Hey guys,

I'm planning to use this circuit to build a motor direction controller. I'd like to add 2 LEDs to indicate the Forward-Reverse status. How do I connect the LED without causing damage from reverse voltage? I'm powering the motor with 12V. A schematic would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

Hey guys,

I'm planning to use this circuit to build a motor direction controller. I'd like to add 2 LEDs to indicate the Forward-Reverse status. How do I connect the LED without causing damage from reverse voltage? I'm powering the motor with 12V. A schematic would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
View attachment 137213

AFAIK: You can get inverse parallel pair LEDs in a single package. Red with one direction, green the other - feeding it AC produces yellow.

don't forget a current limiting resistor in series.

 

Hello,

As @ian field said, two leds antiparallel like this:



Bertus

 

AFAIK: You can get inverse parallel pair LEDs in a single package. Red with one direction, green the other - feeding it AC produces yellow.

don't forget a current limiting resistor in series.

If I were to use the LEDs I have lying around, connecting them anti-parallel, with series resistors, would be enough?

 

Hello,

As @ian field said, two leds antiparallel like this:

View attachment 137214

Bertus

Thanks guys. I thought I'd have to use series diodes or something to protect the LEDs.

 

Hello,

The forward voltage of one led will protect the other led.
With no protection, a led can go defective with more that 5 Volts in reverse.

Bertus

 

Thanks guys. I thought I'd have to use series diodes or something to protect the LEDs.

LED have maximum reverse voltage rating around 5V - when you put 2 in inverse parallel; "they scratch each others back".

 

LED have maximum reverse voltage rating around 5V - when you put 2 in inverse parallel; "they scratch each others back".

Haha, I'll definitely remember that the next time. Thanks guys, for the help.