thshen34 said:
The application sheet carries a note alongside the boost driver configuration (and also the buck/boost configuration): "LED must always be connected whenever power is applied!" I would be cautious about interrupting the LED current as it seems to be flying in the face of that warning. (But then again, nothing ventured, nothing gained.thshen34 said:
)Adding a transistor allows for a larger current to pass through the LED, which results in a brighter and smoother fade effect. It also helps to reduce the strain on the microcontroller by acting as a switch to control the LED's current.
A common choice for fading an LED is a NPN transistor, such as the 2N3904 or 2N2222. These transistors are inexpensive and readily available, and can handle the current and voltage requirements for most LED fading projects.
The circuit for fading an LED with a transistor typically consists of the LED, a resistor, a transistor, and a power source (such as a battery or a power supply). The LED is connected to the collector of the transistor, the resistor is connected to the base, and the emitter is connected to the ground. The power source is connected to the LED and the collector. A microcontroller or other control circuit can be connected to the base to control the fade effect.
As with any electronic project, it is important to follow proper safety precautions when working with a transistor to fade an LED. This includes using a suitable power source, properly connecting the components, and ensuring that the circuit is not overloaded. It is also important to avoid touching any live or exposed wires when the circuit is powered on.
Yes, you can use multiple transistors to control and fade multiple LEDs. Each LED will need its own transistor, resistor, and connection to the power source. The microcontroller or control circuit can be used to control the base of each transistor and create different fade effects for each LED.