The Wonderful World of RGB
Northwest Mini PLUS 2011
Disclaimer
I am NOT an EXPERT.
The opinions expressed here are those of a
die-hard Do-It-Yourself Christmas Addict.
Do not try this at home, your mileage may
vary, objects in the mirror are closer than they
appear, and no LEDs were harmed during the
making of this presentation.
Now ……… On with the show……..
You, Me, and RGB
• WHAT (is RGB) – Let’s define some things
• WHAT (are RGB LEDs) – Back to Class - LED 101
• WHERE (do I get stuff) – Off The Shelf vs. DIY
• HOW (do you do that) – Make them Blink
• WHEN (can we see some) – DEMO Time
WHAT IS RGB
What is RGB
• RGB is an “additive” color model in which
RED, GREEN, and BLUE
light are added together in various ways to
reproduce a broad array of colors. The name
of the model comes from the initials of the
three additive primary colors, red, green, and
blue.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RGB_color_model
What is RGB
RGB Color Mixing Java Applet
What is RGB
An example of RGB light
projected onto a wall
RGB slider controls in
A graphics program
What is RGB
POP QUIZ TIME
• Q: What do you think might be one of the
earliest (and perhaps most common) uses for
the RGB color model?
What is RGB
A: The RGB color model
is used in Color TVs
LED 101
LED 101
Definitions:
• LED
– Light Emitting Diode
– Semiconductor
When a light-emitting diode is forward
biased (switched on), electrons are able
to recombine with electron holes within
the device, releasing energy in the form
of photons.
This effect is called electroluminescence
and the color of the light (corresponding
to the energy of the photon) is determined
by the energy gap of the semiconductor.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Light-emitting_diode
LED 101
Color
Wavelength [nm]
Voltage [V]
Infrared
λ > 760
ΔV < 1.9
Red
610 < λ < 760
1.63 < ΔV < 2.03
Orange
590 < λ < 610
2.03 < ΔV < 2.10
Yellow
570 < λ < 590
2.10 < ΔV < 2.18
Green
500 < λ < 570
1.9 < ΔV < 4.0
Blue
450 < λ < 500
2.48 < ΔV < 3.7
Violet
400 < λ < 450
2.76 < ΔV < 4.0
Purple
multiple types
2.48 < ΔV < 3.7
Ultraviolet
λ < 400
3.1 < ΔV < 4.4
White
Broad spectrum
ΔV = 3.5
Semiconductor material
Gallium arsenide (GaAs)
Aluminium gallium arsenide (AlGaAs)
Aluminium gallium arsenide (AlGaAs)
Gallium arsenide phosphide (GaAsP)
Aluminium gallium indium phosphide (AlGaInP)
Gallium(III) phosphide (GaP)
Gallium arsenide phosphide (GaAsP)
Aluminium gallium indium phosphide (AlGaInP)
Gallium(III) phosphide (GaP)
Gallium arsenide phosphide (GaAsP)
Aluminium gallium indium phosphide (AlGaInP)
Gallium(III) phosphide (GaP)
Indium gallium nitride (InGaN) / Gallium(III) nitride (GaN)
Gallium(III) phosphide (GaP)
Aluminium gallium indium phosphide (AlGaInP)
Aluminium gallium phosphide (AlGaP)
Zinc selenide (ZnSe)
Indium gallium nitride (InGaN)
Silicon carbide (SiC) as substrate
Silicon (Si) as substrate — (under development)
Indium gallium nitride (InGaN)
Dual blue/red LEDs,
blue with red phosphor,
or white with purple plastic
Diamond (235 nm)
Boron nitride (215 nm)
Aluminium nitride (AlN) (210 nm)
Aluminium gallium nitride (AlGaN)
Aluminium gallium indium nitride (AlGaInN) — (down to 210 nm)
Blue/UV diode with yellow phosphor
LED 101
• RGB LED
