A complete guide for LED Blinking

A light-emitting diode (LED) is a semiconductor light source. LEDs have allowed new text, video displays, and sensors to be developed, while their high switching rates are also useful in advanced communications technology.

What is LED Blinking?

LED blinking is same as eye blinking. Close and open eyes is called an eye blink in same manner on-off-on (or off-on-off)transition of an led is an LED blink. If such process is done repeatedly it is said LED Blinking.

Why to do LED Blinking?

LED blinking is considered as the first project to learn any microcontroller interfacing. It is considered as “Hello world” for embedded system.

LED blinking is also useful to make some indications (Slow blinking may be for normal operation and fast blinking may be used for a malfunction or faulty condition).

You can use LED for debugging your embedded applications.

In optical fiber and Infrared Communications LEDs are used as transmitter.

How to do LED blinking?

Here is a quick review about how you can do LED blinking.

LED Blinking Circuits

LED Blinking with Solar Power (Infinity Blinker)

We have seen this circuit earlier. This circuit don’t need any power source other than Solar power and as of now it is still working from last 5 years.

LED blinking circuit with solar power

LED blinker with solar power

LED Blinking with LM3909 IC

LED blinking with LM3909 IC

LED Blinking with 555 timer IC

LED Blinking with 55 timer ic

to calculate timer time period have a look at 555 timer frequency calculator.

LED Blinking with Op-Amp

LED blinking circuit with Op-amp

LEDs that blink by themselves

Till now we have seen normal LEDs that behave normally so we need external circuit to make them blink, but here is an LED that Blinks by itself you just have to apply DC voltages. Within the supply voltage range, no series resistor is required. These LEDs have a built-in blinking IC and have a blinking frequency from 3Hz to 1.5Hz.

A complete guide for LED Blinking schematich

How to connect LED with Microcontroller?

To connect LED with Microcontroller you have to put current limiting resistor, you can use this online LED Resistor calculator tool or you can use this awesome dial. You can connect LED either in sink or source configuration.They are shown below.

Sink Or Source Logic Selection

LED Blinking with different Microcontrollers

LED Blinking With 8051 microcontroller

Here is the LED blinking circuit and programming for 8051 microcontroller . You can download Proteus simulation and C coding from here .

For more detail: A complete guide for LED Blinking

About The Author

Ibrar Ayyub

I am an experienced technical writer holding a Master's degree in computer science from BZU Multan, Pakistan University. With a background spanning various industries, particularly in home automation and engineering, I have honed my skills in crafting clear and concise content. Proficient in leveraging infographics and diagrams, I strive to simplify complex concepts for readers. My strength lies in thorough research and presenting information in a structured and logical format.

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