Lights are immensely aesthetically pleasing and it is used in various setups. LED lights are popular LEDs meaning a light-emitting diode. LED esthetics have been used in a variety of setups including LED under cabinet lighting, LED pool lights, LED yard lights and many more. A project on how to light an LED is one of the most basic projects one can undertake in embedded engineering. Lighting an LED is a simple project that is beginner-friendly. This tutorial will provide a step-by-step guide on how one can light an LED. Before we begin it is vital to understand some simple basics in electronics, particularly regarding voltage. 

Voltage: Voltage is measured in volts, it is referred to as the electrical potential difference of a battery or any other power source. The potential difference allows electricity termed as current to move from a higher voltage to a lower voltage. Also, it is vital to appreciate that electricity comprises two sides including the positive (or “+”) and negative ( or “-“) particularly DC currents. The negative side has 0 volts while the positive has as many volts as provided by the power supply.

With that bit of introduction for Tutorial 1, we will learn how the construct a simple LED circuit

Simple Circuit

A complete circuit made using a conductor such as copper wire is vital for electricity to flow referred to as a circuit. The circuit states and ends at the same point. A complete circuit made using a conductor such as copper wire is vital for electricity to flow referred to as a circuit. The circuit states and ends at the same point. For this simple circuit we will try to light a 5mm Red LED using a 5V supply from an Arduino UNO. The Circuit diagram for this is shown below.

Material Necessary to Create the Set Up

• Arduino UNO

• LED (Color of choice)

• Breadboard 

• Jumper Cables 

• 220-ohm resistor

CONNECTION PROCEDURE

Step 1: Determine the Power

For the LED lights power requirements constitute a forward voltage of between 1.8 and 3.3 volts. The voltage provided by an Arduino is 5 volts. To ensure that voltage is at a level that is suitable for the LED. A resistor is used to lower the input voltage from the Arduino and protect the LED from being destroyed by the high voltage. 

Step 2: Prepare the Power Supply

Ensure the laptop has power or is connected to a power source. As it will power the Arduino to be the power source for the LED. 

Step 3: Connecting Electronic Components on a Breadboard 

Take the circuit diagram below and make connections according to the circuit diagram shown.

Connecting a simple LED circuit involves connecting the Arduino UNO, an LED and a resistor.

The Circuit Goes as Follows:

• There is a wire connecting the VCC(5V) of the Arduino to the positive anode leg of the LED.

• The negative, cathode leg of the LED is connected to a 220 ohm resistor.

• The resistor is then connected to the ground by a GND wire connected to the Arduino.

Explanation of the Setup

The diagram provided refers to a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) Diagram. PCB diagrams are an essential part of the PCB design process and they are responsible for guiding the manufacture and assembly of the final product. The PCB diagram provides crucial information including location, orientation, placement of the vias and holes, component’s polarity, as well as the routing of traces. Having an accurate PCB drawing is essential in ensuring the final product functions accordingly.

This is a simple PCB representation of our simple circuit, however, more complicated designs can be designed such as LED Xmas lights, LED indicator lights, LED headlights and even LED TVs.

Video: The video provides insights into the basic components of electronics (Arduino board, Resistor, jumper wire, breadboard, LED). It gives a suitable explanation of how to connect and light up an LED.