Arduino Nano - Blink multiple LED

This tutorial instructs you through programming the Arduino Nano to blink multiple LEDs simultaneously, each at its own frequency, without utilizing the delay function. While we'll use three LEDs as an example, you can effortlessly extend the setup to include more LEDs.

Hardware Preparation

1	×	Arduino Nano
1	×	USB A to Mini-B USB cable
1	×	LED
1	×	220 ohm resistor
1	×	Breadboard
1	×	Jumper Wires
1	×	(Optional) DC Power Jack
1	×	(Recommended) Screw Terminal Expansion Board for Arduino Nano
1	×	(Recommended) Breakout Expansion Board for Arduino Nano
1	×	(Recommended) Power Splitter For Arduino Nano

Or you can buy the following sensor kits:

1	×	DIYables Sensor Kit (30 sensors/displays)
1	×	DIYables Sensor Kit (18 sensors/displays)

Disclosure: Some of the links provided in this section are Amazon affiliate links. We may receive a commission for any purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you.
Additionally, some of these links are for products from our own brand, DIYables.

Overview of LED

We have specific a tutorial about LED. The tutorial contains detailed information and step-by-step instructions about hardware pinout, working principle, wiring connection to Arduino Nano, Arduino Nano code... Learn more about them at the following link:

Arduino Nano - LED tutorial

Wiring Diagram

This image is created using Fritzing. Click to enlarge image

Arduino Nano Code - Blink Multiple LEDs

To blink multiple LEDs, we cannot use the delay() function. Instead, we need to use the millis() function and manage the timestamps .

Managing timestamps while blinking multiple LEDs can be challenging for beginners. Thankfully, the ezLED library simplifies the process of blinking multiple LEDs by internally managing timestamps. This eliminates the need for users to handle timestamp management when utilizing this library. Additionally, you can enhance code clarity and brevity by employing an array of LEDs.

/* * This Arduino Nano code was developed by newbiely.com * * This Arduino Nano code is made available for public use without any restriction * * For comprehensive instructions and wiring diagrams, please visit: * https://newbiely.com/tutorials/arduino-nano/arduino-nano-blink-multiple-led */ #include <ezLED.h> // ezLED library #define PIN_LED_1 4 // The Arduino Nano pin connected to LED 1 #define PIN_LED_2 5 // The Arduino Nano pin connected to LED 2 #define PIN_LED_3 6 // The Arduino Nano pin connected to LED 3 ezLED led1(PIN_LED_1); // create ezLED object that attach to pin PIN_LED_1 ezLED led2(PIN_LED_2); // create ezLED object that attach to pin PIN_LED_2 ezLED led3(PIN_LED_3); // create ezLED object that attach to pin PIN_LED_3 void setup() { Serial.begin(9600); led1.blink(500, 500); // 500ms ON, 500ms OFF, blink immediately led2.blink(200, 800); // 200ms ON, 800ms OFF, blink immediately led3.blink(200, 200); // 200ms ON, 200ms OFF, blink immediately } void loop() { led1.loop(); // MUST call the led1.loop() function in loop() led2.loop(); // MUST call the led2.loop() function in loop() led3.loop(); // MUST call the led3.loop() function in loop() // DO SOMETHING HERE }

Detailed Instructions

Wire the components according to the provided diagram.
Connect the Arduino Nano board to your computer using a USB cable.
Launch the Arduino IDE on your computer.
Select the Arduino Nano) board and its corresponding COM port.
Click to the Libraries icon on the left bar of the Arduino IDE.
Search “ezLED”, then find the led library by ArduinoGetStarted
Click Install button to install ezLED library.

Copy the above code and paste it to Arduino IDE.
Compile and upload code to Arduino Nano board by clicking Upload button on Arduino IDE

How to upload Arduino Nano code on Arduino IDE

Check out the status of LED

Arduino Nano Code - Blink Multiple LEDs by using array

We can optimize the above code by using an array of LEDs. The below code uses the array to manage LED objects.

/* * This Arduino Nano code was developed by newbiely.com * * This Arduino Nano code is made available for public use without any restriction * * For comprehensive instructions and wiring diagrams, please visit: * https://newbiely.com/tutorials/arduino-nano/arduino-nano-blink-multiple-led */ #include <ezLED.h> // ezLED library #define NUM_LED 3 // three LEDs #define PIN_LED_1 4 // The Arduino Nano pin connected to LED 1 #define PIN_LED_2 5 // The Arduino Nano pin connected to LED 2 #define PIN_LED_3 6 // The Arduino Nano pin connected to LED 3 ezLED ledArray[NUM_LED] = { ezLED(PIN_LED_1), // create ezLED object that attach to pin PIN_LED_1 ezLED(PIN_LED_2), // create ezLED object that attach to pin PIN_LED_2 ezLED(PIN_LED_3) // create ezLED object that attach to pin PIN_LED_3 }; void setup() { Serial.begin(9600); ledArray[0].blink(500, 500); // 500ms ON, 500ms OFF, blink immediately ledArray[1].blink(200, 800); // 200ms ON, 800ms OFF, blink immediately ledArray[2].blink(200, 200); // 200ms ON, 200ms OFF, blink immediately } void loop() { for (int i = 0; i < NUM_LED; i++) ledArray[i].loop(); // MUST call the led.loop() function in loop() // DO SOMETHING HERE }

For the flexible blink, please refer to other functions of the ezLED library

Video Tutorial

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