FluxBench

LED Series vs Parallel Demo

v1.0 simulator

Compare LED configurations - series, parallel, and mixed topologies

Series vs Parallel LEDs
Compare wiring topologies with 5 green LEDs. Watch node voltages, currents, and burnout (>= 100 mA becomes an open circuit).
12.0 V
330 Ω
Burnout = open circuit. If supply is too low, LEDs do not turn on.
Parallel: 1 resistor shared (mismatch)
One resistor feeds a shared node, then 5 LEDs in parallel. Slight Vf differences cause current hogging (some brighter, some dimmer).
Total: 0.0 mA
Node: 0.00 V
Stable
Parallel: 1 resistor per LED (balanced)
Each LED branch has its own resistor. Currents match much better even with Vf variation.
Total: 0.0 mA
Stable
Series: 5 LEDs + 1 resistor
One resistor and one LED string. Same current through all LEDs. Node voltages step down.
String: 0.0 mA
LEDs: 0.00 V
Stable

LED Series vs Parallel Demo

Compare LED configurations - series, parallel, and mixed topologies. Understand how Voltage and Current behave in different arrangements.

How to use

Configure different LED topologies:

  • Series - LEDs connected end-to-end, Voltages add up
  • Parallel - LEDs share the same Voltage, Currents add up
  • Mixed - Combinations of series and parallel

Adjust the supply Voltage and Resistor values to see how each topology behaves.

Examples

Series Configuration

Parallel Configuration

FAQ

Q: Which is better - series or parallel? A: Depends on your application. Series uses less Current but needs higher Voltage. Parallel is simpler but needs more Current.

Q: Can I mix series and parallel? A: Yes, but you need to calculate the total Voltage and Current requirements carefully.