How to Use AED6-R503-5V RGB LED DC5V: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The AED6-R503-5V RGB LED, manufactured by GROW, is a versatile multi-color LED designed to operate at a standard 5V DC. This component combines red, green, and blue light-emitting diodes (LEDs) into a single package, allowing it to produce a wide range of colors through additive color mixing. It is ideal for applications requiring dynamic lighting effects, such as decorative lighting, status indicators, and DIY electronics projects.

• Decorative and ambient lighting
• Status indicators for electronic devices
• DIY electronics and Arduino projects
• RGB displays and signage
• Prototyping and educational purposes

Below are the key technical details for the AED6-R503-5V RGB LED:

The AED6-R503-5V RGB LED has four pins: one common cathode (or anode, depending on the variant) and three individual pins for controlling the red, green, and blue LEDs. Below is the pinout description:

Note: Ensure you verify whether your specific variant is common cathode or common anode before wiring.

1. Power Supply: Connect the common cathode pin to the ground (GND) of your power supply. If using a common anode variant, connect it to the positive terminal (5V).
2. Current Limiting Resistors: Use appropriate resistors (typically 220Ω to 330Ω) in series with the red, green, and blue pins to limit the current and prevent damage to the LEDs.
3. Control: Apply a voltage signal to the red, green, and blue pins to control the brightness of each color. By varying the intensity of each color, you can create a wide range of colors.

Below is an example of how to connect and control the AED6-R503-5V RGB LED using an Arduino UNO:

• Connect the common cathode pin to the GND pin of the Arduino.
• Connect the Red (R) pin to Arduino digital pin 9 through a 220Ω resistor.
• Connect the Green (G) pin to Arduino digital pin 10 through a 220Ω resistor.
• Connect the Blue (B) pin to Arduino digital pin 11 through a 220Ω resistor.

// Define the RGB LED pins
const int redPin = 9;   // Red LED connected to pin 9
const int greenPin = 10; // Green LED connected to pin 10
const int bluePin = 11;  // Blue LED connected to pin 11

void setup() {
  // Set the RGB LED pins as outputs
  pinMode(redPin, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(greenPin, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(bluePin, OUTPUT);
}

void loop() {
  // Example: Cycle through red, green, and blue colors
  setColor(255, 0, 0); // Red
  delay(1000);         // Wait 1 second
  setColor(0, 255, 0); // Green
  delay(1000);         // Wait 1 second
  setColor(0, 0, 255); // Blue
  delay(1000);         // Wait 1 second
  setColor(255, 255, 0); // Yellow (Red + Green)
  delay(1000);           // Wait 1 second
}

// Function to set the RGB LED color
void setColor(int redValue, int greenValue, int blueValue) {
  analogWrite(redPin, redValue);   // Set red brightness
  analogWrite(greenPin, greenValue); // Set green brightness
  analogWrite(bluePin, blueValue);  // Set blue brightness
}

• Always use current-limiting resistors to prevent excessive current from damaging the LEDs.
• Verify the common cathode or anode configuration of your LED before wiring.
• Avoid exceeding the maximum forward current (20mA per color) to ensure the longevity of the component.
• Use PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) to control the brightness of each color for smooth color transitions.

1. LED Not Lighting Up

   • Cause: Incorrect wiring or missing current-limiting resistors.
   • Solution: Double-check the wiring and ensure resistors are connected in series with each LED pin.

2. Incorrect Colors Displayed

   • Cause: Miswiring of the red, green, and blue pins.
   • Solution: Verify the pin connections and ensure they match the Arduino code.

3. LED Flickering

   • Cause: Insufficient power supply or unstable PWM signals.
   • Solution: Use a stable 5V power source and ensure proper PWM signal generation.

4. LED Overheating

   • Cause: Excessive current due to missing or low-value resistors.
   • Solution: Use appropriate resistors (220Ω to 330Ω) to limit the current.

Q: Can I use the AED6-R503-5V RGB LED with a 3.3V microcontroller?
A: Yes, but the brightness may be reduced. Ensure the forward voltage of each LED color is met, and adjust resistor values accordingly.

Q: How do I create custom colors?
A: Use PWM to vary the intensity of the red, green, and blue LEDs. By mixing different brightness levels, you can create a wide range of colors.

Q: Is the AED6-R503-5V waterproof?
A: No, this component is not waterproof. For outdoor or wet environments, use a waterproof enclosure.

Q: Can I connect the LED directly to a power source without resistors?
A: No, doing so may damage the LED due to excessive current. Always use current-limiting resistors.

This concludes the documentation for the AED6-R503-5V RGB LED DC5V.