Another important concern is the balance of currents that flow in multiple strings. We know that two or three strings of LEDs will have different combined forward voltages. The LED driver will deliver ...

Light-emitting diodes are often used with a voltage source from a power-supply output voltage. The output voltage increases until the current through the LEDs reaches the value of the constant-current ...

Linear constantcurrent drivers, for instance, offer low EMI, low cost, and use only a few components. Many designers favor them for low-current applications where power loss is a minor concern. If ...

We all carry supercomputers in our pockets and use dozens of electric gizmos every day but rarely stop to marvel at the magical act of flicking a switch. Use your ordinary conducting and extraordinary ...

[Henryk] just sent us his latest episode of simple LED circuit puzzles. In front of the camera he solders one pin of each of the 3 LEDs to a different switch. He then puts the three assemblies in his ...

In Part 1 of the Electronics for Kids series, we looked at LEDs; in Part 2, we explored capacitors; and in Part 3, we took an in-depth look at electrical measurements. In this article, we will focus ...

The flashing is thanks to LEDs with a built-in, integrated flashing circuit and the nasty noise comes from a piezoelectric buzzer — both are available from electronics stores that sell ordinary LEDs.

Why don't your Christmas lights work? Sadly, in the event of a string of lights going out on your tree, replacing the strand is usually the best option. It's pretty difficult to find that one bulb ...

This article was taken from the November 2012 issue of Wired magazine. Be the first to read Wired's articles in print before they're posted online, and get your hands on loads of additional content by ...