Guess what this is a photo of!

[Uncle Bob]

Are we looking at the front, or the rear of the object??

 

[keltin]

This is a front view.

 

[LT72884]

anything to do with computer networking such as fiber optics

 

[keltin]

anything to do with computer networking such as fiber optics

You're getting very warm!

 

[Buck]

Is it a bezel that fits around lighted buttons?

 

[keltin]

No, not a bezel.

 

[Buck]

Is it a fiber optic coupler?

 

[keltin]

No, not a fiber optic coupler. But it works on the same principle as an optical fiber.

 

[Buck]

It's the assembly in the hinge area of a laptop that contains the indicator lights telling you when the hard drive is working, etc.

 

[keltin]

Nope, it's a bit simpler than that.

 

[Buck]

The four little rectangular things across the top are the "light pipes", yes?

 

[keltin]

Absolutely right. The whole thing is a set of light pipes. This one has four positions, but light pipes come in all shapes, sizes, and positions. Good job!

 

[Buck]

Does that mean (dare I say it?) I.......................won?

 

[keltin]

Yep....everyone, Buck wins (at least here in this thread anyway)!!!

 

[Buck]

I can hear trumpets sounding from the sky!

By the way, keltin, what the heck is that thing anyway?
What is it used in?

 

[keltin]

I can hear trumpets sounding from the sky!

By the way, keltin, what the heck is that thing anyway?
What is it used in?

It mounts over surface mount (SMT) LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) on a PCB (Printed Circuit Board). Surface mount LEDS are really small and require little space and they shine straight up. The light pipe fits over the LED and carries the light to a front panel where you can see it.

Here is a variety of them lit up.

Here is an application where they are covered (as they should be) to shield them from ambient light and truly focus the light to the very tip of the pipe so that you have an LED indicator on the front panel of your device.

Light Pipes are used in just about any electronic device where an LED indicator is needed and space on the PCB is an issue. Here's a pic of a series of smaller pipes on a unit. You can see the small white SMT LED under the pipe, and the pipe leads out through the face plate.

 

[Jeekinz]

Oh....For Pete's Sake.

 

[Buck]

keltin, thank you.

Jeekins, go to your room.

Okay campers, what's this?

 

[expatgirl]

ghost soap? "soul" food?

 

[Jeekinz]

Buck, are you for real?

That's diet tofu.