– Combines three LEDs (R,G,&B) into one package
– Several form factors or packages available
– Can have clear or diffused lens
– Circuit Configuration can be:
• Common Anode (share +)
• Common Cathode (share -)
• Discrete (separate circuits)
LED 101
• RGB LED Form Factors
– T1 (3mm) and T1 ¾ (5mm)
• Traditional shape LED
• Also in 8mm & 10mm
– Superflux or Piranha
• 4 pin square Through-hole
– SMD/SMT (surface mount)
• 1206 to 0404
• PLCC 4 and PLCC 6 (5050)
• Other Mfg specific pin outs
LED 101
• RGB LED Pin Outs
– T1 (3mm) and T1 ¾ (5mm)
• 4 Leads
• Clear or Diffused Lens
• Common Anode or Common Cathode
LED 101
• RGB LED Pin Outs
– Superflux or Piranha
• 4 Leads
• Clear or Diffused Lens
• Common Anode or Common Cathode
LED 101
• RGB LED Pin Outs
– SMD/SMT (Surface Mount)
• 4 or 6 Leads
• Clear or Diffused Lens
• Common Anode, Common Cathode, or Discrete Circuits
OTHER RGB STUFF
Other RGB Stuff
My definitions: (see earlier disclaimer)
• Pixel
– Any single light source with distinct RGB control
– Can use discrete RGB LEDS
Other RGB Stuff
My definitions: (see earlier disclaimer)
• Module
– A unit with one or more pixels grouped together
Other RGB Stuff
My definitions: (see earlier disclaimer)
• Fixture
– Housing or unit enclosing
RGB light source(s)
Other RGB Stuff
My definitions: (see earlier disclaimer)
• Node (some sources call this a pixel)
– RGB light source with a “brain”
Other RGB Stuff
My definitions: (see earlier disclaimer)
• Matrix
– Grid of RGB Light Sources or Pixels
Other RGB Stuff
Other RGB Stuff
WHERE DO I GET RGB
Where Do I Get RGB
The RGB Supply Chain
• Two Primary Sources
– Off The Shelf (OTS)
• You Buy It
– Do It Yourself (DIY)
• You Build It
Where Do I Get RGB
Off The Shelf (OTS)
• Retail Christmas Items
– GE, Gemmy, Santa’s Best,
Big Box Stores, etc
Where Do I Get RGB
Off The Shelf (OTS)
• Club/DJ/Theater/Venue
Lighting Suppliers
– American DJ
– Chauvet
– Elation Pro
– Others
Where Do I Get RGB
Off The Shelf (OTS)
• Architectural Lighting
Suppliers
– ATG Electronics
– Eco Light
– Elemental LED
– Lite-Puter
– Others
Where Do I Get RGB
Off The Shelf (OTS)
• Specialty Suppliers
– Light-O-Rama (LOR)
– D-Light
– Animated Lighting
– Others
Where Do I Get RGB
Do It Yourself (DIY)
• Specialty & Kit
Suppliers
– Big Clive
– PCBoard.CA
– Spark Fun
– Evil Mad Scientist
– Lights Alive
– Others
Where Do I Get RGB
Do It Yourself (DIY)
• Enthusiast Forums
– Aus Christmas Lighting (ACL)
– DIY Light Animation (DLA)
– Do It Yourself Christmas (DIYC)
– Planet Christmas (PC)
– Others
• Co-Op or Group Buys
– Check back often
Where Do I Get RGB
Do It Yourself (DIY)
• Forum Members with Online
Stores
– Kostyun Christmas Store
• Frank Kostyun (fkostyun)
– Martin DIY Christmas
• Robert Martin (RPM)
– Seasonal Entertainment
• Greg Renna (ponddude)
– Others
Where Do I Get RGB
Do It Yourself (DIY)
• Make Your Own
– Google is your friend
• Several circuit design
websites and forums
online
– Prototyping Supplies
• Breadboards
• Perf Board
• Proto Boards
Where Do I Get RGB
Do It Yourself (DIY)
• Make Your Own
– Schematic and PCB
Design Software
•
•
•
•
•
•
DIP Trace
Eagle
Express PCB
KiCAD
PCB123
Others
CONTROL YOUR RGB
Control Your RGB
Finally … we get to the point!
