How to find current of different parallel components in SR Latch

Question

I am trying to create an SR Latch with two NOR logic gates that lights an LED. I am implementing the gates using 2 transistors and 2 resistors each.

Here is the schematic:

^{simulate this circuit – Schematic created using CircuitLab}

The goal is for Switch 1 to be the Reset button and for Switch 2 to be the Set button. My concern is if there will be enough current to light up the LED (I am hoping to get 5mA-20mA flowing through it).

I am confused on how to find the resistance and current because different paths split into multiple other parallel paths. (i. e. the path that \$R_2\$ is on splits into two, and one of those paths splits into two more)

I know that \$\frac{1}{R} = \frac{1}{R_1} + \frac{1}{R_2} + ...\$ and that \$I = V(\frac{1}{R_1} + \frac{1}{R_2} + ...)\$ But how do I apply this to the different paths of the circuit?

I would like to know how to find how much current is flowing through a component and how much resistance is on a path in schematics similar to this one (meaning they use logic gates implemented similarly).

Answer 1

Move the LED. Add a current-limiting resistor in series with the LED, and place that series R_LED combo in parallel with R2. Try 100 ohms in series with LED.

Answer 2

Trying to reinvent the SR latch wheel?

There are a few problems not worth solving with your design.

• Vbe4 < Vf of D1 so D1 never turns on. Even if resolved that there is no reason to use so many discrete parts when 2 NAND or 2 NOR gates will work as an SR latch.

in any case assuming LED was on If= (5V-Vf)/3.3k

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^{simulate this circuit – Schematic created using CircuitLab}

If using standard 74HCxxx logic, I might derate 20mA LED to 12 mA and calculate R for 12 mA using datasheet for 74HC00 NAND with Vol at 4.5V for V+.

This is the classic SR latch using 2 NAND gates with active logic low inputs. (!)