LEDs (Light-Emitting Diodes) and candela (cd) are related concepts in the field of lighting and illumination. Candela is a unit of measurement that quantifies the intensity of light emitted by a source, and LEDs are commonly used as light sources whose brightness can be measured in candelas. Here’s how LEDs and candela are connected:
1.Candela (cd): Candela is the base unit of measurement for luminous intensity in the International System of Units (SI). It measures the amount of light (or luminous flux) emitted in a particular direction from a light source. One candela is roughly equivalent to the luminous intensity of a common candle. The candela is used to describe the brightness or intensity of light in a specific direction.
2.LEDs and Luminous Intensity: LEDs emit light when electrons pass through a semiconductor material, releasing photons. The intensity of light emitted by an LED in a specific direction is measured in candelas (cd). LED manufacturers often provide information on the luminous intensity of their LEDs in candela, which helps users understand how bright the LED will be when used in a particular application.
3.LED Data Sheets: When you look at an LED data sheet or specification sheet, you’ll typically find information about the LED’s luminous intensity measured in candela, along with other important specifications such as forward voltage, forward current, viewing angle, and color temperature. This information helps designers and engineers choose the right LED for their lighting needs.
4.Application Considerations: The candela rating of an LED is crucial when designing lighting systems or displays. For example, in traffic lights, higher candela ratings are essential for visibility at greater distances, especially in bright daylight conditions. In contrast, for indicator LEDs on electronic devices, lower candela ratings may be sufficient.
5.Candela vs. Lumens: It’s important to note that candela measures luminous intensity in a specific direction, while lumens measure the total luminous flux emitted by a light source in all directions. Lumens provide a measure of the total light output, while candela indicates how concentrated that light is in a specific direction.
