5mm RGB LED (Light-Emitting Diode)

A 5mm RGB LED is a through-hole light-emitting diode that combines three individual semiconductor chips—Red, Green, and Blue—into a single 5mm epoxy package. By adjusting the intensity of each internal color channel (typically using Pulse Width Modulation, or PWM), you can mix them to produce almost any color in the visible spectrum.

Here are the standard technical specifications and operating characteristics for a typical 5mm RGB LED:

Pin Configuration

A 5mm RGB LED has 4 pins. The longest pin is always the common connection, while the other three correspond to the individual colors. They come in two distinct internal wiring configurations:

• Common Cathode (CC): The longest pin is connected to Ground (Negative). The other three pins are connected to positive voltage sources via current-limiting resistors.

• Common Anode (CA): The longest pin is connected to a positive voltage source (e.g., 3.3V or 5V). The other three pins are pulled to Ground (Negative) via resistors to complete the circuit.

Forward Voltage

Different semiconductor materials are used for different colors, meaning each internal LED has a unique forward voltage drop:

• Red: 1.8V to 2.2V (Typical: ~2.0V)

• Green: 3.0V to 3.4V (Typical: ~3.2V)

• Blue: 3.0V to 3.4V (Typical: ~3.2V)

Forward Current

• Typical Operating Current: 20mA per color channel.

• Maximum Peak Current: 30mA per channel (exceeding this continuously will damage the LED).

• Note: Because the voltages differ, you must calculate and use different resistor values for the Red pin versus the Green and Blue pins to maintain an even 20mA current across all three.

Wavelength

• Red: ~620nm – 630nm

• Green: ~520nm – 530nm

• Blue: ~460nm – 470nm

Luminous Intensity

Brightness varies significantly depending on the manufacturer and whether the lens is clear or diffused. Typical values at 20mA:

• Red: 1,000 – 3,000 mcd

• Green: 3,000 – 8,000 mcd (Green usually appears brightest to the human eye)

• Blue: 1,000 – 2,000 mcd

Lens Types & Viewing Angle

• Water Clear Lens: Produces a sharp, bright, and focused beam. The viewing angle is typically narrow, around 25° to 30°.

• Diffused Lens (Milky/Frosted): Scatters the light, making color mixing much smoother and easier to look at directly. The viewing angle is much wider, typically 60° to 120°.

Operating Limits

• Power Dissipation: ~100mW to 140mW max total.

• Operating Temperature: -30°C to +85°C.

• Reverse Voltage: 5V max (applying a reverse voltage higher than this can destroy the diode).