What is an LED?
• LED stands for Light Emitting Diode. A diode is a semiconductor that only allows passage of electrical current in one direction. • An LED consists of two elements of processed material: P-type semiconductors and N-type semiconductors. These two elements are placed in direct contact, forming a region called the P-N junction. The main difference between an LED and other diodes is that an LED is specifically designed to produce photons and has a transparent package that allows visible energy (light) to pass through. • Originally only used for low-light indicator type applications, LED technology has evolved in many areas. Newer color development (blue and white in particular) and Higher Brightness LEDs have made these devices more popular for many applications.
LEDs are semiconductors. Simply put, they are a light bulb on a circuit board. The filament is a diode or Light Emitting Diode. LEDs are shock proof and will not shut down if stuck or impacted. LEDs produce full brightness immediately when powered. LEDs are famous for their long life: 50,000 hours. White LEDs are designed to look white or replicate daylight at 6,500 degrees Kelvin. White LEDs are highly visible. Being seen on the road is safer. I use my handlebar light for daytime commuting because it makes me super visible.
