LED Technology
Function and application of the light emitting diode
The Light Emitting Diode, or LED for short, is an electronic semiconductor component that can generate light when current flows through it. In contrast to conventional incandescent or fluorescent lamps, an LED generates light due to the transfer of electrons in a semiconductor material, rather than by heating a wire or exciting gases.
Advantages of LED
LEDs are characterised by various advantages. They are energy-efficient and have a long service life. They are also robust and resistant to shock and vibration. Originally, LEDs were used as optical indicators in devices or circuits. Today, LEDs are available in many different colours and can be used for a variety of lighting and signalling purposes.
RGB LED or Multicolour LED
In signalling technology, the colours red, yellow, green, blue and white are usually used, but special colours such as violet and turquoise are also used. To enable a signalling device to display different colours alternately, in white or in special colours, the colours must be mixed. For this purpose, a light-emitting diode of the colours red, green and blue is used. Depending on the mixing ratio, many different colours can be produced. To ensure optimum colour mixing, the three LEDs are often installed together in one housing - this is known as an RGB LED or multicolour LED.
