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Article: Protect your LEDs--and save the tears. (Basic Circuitry).(light-emitting diodes)
- Article from:
- Poptronics
- Article date:
- May 1, 2002
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2002 Poptronix, Inc. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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Put your seat belt on and get ready for a ride into the world of basic electronic circuitry. Hop aboard and see where it takes us this month--enjoy the journey.
Back To Basics
LEDs are found in almost everything that's electrically operated. They come in many colors, sizes, and shapes; and all are somewhat similar to the array of silicon diodes that have been around for decades. However, there are some
notable differences.
Rectifier diodes are constructed to withstand relatively high reverse voltages, while LEDs are not and can be easily damaged by reverse voltage. Also, most silicon diodes that are rated with reverse voltages below ...