pinout
The 5mm white LED has two pins:
- Anode (+): The longer pin, connected to the positive terminal of the power supply.
- Cathode (-): The shorter pin, connected to the ground (GND).
