Hardware Reference
In-Depth Information
(Source: Image courtesy of
adafruit.com
)
Figure 9.10
EL bow with inverter.
EL glow is evenly distributed along the entire wire/tape/panel, which is a difficult ef-
fect to achieve with LEDs. EL panel can be cut into the desired shape or masked with
opaque vinyl. All EL materials require an inverter to create the low-amperage, high-
voltage alternating current that drives the glow, and most inverters make a high-pitched
noise. Inverters are available in different sizes and battery configurations depending on
the application; some are even small enough to fit on the tongue of your shoe.
While it is possible to control segments of EL panels with a microcontroller, EL mater-
ials are most commonly used in wearables when no microcontroller is needed or desired.
Over time, repeated flexing stress can crack or break EL materials, so it's recommended
that they be limited to areas of garments/costumes that do not experience repeated bend-
ing.
