Why Does My LED Array Convergence Fail in Falstad's Circuit Simulator?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around issues faced by a participant using Falstad's circuit simulator to create an LED array. The focus is on circuit design, specifically the configuration of LEDs and associated components, and the challenges related to convergence in the simulation.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a lack of knowledge in circuits and shares a schematic for feedback.
  • Another participant critiques the schematic, stating that Q2 is incorrectly connected and suggesting that all connections to it can be deleted.
  • Concerns are raised about the number of resistors used in series with the LEDs, with a suggestion that typically only one resistor should be used.
  • Questions are posed about the voltage requirements for LEDs, with a participant noting that red LEDs typically require around 1.8 volts, implying that using three in series with a 5-volt supply may exceed the voltage limit.
  • There is a suggestion that the current configuration may lead to convergence failure due to current being outside permissible ranges.
  • A participant mentions that inverters cannot connect directly to LEDs without a resistor in series.
  • Another participant proposes that if the goal is simply to spell "TEA," it could be done using resistors and LEDs without the need for inverters or a computer.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the correct schematic design and the appropriate use of components. There is no consensus on the optimal configuration for the LED array or the reasons for the convergence failure.

Contextual Notes

Participants note potential issues with the schematic, including missing connections and incorrect component usage, but do not resolve these issues definitively.

carnage017
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im using falstad

and my knowledge on circuits is poor or extremely basic..

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Engineering news on Phys.org
I do not know simulation. However your schematic is incorrect.
Q2 goes nowhere and all connections to it can be deleted.
There should only be one resistor in series with LED's. (Usually)
What is LED with no red inside it?
What are triangles with 2 dots?
LED's usually take something like 1.5 volt. (1.5 volt is from my memory and it may be higher) Three LED's in series require 4.5 volt. 4.5 volt is too high a voltage to use with 5 volt power supply.
If resistors are 5 ohm, that is too low a resistance to use with LED's, (Usually)
Is there a connection missing from bottom resistor?
 
ty for your response. Triangles are the inverters, i want to make the word TEA... but it does not let me do E without the convergence failed
 
I goggled voltage red LED. Voltage for red Led is something like 1.8 volt.
With 5 volt power supply, you cannot put more than 2 LED's in series. One LED would be better.
Inverters cannot connect to LED's without a resistor in series.
If all you want to do is spell the word TEA, why don't you do it with resistors and LED's? No computer or invertors required.
Convergence is failing because current is outside permissible range.
 

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