The best tutorials are on Agilent's website. For controllers, National Semi
and Linear Tech have very interesting articles.

One thing which I will point out is that each LED (generally) needs its own
current limiting resistor. Don't try to parallel LEDs with only one current
limiting resistor.

LED brightness is also affected by ambient temperature.

Lastly, there are some good current regulation circuits out there -- LEDs
can be used in densitometric (where you need 60+dB of linear performance)
applications if you tightly control the current.



"bobinphx" wrote in message
news:3Ae3b.74955$kP.24778@fed1read03...
To All, I need to understand a few things about LED's, such as amperage,
current limiting and light output.. Anyone an expert that can explain
things
and answer my further rising questions in terms an electronics hack
(myself)
can understand...

Thanks
Bob in phx...

.....[snip]....
One thing which I will point out is that each LED (generally) needs its own
current limiting resistor. Don't try to parallel LEDs with only one current
limiting resistor.
.....[snip]....

But, if you have a few extra volts, they CAN be placed in series.
Aren't the super-bright traffic-light LEDs usually 5-6 in series?

--Myron, W0PBV.
--
Five boxes preserve our freedoms: soap, ballot, witness, jury, and cartridge
PhD EE (retired). "Barbershop" tenor. CDL(PTX). W0PBV. (785) 539-4448
NRA Life Member and Certified Instructor (Home Firearm Safety, Rifle, Pistol)

.....[snip]....
One thing which I will point out is that each LED (generally) needs its own
current limiting resistor. Don't try to parallel LEDs with only one current
limiting resistor.
.....[snip]....

But, if you have a few extra volts, they CAN be placed in series.
Aren't the super-bright traffic-light LEDs usually 5-6 in series?

--Myron, W0PBV.
--
Five boxes preserve our freedoms: soap, ballot, witness, jury, and cartridge
PhD EE (retired). "Barbershop" tenor. CDL(PTX). W0PBV. (785) 539-4448
NRA Life Member and Certified Instructor (Home Firearm Safety, Rifle, Pistol)