LED Common Anode

Description

A “LED Common Anode” is a type of light-emitting diode (LED) with a specific electrical configuration for its terminals. In a common anode LED:

1. **Anode:** The anode is the longer of the two leads or pins on the LED. It is typically the positive (+) side of the LED. When a positive voltage is applied to the anode, and a negative voltage is connected to the cathode, current flows through the LED, causing it to emit light.

2. **Cathode:** The cathode is the shorter of the two leads on the LED and is typically the negative (-) side. Electrons flow from the cathode to the anode through the LED when it’s forward-biased (powered on). The cathode is connected to the ground or reference point in a circuit.

3. **Common Anode Configuration:** In common anode LEDs, the anode of multiple LEDs within the same package (e.g., in a multi-digit 7-segment display or a multi-LED module) is connected together to a single, common anode pin. Each individual cathode is brought out separately. This configuration allows you to control each LED independently by applying a current to the individual cathodes while keeping the common anode connected to a positive voltage supply.

Common anode LEDs are commonly used in various applications, including displays, indicator lights, and multi-LED modules, where it’s essential to control the state of multiple LEDs individually. This configuration simplifies circuit design in situations where you want to display different patterns, digits, or characters by selectively turning on or off specific segments or LEDs within a single package.