What Is an RGB LED?
An RGB LED is a component that holds three LEDs — red (R), green (G) and blue (B) — in a single body and can produce millions of colors by adjusting the brightness of these three.
How Does It Produce Color?
Red, green and blue light are mixed in different ratios (additive color mixing) to get the desired color. Each color's brightness is usually controlled separately with PWM.
Common Anode and Common Cathode
One terminal of the three LEDs is common. In the common-anode type the common terminal connects to positive and the colors are driven from the cathode; in the common-cathode type it's the reverse. The right type must be chosen for the connection.
| Type | Control | Per color |
|---|---|---|
| Passive RGB | 3 separate pins + PWM | Current limit with a resistor |
| Addressable | Single data line | Driver inside the chip |
Addressable RGB LED
In addressable LEDs like the WS2812 (NeoPixel), each LED has a controller inside; hundreds of LEDs can be chained on a single data line and each colored independently.
Where Is It Used?
Decorative lighting, LED strips, display backlighting, gaming gear and status indicators.
Common Mistakes
- Current limit: in passive RGB each color leg needs a separate limiting resistor.
- Wrong common terminal: if the anode/cathode type is mixed up, it won't work.
- Straining the supply: many addressable LEDs draw high current; the supply must be adequate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does it produce white light?+
What is a NeoPixel?+
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