CHAPTER ONE

1.0 INTRODUCTION

LED (Light Emitting Diode) , in electronics, is a semiconductor device that emits

infrared or visible mild while charged with an electric current (Candace Flores, 2020).
LED shows started to be used for patron electronic devices starting in 1968, while
Hewlett-Packard (HP) added the primary LED display. Visible LED lighting fixtures
are used in lots of electronic devices as indicator lamps, vehicle brake lights, and as
alphanumeric displays or even full-colour posters on billboards and symptoms (Ravi
Teja 2024).

When current passes through the LED, the electrons recombine with holes and emit
light on this procedure. It is a specific kind of diode which has the equal kind of traits
as the p-n junction diode (Mater. Chem. Front., 2020). This means that an LED permits
the flow of current in its forward route while it blocks the flow within the reverse
route. Further, we construct light-emitting diodes via the usage of a weak layer of
heavily doped semiconductor material. On the idea of the semiconductor fabric which
we use plus the quantity of doping, an LED will emit a colored mild at a particular
spectral wavelength while forward biased. For a light-emitting diode (LED) to
generate light, the minimum voltage required is broadly taken into consideration to be
the emitter’s bandgap divided by using the elementary charge (Lian, Y., Lan, D.,
Xing, S. et al. 2022)

Light Emitting Diode Circuit

1
The LEDs additionally have a particular drop in voltage forward in cases wherein we
use usual circuits together with a conventional diode. The drop in voltage is
dependent on the modern-day of the LED, the shade of the produced light and greater.
There are one-of-a-kind values inside the drop of voltage which would range from
1.5V to two.5 V modern for 10 to 50 mA current.

What is a Diode?

A diode is a two-terminal electronic component that allows current to flow in one

direction (forward bias) and blocks current flow in the opposite direction (reverse bias).
(Trahms, M., Melischek, L., Steiner, J.F. et al.). It has low preferably zero obstruction in
one course and excessive i.E. Preferably boundless competition within the other. A
diode vacuum tube or thermionic diode is a vacuum tube with terminals. It has a
warmed cathode and a plate, wherein electrons can circulate only a single way,
from cathode to plate. A semiconductor diode is most regularly in use today. It is a
translucent bit of semiconductor fabric with a p–n intersection related to two electric
terminals. Semiconductor diodes have been the principal semiconductor digital
devices.

The disclosure of topsy-turvy electric conduction over the touch among a glasslike
mineral and a steel. It turned into made through German physicist Ferdinand Braun in
1874. Today, maximum diodes are manufactured from silicon, however other
semiconducting substances. For example, gallium arsenide and germanium are
likewise useful.

Diode Characteristics

1. Forward-biased Diode: At the point while the voltage is carried out inside the
opposite manner over the diode. The depletion region begins to agree. In an
opposite-biased diode, the electrons and holes might be pulled far away from the
intersection. However, a forward-one-sided situation ensures that the electrons
and holes push toward the intersection. As they are repulsed from the fantastic
and terrible terminals of the voltage supply for my part. Given an excellent
sufficient implemented voltage, each of the holes and the electrons could triumph
over the exhaustion district and meet near the intersection. Here they could be
part of a consistent cycle, shutting the circuit and permitting the current to

2
 circulate. For a silicon diode, the forward voltage is 690mV. For germanium, it's
far 300mV ahead voltage. The feasible strength over the p-kind fabric is fantastic
and over the n-kind cloth, the in all likelihood strength is poor.

2. Reverse Bias: If a voltage is carried out over the diode. The n-kind half of the
diode is associated with the effective terminal of the voltage source. The p-kind
1/2 is associated with the terrible terminal. Electrons from the outer circuit would
make greater poor debris within the p-type district with the aid of “filling the
holes”. Certain debris could be made in the n-kind location as electrons are
uprooted in the direction of the high-quality terminal of the voltage supply.
Subsequently, the consumption district could increment and the voltage between
the p-type and n-type locales might likewise increment as the all-out rate on
every aspect. The intersection increments in greatness until the voltage over the
diode rises and contradicts the applied voltage and counterbalances it, stopping
the present day through the circuit. This cycle happens nearly immediately and
brings about essentially no present-day pass through the circuit while voltage is
applied in the direction of this course over the diode. This is an opposite-biased
p-n junction. For silicon diode, the other voltage is – 20μA for germanium, and –
50μA is the reverse voltage. The expected power over the p-type cloth is terrible
and over the n-kind fabric, the likely electricity is high quality.

3. Zero-biased Diode: Zero zero-biased PN Junction diode is a diode without a

Bias mode. Without applying any voltage (ahead or invert) over its terminals is
purported to be in Equilibrium mode (Zero inclination mode).

Types of Diodes

 Light Emitting Diode

 Laser diode
 Avalanche diode
 Zener diode
 Schottky diode
 Photodiode

Working Principle of Light Emitting Diode

3
The holes lie in the valence band, whereas the free electrons are inside the conduction
band. When there is a forward bias inside the p-n junction, the electron that is a part
of the n-type semiconductor cloth will overrun the p-n junction and be part of the
holes within the p-kind semiconductor fabric.

