Transistor and an LED in parallel

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on using a transistor as a low-side switch to control an LED. It is established that the LED will not light up if the transistor is incorrectly configured, as it needs to allow current to flow from the power supply through a current-limiting resistor and then through the LED to ground. The correct configuration is crucial for proper functionality, and resources are provided for further understanding of typical circuits.

PREREQUISITES
  • Basic understanding of electronic components, specifically transistors and LEDs.
  • Knowledge of circuit design principles, particularly low-side switching.
  • Familiarity with current-limiting resistors and their role in LED circuits.
  • Ability to interpret circuit diagrams and schematics.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research "low-side switching with transistors" to understand configurations and applications.
  • Explore "current-limiting resistor calculations" for LED circuits to ensure proper brightness and safety.
  • Study "common transistor circuit designs" to see practical implementations in electronics.
  • Visit "Electronics for Dummies" for a comprehensive guide on using transistors as switches.
USEFUL FOR

Electronics enthusiasts, hobbyists, and students looking to understand the practical applications of transistors and LEDs in circuit design.

physsure
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Hi! I'm new to EE and was wondering if this: https://imgur.com/a/lSgNl52 would cause the LED to light up, or would the transistor short the circuit?

(I forgot to add the arrow on the diode and I'm too lazy to fix it. And I just realized that the resistor is wrongly placed.)
 
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physsure said:
Hi! I'm new to EE and was wondering if this: https://imgur.com/a/lSgNl52 would cause the LED to light up, or would the transistor short the circuit?

(I forgot to add the arrow on the diode and I'm too lazy to fix it. And I just realized that the resistor is wrongly placed.)
Nope, doesn't work that way. When the transistor turns on as a "low-side switch", you want current to be drawn from the + power supply, through a current-limiting resistor, through the LED and the transistor to ground.

See if you can use Google Images to find typical circuits that do this. Let us know if you have trouble with the search terms and we can suggest some... :smile:
 

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