I am making a small project for myself but have very limited knowledge on electrical engineering (V=IR is about all i know). I want to power nine LEDs (max 28 mA, 2.25V) with one battery. Do i connect them in series or in parallel? What voltage battery should i use? do i need a resistor? I have no clue how to wire this all up and with what components, but im sure some of you electrical engineers could help.
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\$\begingroup\$ Put them in parallel with a resistor. \$\endgroup\$– Nick WilliamsCommented Jan 1, 2014 at 19:15
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3\$\begingroup\$ @NickWilliams I don't think its a good idea to put LEDs in parallel unless their forward voltage is closely matched. The exponential variation in current with voltage will cause LEDs with slightly lower forward voltages to draw most of the current. \$\endgroup\$– Joe HassCommented Jan 1, 2014 at 19:29
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2 Answers
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You can connect LEDs in series or in parallel, or in a mixture of the two. You can calculate the required power supply characteristics from the LED's forward voltage and current (in the data sheet for the specific LEDs)
Example
simulate this circuit – Schematic created using CircuitLab
answered Jan 1, 2014 at 18:51
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it depends what L.E.D.s you are using. if they are 5mm red ones they would need less power, if they are Blue one they would need more power. and if they are 1 Watt based, they would be more power hungry.
you can try www.ledcalculator.net or www.hobby-hour.com/electronics/ledcalc.php to calculate what works out best for you.
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1\$\begingroup\$ That's far off the mark: The power needed by an LED is not determined by whether it is a 5 mm, 3 mm or SMD LED. Also, there are blue (or red, or green, or amber) LEDs that operate fine at minuscule 1 mA currents, so that statement too is meaningless. \$\endgroup\$ Commented Jan 2, 2014 at 3:13