The 5mm blinking LEDs are encapsulated in a transparent resin dome whose purpose is to protect the light emitter. Inside it contains three pieces: reflector cup, semiconductor, and conductive wire. Two legs extend below-said dome: One is called the anode (positive) and the other the cathode (negative). 

LEDs only work in one direction, so one goes to a positive voltage and the other to a negative voltage. They may look similar to the traditional format but when connected they emit a blinking effect.

These diodes have dominated the LED market for their highly reflective design with primary optics and high brightness range (10.000 mcd). They generate a bright cool white light (6.000°K), which makes them visible at long distances. 

Being the best option in terms of brightness, definition, and controlled viewing angle, they can be used for lighting, signage, traffic lights, flashlights, signaling devices, information panels, medical applications, calculators and electronic agendas, printers, bicycles, and various adaptations, among others.

How do they work?

LEDs can be used in three different ways:

• Individual: direct LED power from the power supply, either by means of a regulated source or with the use of resistors or regulators. The desired voltage must be supplied to the LED within the working values.

• Parallel configuration: powering a group of LEDs connecting all the anodes together and all the cathodes together, using the required voltage regulated by a single resistor in series.

• Series configuration: powering a group of LEDs connected sequentially. The number of LEDs to be used per series will be limited by the voltage delivered by the power supply. In most cases, a resistor is required to compensate for the differences in supply voltage per series of LEDs, being able to carry out different series in parallel with the same power supply.