Thus, while we talk approximately the holes, the free electrons are going to be at the
better energy bands. When this movement of free electrons and holes takes place,
there may be an exchange inside the electricity stage because the voltage drops from
the conduction band to the valance band. After that, the power is released because of
the movement of the electron. In general, diodes, are the release of energy inside the
way of warmness. However, in LED the discharge of strength within the shape of
photons will produce light power.

We check with this complete procedure as electroluminescence. Similarly, we check

with the diodes as a mild-emitting diode. In LED, the electricity that discharges in
mild creates hinges on the forbidden energy hole.

We can manipulate the wavelength of the mild that's generated. Thus, from its
wavelength, the light coloration and its visibility cannot be controlled. We can
determine the coloration and wavelength of the mild by doping it with more than one
impurity.

USES OF LIGHT EMITTING DIODE

We use LEDs in lots of fields which includes optical communique, alarm and safety
structures. Further, we additionally use them in remote-controlled operations,
robotics, and more. Mainly, we use it in a lot of regions due to its long-lasting
functionality in addition to the low electricity requirement, fast switching ability, and
speedy reaction time. Now, we can check a number of the few popular makes use of
the mild-emitting diode:

TV lower back-lighting

The backlight of a TV is the most important energy-ingesting source. When we use

LEDs, it gives an efficient power discount. Similarly, whilst we use an LED on the
TV’s edges, it is going to be a cost discount desire. Using LEDs immediately at the
back of the display offers a much higher assessment. This is why CFLs and LCDs
have been changed using LEDs in TV backlighting.

4
Smartphone Backlighting

LEDs assist in thinning the backlight design of our smartphones and also make it at a
low price. While the rate of LED can range in step with the sizes of the display of the
smartphone, the decreased output voltage ensures a longer battery life.

Displays

LED show boards are commonplace now these days and are used outside like storage
signs, billboards, road symptoms, and so forth. In signboards which has multiple
languages conveying signals, the usage of extra LEDs can be useful in phrases of less
energy intake.

Automotive

The automobile enterprise has been more and more the usage of LEDs. They help to
shop strength and make visibility clearer. Further, they come in use greatly within the
lower back and rear of a vehicle and offer better accessibility. Moreover, it could also
beautify the pedestrian’s and driving force’s protection due to the fact better visibility
helps with it.

Types of Light-Emitting Diode

There are diverse styles of LEDs that we design through the use of semiconductors.
They include:

 Miniature LEDs
 Bi and Tri-Colour
 High-Power LEDs
 Flash LED
 Alphanumeric LED
 Red Green Blue LEDs
 Lighting LED

5
1.1 Background of the Study

LED (Light Emitting Diode) show era has emerged as a critical medium for visible
communication across numerous sectors, including advertising and marketing and
public statistics structures (Lu TW, Lin XS, Guo QA, Tu CC, Liu SB et al, 2022).

LEDs are indispensable to the layout of digital display forums, serving as the essential
building blocks for visible output. Their arrangement in a matrix or grid permits for
the formation of pixels, in which every LED capabilities as a discrete mild supply; by
way of precisely controlling the brightness and shade of man or woman LEDs, the
show board renders photos, textual content, and video. This system mirrors the pixel-
based total picture creation in different digital displays. The capability of LEDs to
emit light while an electric modern-day passes through them is essential to their
feature. As semiconductor gadgets, LEDs produce mild with a colour determined with
the aid of their constituent substances; purple, inexperienced, and blue LEDs are
frequently hired in combination to generate complete-shade displays. Effective
display board layout necessitates careful manage and addressing of individual LEDs
or LED agencies. Techniques such as multiplexing and using devoted driver circuits
permit this manipulation, with microcontrollers or other digital circuits directing alerts
to the LEDs for on/off switching and brightness adjustment. LEDs additionally
provide the advantage of excessive brightness, making them appropriate for various
light environments, which include out-of-door packages. Electronic management
allows for the adjustment of light intensity, facilitating dimming and brightness
modulation. Furthermore, LEDs are known for his or her energy efficiency, changing
an extensive component of electrical electricity into light, an important component
inside the design of large-scale electronic show boards wherein power intake is a
primary problem.

This challenge, building upon existing knowledge in the Faculty of Engineering,

specializes in the design and creation of a 64x128 LED display board. The primary
goal is to create a useful and flexible LED display board with 64x128 pixels, able to
show each text and snapshot. These show forums function with high-visibility record
structures, suitable for conveying messages, announcements, and advertisements in
various settings. This project is considerable as it offers practical, hands-on training in
6
embedded systems design, microcontroller programming, and digital display
technology.

