I'm a newbie when it comes to electronics so these may be very elementary circuit questions. Correct any statements I make if they are wrong please.
I want to make a lamp using a series of LEDs (haven't decided how many yet) that plugs into a wall socket. First off, I know that AC power is periodic which LEDs don't appreciate. I also know that diodes make the current flow one way or another. Using diodes and resistors I can make the voltage fluctuate from zero to 2.0V (or some optimum voltage) in a given LED. Now the questions:
1) Is the period from 2.0V to 0V to 2.0V short enough that a human can't detect the LED is going on and off?
2) If #1 is yes, does this fluctuating voltage shorten the lifespan of an LED?
3) If #1 is no, what's a simple way to give the LED (or series of LEDs) a constant voltage?
Feel free to just ignore my questions and post any comments you have. I'm probably missing some key points anyway.
I want to make a lamp using a series of LEDs (haven't decided how many yet) that plugs into a wall socket. First off, I know that AC power is periodic which LEDs don't appreciate. I also know that diodes make the current flow one way or another. Using diodes and resistors I can make the voltage fluctuate from zero to 2.0V (or some optimum voltage) in a given LED. Now the questions:
1) Is the period from 2.0V to 0V to 2.0V short enough that a human can't detect the LED is going on and off?
2) If #1 is yes, does this fluctuating voltage shorten the lifespan of an LED?
3) If #1 is no, what's a simple way to give the LED (or series of LEDs) a constant voltage?
Feel free to just ignore my questions and post any comments you have. I'm probably missing some key points anyway.