In this paper, the effect of pulse current and generated heat on characteristics of the LED is measured and evaluated. For experiments, the LED driving circuit and digital logic which determines period and duty ratio of lighting are designed. At rated current, the temperature and optical characteristics of the LED with change in duty ratio and period are compared, and those of the LED with change in duty ratio and existence of cooling fan are also compared at constant average current. As a result, frequency does not affect device temperature and optical characteristic of the LED but duty ratio does. Also, the cooling fan is less effective on those of the LED at rated current.