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Need idea for testing Leds

nicomey2003

Mar 5, 2010
1
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Mar 5, 2010
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Hi.

Can anyone tell me how can I test that a certain LED (connected at a certain PORT pin - as output) is broken ?

Thanks in advance.
 

Mitchekj

Jan 24, 2010
288
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Jan 24, 2010
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288
If you have a multimeter w/ a diode checker, you may be able to get it to light up very dimly by forward biasing it in that mode (touching the black lead to the cathode and the red lead to the anode.) Other than that, reading resistance may work. It should be a lower resistance when forward biased, and a near open when reverse biased (assuming the LED has no internal ESD protection diode.) Exact numbers will vary depending on the LED.

If all else fails, try applying a volt or two to it? Don't go any higher though, or else it will kill it. What type of LED are we talking about here?
 

neon

Oct 21, 2006
1,325
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Oct 21, 2006
Messages
1,325
A: i don't think a meter is good to light a LED not enough voltage my is 1.25 volts out. LED needs at least 1.8volts somem 5 volts Is you know the polarity of the led try to light it up with an external source or add a diode in seires to force polarity your way.
 

Mitchekj

Jan 24, 2010
288
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Jan 24, 2010
Messages
288
Not sure about his particular LEDs, but a decent meter will very dimly light any LED we use here at work (Nichia, Osram, Avago, Lumileds, etc.) when used on diode checker mode, the perfect level to look at the individual die to see if any are out.
 
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