Meet the LEDs

Form Factors (size, shape, type)

Bulb

3mm 5mm

RGB

RGB is really 3 lights in one.

Common anode vs. common cathode: http://flashgamer.com/arduino/comments/rgb-led-common-cathode-or-common-anode

If you are mixing colors, diffused LEDs might be better otherwise you can see the individual diodes lit.

Pixel

BlinkM

Ghetto Pixel http://www.instructables.com/id/Ghetto-Pixels-Building-an-open-source-BlinkM/#commentactioncontainer_CF0Q2CTGP7IS5IH

Strip

Array / Matrix

7 segment

High Power

SMT

Properties

Operating Properties

  • Forward Voltage
  • Forward Current

Light properties

  • Luminosity / Luminous Intensity / Brightness
  • Wavelength
  • Viewing Angle