Vision is formed by analyzing rods and cones in our eyes. Rods detect black-and-white, while cones perceive color. RGB LED lights mix red, green, and blue to create colors and are used in displays and lighting. White light from RGB LEDs can be inconsistent, so blue-based LEDs with phosphor are used for pure white. RGBW LEDs, combining white, are used for residential lighting. Specialized systems can use more colors.
Color rendering assesses how accurately colors appear under different light sources. CRI, used since 1965, rates fidelity on a scale up to 100 but ignores color vividness. The newer IES TM-30-20 standard evaluates both fidelity (Rf) and gamut (Rg) using 99 color samples, offering improved precision for selecting LED lighting in varied environments like retail, offices, and museums.
Overheating in electronics can result from factors like fan failure, degraded thermal paste, dust buildup, or blocked ventilation. To address this, devices use temperature monitoring systems that trigger alarms or disable functions when thresholds are exceeded. A demo circuit uses a 555 timer and LM358 comparator to simulate automatic overheating protection.
Dimming reduces LED light output using linear or PWM methods. The linear method lowers current, avoiding electromagnetic interference, making it suitable for medical or research settings, but may reduce efficiency and requires fixture adjustments. PWM uses constant current pulses with variable width to control brightness without flicker. TRIAC dimmers, designed for incandescent lamps, need compatible LED drivers.
Flammable gas sensors, such as the MQ-5, are vital for detecting dangerous gases like propane, butane, and methane. These sensors use a sensitive semiconductor layer to react to gases, with components like a heating coil and gold electrodes ensuring accurate detection. They are critical in safety applications, including home gas detection and industrial use, offering early warnings of gas leaks and preventing explosions.
