Proteus Tutorial Light Emitting Diode (LED) and Bar Graph Display

How to work with Light Emitting Diode (LED) in Proteus

In this post we will be learning on how to use the Light Emitting Diode (LED) component in
Proteus simulation software. In case you have not got on through the basics of Proteus, here is
the link Proteus PCB Design and Simulation Software Introduction.

Note:- You may also read our 1st chapter on Proteus Tutorial Series Switches and Relays in
Proteus before you continue reading this chapter.

Types of LEDs available in Proteus

Proteus contains LEDs of different colors and types that are being used in real time applications.

LEDs are found in Proteus software under Library category Optoelectronics. Remember to select
ACTIVE components so that the simulator provides real time interface during simulation.

Step 1: Select component mode.

Step 2: Click on Pick devices P.

Step 3: Scroll down categories to find Optoelectronics or alternatively type LED in Keyword.
Select this category and it shows the available LEDs in the result.

Step 4: Scroll to find the required LEDs according to circuit.

Step 5: Remember to select components with ACTIVE property under Library column of the
search results for interactive simulation.
Selection of LEDs in Proteus (click on image to enlarge view)

Component Properties of LEDs

The technical parameters of the LEDs like Forward Voltage Drop and Forward Current are set to
default values. One can change them according to the LED that is being used in the actual circuit
in real time i.e., Voltage Drop and current which vary according to color and size of the LED.

This table shows Specifications of 5mm LEDs:

S.No. Color of LED Forward Voltage Drop(V) Forward Current (mA)

1. Green 2.0 25

2. Red 2.0 30

3. Yellow 2.1 30

4. Blue 3.5 30

These are typical Specifications of LEDs given by a manufacturer. These may vary slightly
depending on the manufacturer and test conditions.

To change the properties of the LEDs:

Step 1: Place the component in workspace.

Step 2: Right-Click on the component and select Edit Properties or double-click on Component.

Selection of Edit Properties Option in Proteus

Step 3: Change the Properties as per type of LED.

Editing Properties of LEDs in Proteus

Model Type parameter is chosen according to the type of input given to the
LED. For example, if the LED is driven by a Digital IC or a microcontroller it
can be set to Digital. If the LED is driven by an OP-Amp or a potentiometer it
can be set to Analog. For self Flashing LEDs there is an option to enable or
disable self-flashing in Edit Properties.

Using LEDs in Circuits

LEDs must be powered with voltages under specified limits, so that safe current flows
through it without damaging. It is better to use a series resistance to ensure it is under
Safe Operating Area(SOA).Formula to calculate series resistance is

Rs = (VsourceVoltage drop of LED)/(Maximum Forward Current)

Applying this formula to LED of 2 Volts drop and 20mA forward current for a source
voltage of 5Volts, gives series resistance of 150 .

Rs = (5-2)/0.02 = 150

Step 1: Select components required i.e.., Battery, LED and resistor. Resistor of required
value may not be available, but choose any valued resistor and edit its resistance in Edit
Properties Tab. Wattage of resistor need not to be considered while simulation
until PCB layout is expected. In hardware implementations, it is to be chosen according
to LED and source voltage.

Selection of Resistor Component in Proteus

Step 2: Right-Click on the component and select Edit Properties or double-click on Component.

Editing Properties of Resistor in Proteus

Step 3: Place the components and connect as

per the circuit diagram and run simulation.

Connection and Simulation of Circuit

Bar Graph Display and its Application

Bar graph displays are Rectangular shaped LEDs arranged one above the other in standard
package styles. This type of displays can be used to indicate the level of a signal (Temperature,
Noise etc..,) or current status of a process that involves multiple steps etc..,

Bar graph displays are found in Proteus software under Library category Optoelectronics.

Step 1: Select component mode

Step 2: Click on Pick devices P.

Step 3: Type Bar graph in the Keyword textbox and select the required display.

Selection of Bar graph LED

Step 4: Also select 10 Way common element DIP switch under switches category.

Selection of DIP switch

Step 5: Connect the circuit as per the circuit diagram and run simulation

Graph Display Example Circuit

So thats all about this chapter which teaches you how to work with LEDs and other displays in
Proteus. You may go to this category on Proteus Tutorial Series to read all other tutorials and
articles on Proteus!