How LEDs work: Difference between revisions
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The anode (+ terminal) and cathode (- terminal) are shown with respect to the flat side of the plastic housing. The flat side corresponds to the cathode. If the LED is too small (very tiny surface mount components, for example) there won't be any physical shape to the LED, but there's usually some marking to indicate the cathode side, such as a dot or a notch. | The anode (+ terminal) and cathode (- terminal) are shown with respect to the flat side of the plastic housing. The flat side corresponds to the cathode. If the LED is too small (very tiny surface mount components, for example) there won't be any physical shape to the LED, but there's usually some marking to indicate the cathode side, such as a dot or a notch. | ||
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Note that the anode is typically the longer of the two legs. Just be sure to include the resistor, as shown in the little picture in the calculator, and you're good to go. It can go either "in front" or "behind" the resistor, that is to say as long as it's in the circuit it doesn't care if it's on the + or - side of the LED. | Note that the anode is typically the longer of the two legs. Just be sure to include the resistor, as shown in the little picture in the calculator, and you're good to go. It can go either "in front" or "behind" the resistor, that is to say as long as it's in the circuit it doesn't care if it's on the + or - side of the LED. | ||