How to Use RGB Led module: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The KY-016 RGB LED module by AZDelivery is a versatile electronic component capable of emitting light in red, green, and blue. It is a compact module that integrates a 5mm RGB LED and a set of current-limiting resistors, making it suitable for direct use with microcontroller boards such as the Arduino UNO. The module's ability to blend different intensities of each primary color allows it to produce a wide spectrum of colors, making it ideal for a variety of applications including mood lighting, color-based indicators, and interactive projects.

• Decorative lighting
• Color-based status indicators
• Interactive art installations
• Educational projects to demonstrate color mixing
• User interface elements for physical computing

• Operating Voltage: 5V
• Forward Current (per channel): 20mA
• Peak Forward Current (per channel): 50mA
• Luminous Intensity: R: 400-700 mcd, G: 500-1000 mcd, B: 200-400 mcd
• Wavelength: R: 620-625 nm, G: 515-520 nm, B: 465-470 nm

1. Connect the common cathode pin (GND) to the ground of the power supply or microcontroller board.
2. Connect each anode pin (R, G, B) through a current-limiting resistor to a digital output pin on the microcontroller.
3. To create different colors, adjust the PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) signal sent to each anode pin.

• Always use current-limiting resistors to prevent damage to the LED.
• Avoid exceeding the peak forward current to ensure the longevity of the LED.
• Use PWM to control the brightness and color mixing effectively.
• When using with a microcontroller, ensure that the output pins can provide sufficient current.

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

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

void loop() {
  // Set the color to purple (red + blue)
  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 (green + blue)
  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 pins are connected correctly and that the microcontroller is supplying power.
• Incorrect colors: Verify that the PWM values correspond to the desired color and that the pins are not mixed up.
• Dim LED: Check if the current-limiting resistors are of the correct value and that the microcontroller pins are providing enough current.

• Double-check the wiring against the pin configuration table.
• Use a multimeter to verify that the correct voltage is being applied.
• Ensure that the PWM values range from 0 (off) to 255 (full intensity) for accurate color mixing.
• If using an Arduino, make sure the pins used support PWM (usually indicated by a '~' symbol next to the pin number on the board).

Q: Can I connect the RGB LED module directly to an Arduino without resistors?

A: No, you should always use current-limiting resistors to prevent damage to the LED and the Arduino pins.

Q: How do I create white light with the RGB LED module?

A: To create white light, you need to turn on all three colors (red, green, and blue) at full intensity. Adjust the PWM values to fine-tune the shade of white.

Q: Can I use this module with a 3.3V microcontroller?

A: Yes, but the brightness will be lower. You may need to adjust the resistor values accordingly.