RGB LED 5 mm Color-Changing - 20 cm lead, up to 12 V, various versions

Product overview

• RGB LED with a diameter of 5 mm and a 20 cm connecting cable
• Color changing through three separate circuits for red, green, and blue
• Operating voltage of 2 V to 3.3 V per color channel
• Control via three individual digital or PWM outputs
• Common cathode (negative pole), four connection pins in total
• Available in several versions

Product description

This 5 mm RGB LED produces color mixtures through the independent control of three color channels. The 20 cm long lead cable enables flexible positioning away from the controller. Each color channel requires its own power supply between 2 V and 3.3 V, which means that three separate outputs on the microcontroller board are necessary, either digital switches or, preferably, PWM outputs for smoothly mixing all shades. The common cathode is connected to ground.

Applications include status indication, color-coding of measured values, and decorating prototypes. In a waste bin project, three LEDs connected in parallel can indicate the fill level: green for low, yellow for medium, and red for full. PWM control is required for flashing or breathing effects, rather than simple digital signal control.

Operation with 3.3 V logic requires current-limiting resistors for each channel. When used with 5 V systems, a level shifter is required between the controller and the LED. The LED requires an external power supply if the current consumption and available output power of the board are insufficient. For continuous operation, calculating the required series resistors based on the desired brightness and maximum current per channel is recommended.

Safety information

The LED is intended exclusively for building prototypes and for testing and development purposes and is not suitable for integration into household electrical circuits. When connecting it to power sources above 3.3 V, current-limiting measures are required to prevent damage. If you have questions about integrating it into an existing electrical system, consult a qualified electrician before commissioning.

Scope of delivery

• 1x RGB LED 5mm with 20cm lead /cable, up to 12V (optionally fast- or slow-flashing)