The RGB LED 5mm 4-pin Common Cathode combines red, green, and blue in a 5mm light emitting diode. The colours can be used set with PWM signals for precise shades, like red or purple. Its common cathode pin can be connected directly to Arduino or microcontrollers for indicators or displays. It has a clear lens for focused lighting. This compact LED is easy to wire and adds custom lighting to your circuits.

Key Features

• Emits red, green, and blue for multicoloured displays.
• Uses PWM to mix colours for custom shades.
• Fits breadboards and PCBs with a 4-pin design.
• Consumes low power at 20mA per colour.
• Offers a clear or diffused lens for varied effects.

Technical Specifications

• Voltage: Red: 2.0–2.2v; Green/Blue: 3.0–3.2v DC.
• Current: 20mA per colour (60mA max total).
• Wavelength: Red: 620–640nm; Green: 515–525nm; Blue: 465–475nm.
• Brightness: Red: 1000–2000mcd; Green: 3000–5000mcd; Blue: 2000–3000mcd.
• Dimensions: 5mm dia x 8.7mm height; 30° viewing angle.
• Pinout: Longest pin is common cathode; others for red, green, and blue.

Applications

• Creates colourful displays in Arduino projects.
• Signals status in IoT devices.
• Light up robotics prototypes.
• Enhances educational circuit kits.
• Decorate DIY holiday lights.
• Indicates modes in gaming peripherals.

Usage

• Connection:
  • Identify the longest pin as the common cathode; connect it to ground.
  • Attach red, green, and blue pins to the microcontroller PWM pins via 220Ω resistors.
  • Secure pins in a breadboard or solder to a PCB.
  • Verify polarity to avoid damaging the LED.
• Programming:
  • Use Arduino IDE or a similar tool to control PWM signals.
  • Set PWM values (0–255) for red, green, and blue pins to mix colours.
  • Test with simple sketches to cycle through colours.
  • Refer to libraries like FastLED for advanced colour control.
• Testing:
  • Apply 5v to one colour pin via a resistor; check for light output.
  • Cycle through red, green, and blue; confirm each lights up.
  • Use a multimeter to verify voltage (2.0–3.2v per colour).
  • Ensure mixed colours (e.g., purple) appear as expected.
• Troubleshooting:
  • No light: Check cathode connection to ground and resistor values.
  • Dim or wrong colours: Verify PWM settings and voltage (2.0–3.2v).
  • One colour missing: Inspect pin connections; test with a new LED.
• Caution:
  • Limit current to 20mA per colour to avoid burnout.
  • Use resistors to prevent overvoltage damage.
  • Handle pins carefully to avoid bending.
  • Keep away from children due to a choking hazard.
  • Store in a dry, static-free environment.