Candle Flicker LED
Low-Cost LEDs Imitating A Candle Flame Flicker
Candle Flicker LEDs are a new generation of LED which incorporates a tiny microprocessor. The LEDs mimic the flickering action of a real candle flame. Available in a standard 5mm size with a clear lens in either Red, Yellow, Orange, or Blue flicker color.
Like other 5mm LEDs, Candle Flicker LEDs incorporate a processor. It varies the brightness, giving a “flickering” candle or flame look. These are an ideal alternative to candles in decorations and displays.
They are also very popular in art installations, small models, and model train installations.
Connecting a Single LED
Connecting to a Candle Flicker LED is very simple and requires only a simple dropping resistor. The resistor goes in series with the LED and power/battery to limit current to 20mA.
Each LED has two leads, an Anode (positive) and Cathode (negative). They need a Dropping Resistor to limit current to 15-20mA.
Connecting Multiple LEDs
It is possible to connect many Candle Flicker LEDs to a single power supply source. Unlike other LEDs, each Candle Flicker LED must have a series dropping resistor. As the Candle Flicker LED operates, it changes the current draw through the individual LED.
A single dropping resistor for many LEDs will cause all LEDs to flicker at the same rate. The circuit support as many LEDs as required, each independently controlled.
Dropping Resistor Selector For Candle Flicker LEDs
Supply Voltage | 3V | 3.3V | 4.5V | 5V | 6V | 9V | 12V | 15V |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
BC259-09 Blue Vf=3.7V | 1 Ω ¼ or ½ watt | 1 Ω ¼ or ½ watt | 43 Ω ¼ or ½ watt | 68 Ω ¼ or ½ watt | 120 Ω ¼ or ½ watt | 270 Ω ¼ or ½ watt | 430 Ω ½ watt | 620 Ω ½ watt |
OC259-08 Orange Vf=2.9V | 5.1 Ω ¼ or ½ watt | 20 Ω ¼ or ½ watt | 82 Ω ¼ or ½ watt | 110 Ω ¼ or ½ watt | 160 Ω ¼ or ½ watt | 330 Ω ¼ or ½ watt | 470 Ω ½ watt | 620 Ω ½ watt |
RC259-07 Red Vf=2.8V | 11 Ω ¼ or ½ watt | 27 Ω ¼ or ½ watt | 100 Ω ¼ or ½ watt | 120 Ω ¼ or ½ watt | 180 Ω ¼ or ½ watt | 330 Ω ¼ or ½ watt | 470 Ω ½ watt | 620 Ω ½ watt |
YC259-04 Yellow Vf=2.9V | 5.1 Ω ¼ or ½ watt | 20 Ω ¼ or ½ watt | 82 Ω ¼ or ½ watt | 110 Ω ¼ or ½ watt | 160 Ω ¼ or ½ watt | 330 Ω ¼ or ½ watt | 470 Ω ½ watt | 620 Ω ½ watt |