How to Use FIT0449: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The FIT0449 is a 12mm RGB (Red, Green, Blue) LED with a common anode configuration. This electronic component is capable of producing a wide spectrum of colors by mixing red, green, and blue light. It is commonly used in electronics projects for color indication, mood lighting, and lighting effects. The versatility of the FIT0449 makes it suitable for hobbyist projects, educational purposes, and even commercial applications.

• Diameter: 12mm
• Lens Type: Clear
• Forward Voltage (typical):
  • Red: 1.8V to 2.2V
  • Green: 3.0V to 3.4V
  • Blue: 3.0V to 3.4V
• Forward Current: 20mA (per channel)
• Luminous Intensity:
  • Red: 500-700mcd
  • Green: 1100-1400mcd
  • Blue: 200-400mcd
• Viewing Angle: 30 degrees

To use the FIT0449 in a circuit, connect the common anode pin to a positive voltage supply and each of the RGB anodes to a current-limiting resistor before connecting to the ground or a microcontroller's GPIO pins. The value of the resistor will depend on the supply voltage and the desired current. Typically, a 220-ohm resistor is used for a 5V supply.

• Always use current-limiting resistors to prevent damage to the LED.
• Avoid exceeding the maximum forward current and voltage ratings.
• Use pulse-width modulation (PWM) to control the brightness and color mixing.

// Define the RGB LED pins
const int RED_PIN = 9;   // Red pin connected to digital pin 9
const int GREEN_PIN = 10; // Green pin connected to digital pin 10
const int BLUE_PIN = 11;  // Blue pin connected to digital pin 11

void setup() {
  // Set the LED pins as output
  pinMode(RED_PIN, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(GREEN_PIN, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(BLUE_PIN, OUTPUT);
}

void loop() {
  // Set the color to purple
  analogWrite(RED_PIN, 255);   // Red at full intensity
  analogWrite(GREEN_PIN, 0);   // Green off
  analogWrite(BLUE_PIN, 255);  // Blue at full intensity
  
  delay(1000); // Wait for 1 second
  
  // Set the color to aqua
  analogWrite(RED_PIN, 0);     // Red off
  analogWrite(GREEN_PIN, 255); // Green at full intensity
  analogWrite(BLUE_PIN, 255);  // Blue at full intensity
  
  delay(1000); // Wait for 1 second
}

• LED not lighting up: Ensure that the common anode is connected to a positive voltage and that each anode is connected through a current-limiting resistor to the ground.
• Dim or uneven color output: Check that the resistors are of the correct value and that the supply voltage is adequate.
• LED burned out: This can happen if the current-limiting resistor is omitted or if the voltage applied is too high.

Q: Can I control the FIT0449 with a microcontroller? A: Yes, you can control the FIT0449 using a microcontroller like the Arduino UNO by using PWM on the RGB pins.

Q: What resistor value should I use? A: For a 5V supply, 220-ohm resistors are commonly used. Adjust the value based on your supply voltage and desired current.

Q: How do I create different colors? A: By adjusting the PWM signal to each of the RGB pins, you can mix colors to create a wide range of hues.

Q: Can I power the FIT0449 directly from an Arduino pin? A: Yes, but ensure that you do not exceed the maximum current rating of the Arduino pin and the LED.

Q: Is it possible to chain multiple FIT0449 LEDs together? A: Yes, you can chain them, but each LED will need its own set of current-limiting resistors, and you must ensure that the power supply can handle the total current draw.