Typical forward voltages vary by LED color

Typical forward voltages vary by LED color — red ~1.6–2.0 V, green ~1.9–4.0 V, blue/white ~2.5–3.7+ V — always size a series resistor or constant‑current driver to protect the LED.

LED Forward Voltage Guide and Practical Selection for Engineers

Why this matters Choosing the right LED and drive method prevents failures, ensures consistent brightness, and optimizes efficiency. Forward voltage (Vf) depends on semiconductor material and color; using nominal Vf from datasheets or trusted references is essential.

Typical Forward Voltages by Color

Color	Typical Vf Range	Typical If
Red	1.63 – 2.03 V	15 mA
Orange	2.03 – 2.10 V	15 mA
Yellow	2.10 – 2.18 V	15 mA
Green	1.9 – 4.0 V	15 mA
Blue	2.48 – 3.7 V	20 mA
White	~3.5 V	20 mA

(Values synthesized from standard LED references and calculators; always confirm with the component datasheet.)

How to Size a Series Resistor

Formula:

$$R=\frac{V_{SUPPLY}-V_f}{I_f}$$

Example: For 12 V supply, blue LED Vf = 3.2 V, If = 20 mA →

$$R=\frac{12-3.2}{0.02}=440\mathrm{\Omega }$$

Power on resistor:

$$P_R=(V_{SUPPLY}-V_f)\cdot I_f$$

Comparison Table LED Drive Options

Drive Method	Pros	Cons	Best Use
Series resistor	Simple, cheap	Wasteful at high Vin–Vf; brightness varies with Vin	Indicator LEDs, low-cost boards
Constant current driver	Stable brightness, efficient	More complex, costlier	High-power LEDs, strings, lighting
PWM with resistor	Dimmable, efficient average power	Requires filtering for analog loads	LED dimming, displays

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

• Using nominal Vf without margin — always allow tolerance and temperature shift; Vf drops with temperature for some colors.
• No current limiting — leads to thermal runaway and failure; use resistor or CC driver.
• Ignoring resistor power rating — calculate $P_R$ and choose resistor with margin.
• Series too many LEDs without checking total Vf — ensure supply > sum(Vf) + margin.
• Assuming all green/white LEDs share same Vf — modern green/amber/white vary widely; check datasheet.

Engineering Tips and Best Practices

• Prefer constant‑current drivers for multi‑LED strings or >20 mA devices.
• Use 0.1 µF ceramic + electrolytic decoupling on driver inputs to stabilize supply.
• Thermal management: high‑power LEDs need heatsinking; junction temperature affects Vf and lifetime.
• Measure Vf under operating current when designing — bench test with regulated current source.
• For SMD LEDs, consult manufacturer SMD tables; Vf can differ from through‑hole types.

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Excerpt (first 55 words)

Typical LED forward voltages vary by color: red ~1.6–2.0 V, green ~1.9–4.0 V, blue/white ~2.5–3.7+ V. This guide explains Vf ranges, resistor sizing formula, constant‑current drivers, common mistakes, and practical engineering tips to design reliable LED circuits.