Light Emitting Diode (LED)
Seminar Presentation
Prepared by: [Your Name]
1. Introduction
• Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) represent one of
the most significant breakthroughs in lighting
and electronics technology. An LED is a two-
lead semiconductor light source that emits
light when activated. When a suitable voltage
is applied to the leads, electrons are able to
recombine with electron holes within the
device, releasing energy in the form of
photons. This effect is called
electroluminescence, and the color of the light
2. History and Evolution of LED
• The concept of electroluminescence was first
discovered in 1907 by British experimenter H.
J. Round of Marconi Labs, using a crystal of
silicon carbide and a cat's-whisker detector.
However, the practical LED was not developed
until 1962, when Nick Holonyak Jr., while
working at General Electric, developed the
first visible-spectrum (red) LED. Since then,
LED technology has evolved rapidly, with
major developments in material science and
3. Objective
• The primary objective of this project is to
study and analyze the construction, working
principle, types, and real-world applications of
Light Emitting Diodes. Furthermore, this
report aims to develop a simple experimental
setup demonstrating the working of LEDs,
calculate parameters such as resistance, and
evaluate the efficiency and advantages of
using LEDs over conventional lighting systems.
4. Materials Required
• For constructing a basic LED demonstration
circuit, the following components and tools
are necessary:
• - Various LEDs (red, green, blue, white)
• - Resistors (220 Ohm, 330 Ohm, 1 kOhm)
• - Breadboard for prototyping
• - Connecting wires
• - Power supply (DC adapter or batteries 3V–
12V)
5. Construction of LED
• An LED is constructed using a chip of
semiconducting material doped with
impurities to create a p-n junction. This
junction allows current to flow in one
direction only. When forward biased,
electrons from the n-type region recombine
with holes in the p-type region. The energy
released during this recombination is emitted
as light. The entire structure is enclosed in a
plastic bulb that may be colored or clear.
6. Working Principle
• The working of an LED is based on the
principle of electroluminescence. When a
suitable voltage is applied across the LED
terminals, it becomes forward biased, and the
electrons move from the n-region to the p-
region. At the junction, they recombine with
holes, releasing energy. Unlike traditional
bulbs, which use heat to generate light, LEDs
use electrical energy directly to emit photons,
making them much more efficient. The
7. Types of LEDs
• LEDs come in many forms, including:
• - Miniature LEDs: Found in indicators and
displays.
• - High-power LEDs: Used in automotive and
industrial applications.
• - RGB LEDs: Combine red, green, and blue
chips for multi-color output.
• - OLEDs (Organic LEDs): Flexible and thin, used
in screens.
• - SMD LEDs: Surface-mounted for compact
8. Circuit Diagram and Explanation
• A simple LED circuit involves connecting the
LED in series with a resistor to limit the
current. The anode (positive leg) is connected
to the positive terminal of the power supply,
and the cathode (negative leg) is connected to
the ground. The resistor ensures that the LED
is not exposed to excessive current, which
could damage it. The circuit can be built on a
breadboard for testing and prototyping.
9. Calculation of Resistor Value
• To calculate the appropriate resistor value to
limit the current through the LED:
• R = (V_supply - V_LED) / I_LED
• Where:
• - V_supply is the source voltage (e.g., 9V)
• - V_LED is the forward voltage of the LED (e.g.,
2V for red)
• - I_LED is the desired current (e.g., 20 mA)
• Example: R = (9V - 2V) / 0.02A = 350 Ohm.
10. Characteristics of LEDs
• Key electrical and optical characteristics of
LEDs include:
• - Forward Voltage: Typically 1.8V to 3.3V
• - Forward Current: Typically 10mA to 30mA
• - Viewing Angle: Angle at which light intensity
is half the maximum
• - Luminous Intensity: Brightness in
millicandelas (mcd)
• - Color Temperature: For white LEDs,
measured in Kelvins
11. Advantages of LEDs
• - Extremely energy efficient
• - Long operational life (up to 50,000 hours)
• - Low heat emission
• - Environmentally friendly (no toxic materials)
• - Instant switching and frequent cycling
resistance
• - Compact size and design flexibility
12. Disadvantages of LEDs
• - Higher initial cost compared to traditional
lights
• - Performance affected by temperature
• - Requires proper heat management
• - Voltage sensitivity and risk of damage
without resistors
13. Applications of LEDs
• - Domestic lighting and decoration
• - Traffic and automotive signals
• - Digital displays and signage
• - TV and mobile screens (LED backlit LCDs,
OLEDs)
• - Remote control transmitters
• - Medical and industrial equipment
14. Experiment: LED Circuit Setup
• A working model was built using a
breadboard, resistors, LEDs, and a DC battery.
The LED glowed when forward biased and the
resistor value was correct. Reverse biasing or
omitting the resistor led to LED failure. This
hands-on experiment demonstrated practical
understanding of LED behavior and current
limiting.
15. Safety Precautions
• - Always use a current-limiting resistor
• - Observe correct polarity (anode/cathode)
• - Avoid high temperatures and direct current
above rated levels
• - Handle with care to avoid static damage
16. Comparison: LED vs Other Light
Sources
• | Feature | LED | Incandescent | CFL
|
• |------------------|-----------|--------------|------------
-|
• | Energy Efficiency| Very High | Low |
Medium |
• | Lifespan | 50,000 hrs| 1,000 hrs |
8,000 hrs |
• | Heat Emission | Very Low | High |
Medium |
17. Environmental Impact
• LEDs are environmentally friendly as they do
not contain hazardous substances like mercury
found in CFLs. They consume less energy,
reducing carbon emissions. Their long lifespan
also reduces waste. Proper disposal is still
essential to recover materials like gallium and
indium.
18. Future of LED Technology
• The future of LEDs includes smart lighting,
integration with IoT devices, Li-Fi (data
transfer through light), and enhanced
efficiency with quantum dot and laser-based
LEDs. OLEDs and micro-LEDs are also evolving
for better screens and lighting systems.
19. Conclusion
• LEDs have revolutionized the lighting and
electronics industries with their superior
efficiency, long life, and versatility. Through
this project, the fundamental concepts,
calculations, and real-world importance of
LEDs have been understood and
demonstrated.
20. References
• - Principles of Electronics by V.K. Mehta
• - www.electronics-tutorials.ws
• - www.howstuffworks.com
• - www.energy.gov/led-basics
• - Manufacturer datasheets (e.g., OSRAM,
Cree, Nichia)
