Introduction: 5V 3W White LED Module Usage Guide

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About: Here at Progetto, we strive to help simplify your projects so you can spend more time working on the exciting stuff.

DISCLAIMER: THIS IS A USAGE GUIDE FOR A PRODUCT: A 5V 3W WHITE LED MODULE. THIS IS NOT A DIY PROJECT.

Product Summary:

This is a 5V 3W LED module that includes a built-in MOSFET for brightness control using your favourite microcontroller or single-board computer. Simply hook up a 5V power supply with enough current (1A is plenty), then connect a PWM-capable I/O pin and common ground on your Arduino or Raspberry Pi.

You can buy the 3W White LED module through Tindie here: https://www.tindie.com/products/Progetto/3w-white-led-module/

This instructable will teach you how to get started with your 3W LED module using an Arduino, but you can use any microcontroller or single-board computer with digital I/O pins to control the LED.

Supplies

You'll also need a few items to get started:

  • The 5V 3W White LED module
  • An Arduino of some flavour (we used an Arduino Uno clone in this tutorial)
  • A breadboard (any size should do)
  • Jumper Wires (I used 4 male to male jumper wires, but it depends on your Arduino's headers and how you connect your power supply)
  • A suitable power supply for the LED (5V, at least 600 mA)

Step 1: Wiring

IMPORTANT: DO NOT POWER YOUR LED FROM THE ARDUINO'S 5V PIN, THIS WILL DRAW TOO MUCH CURRENT AND CAN DESTROY YOUR ARDUINO. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!

See the schematic above for wiring details.

Step 2: Blink the LED

WARNING: THE LED IS QUITE BRIGHT

Open the Arduino IDE and click File > Examples > 01.Basics > Blink

Upload it to your Arduino and enjoy!

Step 3: (Optional) Fade the LED

To control the brightness, we'll be using PWM so we'll need a PWM capable Arduino I/O pin, like pin 11. To do this, adjust your wiring to match the new schematic above.

Now, using the Arduino IDE once more, click File > Examples > 01.Basics > Fade this time and upload it to your Arduino.

Step 4: Conclusion

Congratulations, you now know how to use your 5V 3W LED module! Now you can use it in your project, let us know what you make.

If you have any questions, comments or concerns, feel free to email me at progettocompany@gmail.com Happy hacking!

John Wolf

Progetto Company