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01 · Current-Limited LED Indicator — VS + Switch + Series Resistor + Red LEDI_supply = 10.00 mA · P_total = 46.4 mW
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R1Fixed Resistor (R)
Live Component Status:
ΔV = 3.06 V · I = 9.28 mA · P = 28.4 mW
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DIFFERENTIAL MULTIMETER PROBE
V(N1) − V(GND) =5.00 V
Step-by-Step Design Calculation
01 · Current-Limited LED Indicator
A 5 V DC source feeds a red LED (Vf = 1.9 V) through an SPST switch and a 330 Ω current-limiting resistor. Because the switch, resistor, and LED are in a single series loop, the exact same current flows through every component.
Given Parameters:
Supply Vs = 5.0 V, Red LED forward drop Vf = 1.9 V, Series resistor R1 = 330 Ω, Switch SW1 = Closed.
1. Apply Kirchhoff's Voltage Law (KVL) around the loop: V_R1 = Vs − Vf = 5.0 V − 1.9 V = 3.10 V.
2. Apply Ohm's Law to R1: I = V_R1 / R1 = 3.10 V / 330 Ω = 0.00939 A = 9.39 mA.
Linear passive component that opposes electric current and converts electrical energy into heat according to Ohm's Law.
V = I · R | P = I² · R = V² / R
1. How it works physically:
Current through a resistor is strictly proportional to the voltage difference across its two terminals: I = (Va − Vb) / R. It is non-polarized.
2. How to connect it in a circuit:
Place in series with loads (such as LEDs or Zener diodes) to limit current, or in pairs across a supply to form a voltage divider.
3. Worked numerical example:
Example: To limit a 2.0 V LED to 10 mA from a 5 V supply: R = (5 − 2.0) / 0.01 A = 300 Ω (choose standard 330 Ω). Power: P = (0.01)² × 330 = 33 mW (safe for a 250 mW ¼ W resistor).
4. Critical fault / mistake to avoid:
Forgetting to check power dissipation P = V² / R when using low-value resistors across 12 V or 24 V supplies.
Circuit workspaceLIVE MODEL
01 / LED + current-limiting resistorIdeal DC · fixed Vf model
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What current do you expect through the LED?
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1.900 V
Black lead in COM. Ideal educational meter; input loading and fuse heating are not modeled.
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Bounded model: 0–5 V, 220–2200 Ω, Vf = 1.9 V. Brightness is illustrative. Hardware unverified.