RGB LED SMD Surface Mount 5050 - High Brightness Tri-Color PLCC-6 Emitter

Specifications:

• Package Type: SMD 5050 (5.0mm x 5.0mm x 1.6mm)
• LED Type: Tri-color (Red, Green, Blue)
• Configuration: 6-Pin (Independent Anode/Cathode for each color)
  
  Luminous Intensity:
• Red: 400-600 mcd
• Green: 1200-1500 mcd
• Blue: 300-500 mcd
  
  Forward Voltage (Vf):
• Red: 1.8V - 2.2V
• Green/Blue: 3.0V - 3.4V
• Forward Current (If): 20mA per channel
• Viewing Angle: 120 Degrees

Key Applications & Projects

• Custom Status Indicators: Use different colors to signal system health, WiFi connectivity, or sensor thresholds on your custom carrier boards.
  
• Architectural Accents: Create ultra-slim light strips or edge-lit acrylic displays.
  
• Automotive Interior Lighting: Upgrade dashboard or footwell lighting with vibrant, heat-resistant SMD emitters.
  
• Wearable Tech: The low profile is ideal for sewing into fabric or mounting on flexible PCBs.

Project Evolution 

• Past Projects (Prerequisites): If you have already worked with basic 5mm through-hole LEDs or pre-built 12V LED strips, you are ready to move to discrete SMD components.
  
• Feature Upgrade: This component unlocks the ability to design your own lighting arrays. Instead of being limited by the fixed spacing of a strip, you can place these exactly where your design requires—even in tight corners or circular patterns.
  
• Effort/Requirements: Intermediate. Requires surface mount soldering skills (hand soldering is possible with a fine tip) and calculated current-limiting resistors for each channel.

Virtual Technician & Wiring

 ⚠️ Warning: Always use current-limiting resistors. Connecting directly to 5V or 12V will result in immediate failure.

• Pin 1, 2, 3: Cathodes (Negative) for Blue, Green, Red
• Pin 4, 5, 6: Anodes (Positive) for Red, Green, Blue
• Note: Check the notch on the corner of the LED to identify Pin 1.

​Packages include:

1 X RGB LED SMD Surface Mount 5050 - High Brightness Tri-Color PLCC-6 Emitter 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is this LED addressable like the WS2812B?
   No, this is a discrete analog LED.
2. What resistor should I use for 5V?
   Typically, 150Ω for Red and 100Ω for Green/Blue.
3. Can I use this with an Arduino?
   Yes, connect to PWM-capable outputs for color mixing.
4. Is it common anode or common cathode?
   It features 6 pins for independent control.
5. Can I hand solder these?
   Yes, the 5050 package is manageable with tweezers and a fine tip.
6. What is the peak wavelength for Red?
   620nm to 630nm.
7. What is the peak wavelength for Green?
   520nm to 530nm.
8. What is the peak wavelength for Blue?
   460nm to 470nm.
9. Can I run this at 12V?
   Yes, with higher-value resistors (approx. 470Ω-560Ω).
10. What happens if I reverse polarity?
    Exceeding a 5V reverse voltage may damage it.
11. Do I need a heatsink?
    Not at the standard 20mA per channel.
12. Are these waterproof?
    No, the component requires an external enclosure for moisture protection.
13. What is the max current?
    30mA absolute maximum; 20mA is recommended.
14. How do I find Pin 1?
    Look for the notch on the corner of the LED package.
15. Can I use these for an LED matrix?
    Yes, they are the standard for custom-spaced matrices.
16. What is the viewing angle?
    120 degrees for wide light dispersion.
17. Is the package ROHS compliant?
    Yes, these are lead-free components.
18. Can I use a 3.3V supply?
    Yes, though G/B channels may be slightly dimmer.
19. What is the storage temperature?
    -40°C to +100°C.
20. Can I use these with a transistor?
    Yes, NPN transistors are ideal for high-current switching.