Author Topic: SMD led orientation check with multimeter?  (Read 1079 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline RL_Tracksuit_ElectroTopic starter

  • Contributor
  • Posts: 10
  • Country: us
SMD led orientation check with multimeter?
« on: January 01, 2020, 10:10:33 pm »
Fast forward, using the markings on the smd led I was able to determine the cathode & anadode and everything worked.

However, when I try to use my multimeter (a cheap Tacklife) diode test setting to double-check cathod/anode, the screen never changes nor does the led light up. I tested other diodes (not leds) with that setting and it works.

I have no idea exactly what kind of leds they are. Is it "normal" that some leds can't be tested by some multimeters? I don't have any other smd leds handy, nor another multimeter.
 

Offline fcb

  • Super Contributor
  • ***
  • Posts: 2129
  • Country: gb
  • Test instrument designer/G1YWC
    • Electron Plus
Re: SMD led orientation check with multimeter?
« Reply #1 on: January 01, 2020, 10:14:48 pm »
White & Blue LED's have a higher forward voltage, so your DMM might not be able to push them into conduction - so they might appear open-circuit.
https://electron.plus Power Analysers, VI Signature Testers, Voltage References, Picoammeters, Curve Tracers.
 

Offline RL_Tracksuit_ElectroTopic starter

  • Contributor
  • Posts: 10
  • Country: us
Re: SMD led orientation check with multimeter?
« Reply #2 on: January 02, 2020, 01:44:41 am »
Indeed they are blue, thanks!
 

Offline fcb

  • Super Contributor
  • ***
  • Posts: 2129
  • Country: gb
  • Test instrument designer/G1YWC
    • Electron Plus
Re: SMD led orientation check with multimeter?
« Reply #3 on: January 02, 2020, 01:23:18 pm »
One trick I've used is to put a 1.5V cell in series with the multimeter in "diode check" mode (red lead to batt-, batt+ to DUT).  This is enough usually to light the most stubborn blue/white LED's.
https://electron.plus Power Analysers, VI Signature Testers, Voltage References, Picoammeters, Curve Tracers.
 


Share me

Digg  Facebook  SlashDot  Delicious  Technorati  Twitter  Google  Yahoo
Smf