Furthermore, this project leverages the ongoing advancements in LED technology and
aims to contribute to the development of effective display solutions within the Faculty
of Engineering. The design will include a Wi-Fi connection, enabling remote updates
and control. The power supply will be flexible, supporting both mains electricity and
a combination of solar and mains power, enhancing the board's adaptability. The
project will involve the complete lifecycle of design, construction, and rigorous
testing of the 64x128 LED display board, thereby creating a valuable resource for the
Faculty."

1.2 Statement of the Problem

In today's era, where digital communication is rapidly improving, display systems

play a crucial role in conveying information in both text and images. However, the
existing LED display board at the Faculty of Engineering, Oleh Campus, fails to meet
modern expectations due to poor visibility, outdated programming, and energy
inefficiency, leading to decreased performance. As a result, important information
often goes unnoticed, causing inefficiencies in communication.

Given this challenge, there is a need for a more efficient and modern LED display
board with improved visibility, energy efficiency, durability and real-time update
capabilities. By integrating better display technology and wireless content
management, the new system will ensure clearer communication, reduced
maintenance, and enhanced usability for students and staff.

1.3 Aim and Objectives

Aim: The primary aim of this project is to design and construct an LED display board
to create a highly visible display system that can convey information.

Objectives:

1. To build an LED display board with long lifespan withstanding various

environmental condition and operating for an extended period without significant
degredation.

2. To allow users to update the content remotely via software, wireless control.

7
3. To design the board using readily available and affordable components while
maintaining performance and reliability.

4. To create a versatile LED display board with interoperable power supply system
i.e integrated to different power supply like Direct power supply and Solar power
supply.

5. To design an LED display board that can display a variety of content such as text
and images.

1.4 Significance of the Study

"This project holds significance for several reasons:

 It provides a practical application of embedded systems design and

microcontroller programming principles, thereby enhancing engineering skills.
 The resulting display board can function as a versatile and high-visibility
information system suitable for diverse applications.
 The project's exploration of energy-efficient power options contributes to the
development of sustainable technology solutions.
 It contributes to the existing body of knowledge within the Faculty of
Engineering, furthering the development of display technologies."

1.5. Scope/Limitations

The objective of this project is to create, construct, and experiment with a 64x128
enhanced version.". LED display board. The display board will be equipped with
WiFi capabilities and can be powered by a combination of solar and main power. This
project will investigate the use of single-color and RGB (multiple color) LED
configurations, with the aim of improving on previous faculty initiatives. ".

Limitations

1. This project focuses on a specific display size (64x128 pixels), consistent with
previous faculty projects for comparative purposes.
2. The project's success is dependent on the availability of components and
resources.
3. The project's improvements are limited to the specific areas outlined in the
aims and objectives, focusing on enhancing existing faculty work.

8
1.6 Methodology

The methodology employed in this project comprises the following stages:

1. Literature Review: A comprehensive review of existing literature on LED

technology, microcontrollers, and display design was conducted.
2. Component Selection: Appropriate components, including LED modules,
microcontrollers (such as the ESP32), and power components, were selected
based on project requirements.
3. Hardware Design: The circuit schematic and PCB (Printed Circuit Board)
layout were designed using appropriate design tools.
4. Software Development: The microcontroller was programmed to facilitate
display control and Wi-Fi connectivity.
5. Construction and Assembly: The LED display board was constructed, and the
various components were assembled and integrated.
6. Testing and Evaluation: The functionality, performance, and energy efficiency
of the completed display board were tested and evaluated."

9
 REFERENCES

Chemistry 5570 Advanced Analytical Chemistry Lecture 8: Light emitting

diodes.https://sites.chemistry.unt.edu/~tgolden/courses/Lecture
%208%20LEDs%202020.pdf
Design and Analysis of Wifi Based Display Board System: International Journal of
Advancement in Development Studies, Volume 17, Number 1, 2022 ISSN:
2276-8246
Design and Construction of Electronic Display Board (2023), Faculty of Engineering,
Delta State University. Oleh Campus Students (Mechanical, Petroleum,
Chemical and Electrical Graduating Class of 2023)
Encyclopedia Britannica (Jan. 22, 2025) Light Emitting/Emissive Diodes
https://www.britannica.com/technology/semiconductor-device/Metal-
semiconductor-field-effect-transistors
Lian, Y., Lan, D., Xing, S. et al. Ultralow-voltage operation of light-emitting
diodes. Nat Commun 13, 3845 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-022-
31478-y
Lu TW, Lin XS, Guo QA, Tu CC, Liu SB et al. High-speed visible light
communication based on micro-LED: A technology with wide applications in
next generation communication. Opto-Electron Sci 1, 220020
(2022). doi: 10.29026/oes.2022.220020
Semiconductor Electronics: Materials, Devices and Simple Circuits :
https://www.toppr.com/guides/physics/semiconductors/light-
emitting-diode/
Trahms, M., Melischek, L., Steiner, J.F. et al. Diode effect in Josephson junctions with a
single magnetic atom. Nature 615, 628–633 (2023).
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-023-05743-z

10