Resistor values of LED, LCD, Processors

In summary: Would there be any resistors which I should take into consideration and calculate the voltage drop so that 3V (or what ever the driving voltage is), would not be sufficient, because some of the voltage would drop as it passes through the resistance in the microprocessor?Yes, the manufacturer should tell you what resistance you need to go with 3V to get the minimum average current the processor will need to work properly. OR! Would I not have to be concerned with this, and just assume that the power supplied from the generator, will be delivered?I can't say. I don't know anything about the generator. For example, solar panels are notorious for not being able to deliver anywhere near their rated power even
  • #1
CognitiveNet
53
1
I have a generator which after being regulated, outputs 70mA through 3V.
(I should say the amps go through the voltage right?)
In some circuits I may be using diodes. Some advice me that the voltage drop is 0,7.
Others say it's dynamic, that I should divide the driving voltage over the driving current.
Others are stating that the LED's forward voltage drop is 1,7. However, I assume I only need to refer to the datasheets?

My other and more relevant problem is, I'll be supplying this voltage and current, (once regulated to correct values, but for now, let's use 70mA and 3V), to a microprocessor.
Would there be any resistors which I should take into consideration and calculate the voltage drop, so that 3V (or what ever that driving voltage required is), would not be sufficient, because some of the voltage would drop as it passes through the resistance in the microprocessor, OR! Would I not have to be concerned with this, and just assume that the power supplied from the generator, will be delivered? Should I simply ignore the resistance in the microprocessor (or any other type of unit for that matter, such as LCD or mobile phone), and just compare the generator output with the driving input of the device/unit?
So if generator generates 3V, and the driving voltage of the unit is 3V, I'm ok?
 
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  • #2
CognitiveNet said:
I have a generator which after being regulated, outputs 70mA through 3V.
(I should say the amps go through the voltage right?)
In some circuits I may be using diodes. Some advice me that the voltage drop is 0,7.
Others say it's dynamic, that I should divide the driving voltage over the driving current.
Others are stating that the LED's forward voltage drop is 1,7. However, I assume I only need to refer to the datasheets?

My other and more relevant problem is, I'll be supplying this voltage and current, (once regulated to correct values, but for now, let's use 70mA and 3V), to a microprocessor.
Would there be any resistors which I should take into consideration and calculate the voltage drop, so that 3V (or what ever that driving voltage required is), would not be sufficient, because some of the voltage would drop as it passes through the resistance in the microprocessor, OR! Would I not have to be concerned with this, and just assume that the power supplied from the generator, will be delivered? Should I simply ignore the resistance in the microprocessor (or any other type of unit for that matter, such as LCD or mobile phone), and just compare the generator output with the driving input of the device/unit?
So if generator generates 3V, and the driving voltage of the unit is 3V, I'm ok?

Your power supply is most likely a voltage source. So you have a 3V output that can supply up to 70mA.

Standard silicon diodes have a forward voltage drop of about 0.6 to 0.7V. LEDs have a forward voltage drop more like 2.0V, but it depends on the diode and its color. It's best to check the datasheet for the LED if you can.

LEDs are optimized to run at some current, like 10mA or so. So to ensure that you pass that current through the diode, you put a resistor in series with it. The value of the resistor is determined by the voltage source and the LED's forward voltage drop. So if you want 10mA through the LED (assuming its forward voltage drop is 2V), and you have a 3V power supply, you want to drop 1V across the resistor. 1V at 10mA means the resistor is 100 Ohms (V = IR).
 
  • #3
CognitiveNet said:
I have a generator which after being regulated, outputs 70mA through 3V.
What sort of generator is this?
(I should say the amps go through the voltage right?)
No, but we can take a guess at what you mean. :smile:
In some circuits I may be using diodes. Some advice me that the voltage drop is 0,7.
Between 0.6V and 0.7V for your level of current, assuming a silicon diode.
Others are stating that the LED's forward voltage drop is 1,7. However, I assume I only need to refer to the datasheets?
Refer to the datasheets. Red ~ 2.0V, Blue ~ 3.1V
My other and more relevant problem is, I'll be supplying this voltage and current, (once regulated to correct values, but for now, let's use 70mA and 3V), to a microprocessor.
Check from the datasheet that when powered by 3V your particular microprocessor won't draw more than 70mA, average current. If true, then all will be fine, but you may not have much current to spare for lighting LEDs. An electrolytic capacitor across the 3V near the processor chip will even out the chip's current demands so that all you have to be concerned with is that your generator meets the average current level demanded by the processor chip.
 
Last edited:

Related to Resistor values of LED, LCD, Processors

1. What is the purpose of a resistor in an LED circuit?

The purpose of a resistor in an LED circuit is to limit the amount of current that flows through the LED. LEDs are sensitive to high currents, and a resistor helps protect the LED from damage.

2. How do I calculate the resistor value for an LED?

To calculate the resistor value for an LED, you can use Ohm's law which states that resistance (R) is equal to voltage (V) divided by current (I). The voltage is typically provided by the power source, and the desired current can be found in the LED's datasheet. Simply substitute these values into the formula and solve for R.

3. Why do LCD screens require a different type of resistor?

LCD screens require a different type of resistor because they use a different type of display technology. Unlike LEDs, which emit light themselves, LCD screens require a backlight to illuminate the display. This backlight typically requires a higher voltage and current, so a different type of resistor is needed to regulate the power supply.

4. Can I use the same resistor value for all the LEDs in a circuit?

No, the resistor value for each LED in a circuit may need to be different. This is because different LEDs may have different specifications and require different levels of current to function properly. It is important to refer to the datasheet for each LED to determine the appropriate resistor value.

5. How do I choose the right resistor for a processor?

Choosing the right resistor for a processor involves considering the voltage and current requirements of the processor, as well as the desired functionality. Different processors may require different resistor values depending on their specific needs. It is important to consult the processor's datasheet and consider the circuit design when choosing the appropriate resistor.

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