Control Your RGB
Control Methodologies for RGB LEDs
• Analog
– Varies the current through the LED
– Light/Color intensity not linear
– Not common
• Pulse Width Modulation (PWM)
– Varies the “on time” or “duty cycle” of the LED
– Rapid cycle so eye doesn’t detect any flicker
– Very popular in many control systems
Control Your RGB
Control Systems for RGB LEDs
• Manual
• Pre-programmed
• Programmable
• Computerized
• Synchronized (to music that is)
Control Your RGB
Control Systems for RGB LEDs
• Manual
– Single or Multiple Fixture Control
• Rotary Dimmers
• Slide Control Dimmers
• Simple Remotes
– Common Uses
• Atmosphere or Mood Lighting
• Accent Lighting
– Most use PWM circuitry
Control Your RGB
Control Systems for RGB LEDs
• Pre-programmed
– Single or Multiple Fixture Control
• Control Modes
– Fades
– Chases
– Other OEM effects
• User Controls
– Speed, Colors, Mode
» Switches
» Sliders
» Remotes
Control Your RGB
Control Systems for RGB LEDs
• Pre-programmed
– Most use PWM circuitry
• May have limited steps which
may not cycle or dim smoothly
– Limited to Effects from Mfg
• Some allow user customization
• Effects available vary by Mfg
– Wide Variety of Choices
• Basic to Deluxe
Control Your RGB
Control Systems for RGB LEDs
• Programmable
– Single or Multiple Fixture Control
• Control Modes
– Fades
– Chases
– Other OEM effects
• User Controls
– Speed, Color, Mode, Scene, Zone
» Switches & Sliders
» Multi-function Remotes
» Touch Screens
Control Your RGB
Control Systems for RGB LEDs
• Programmable
– Most use PWM circuitry
• May have more steps to cycle
or dim smoothly
• Some require proprietary
programmer or software
– Effects Set by User
• Number varies with Mfg
– Wide Variety of Choices
• Basic to Deluxe to Ultimate
Control Your RGB
Control Systems for RGB LEDs
• Computerized
– Primarily High End Systems
• Integrate lighting, audio,
video, and other systems
• Found in luxury hotels and
high end homes
• May not be DIY friendly
• In a word - $$$$$$$$$
Control Your RGB
Control Systems for RGB LEDs
• Computerized
– Networked
• Power & data feeds
• Low voltage cabling
• Custom installation
– Scalable
• Modular system permits
expansion or changes
• Uses programming &/or
configuration software
Control Your RGB
Control Systems for RGB LEDs
• Synchronized
FOR MORE
INFORMATION
For More Information
Some links for additional information on RGB
LEDs and their use in Holiday Lighting.
DIY RGB INFORMATION
•
HOLIDAY CORO – David Moore - http://www.holidaycoro.com/
–
–
•
RGB Basics - http://www.holidaycoro.com/rgb/default.html
Specs – Pixel, Modules, etc. - http://www.holidaycoro.com/rgb/rgb.html
SAN DEVICES – Jim St. John - http://www.sandevices.com/
–
Pixels 101 http://www.sandevices.com/documents/An%20Introduction%20to%20RGB%20Pixels.pdf
The opinions and recommendations on the above sites are not mine. The above
links are offered only as a starting point for DIY Christmas Enthusiasts.
EDITORIAL SECTION
• The following section is simply to illustrate a
couple of things
– The variety of product from a particular supplier
&
– A vendor with an RGB system approach that I
found appealing
• Remember original disclaimer!
CHAUVET
http://www.chauvetlighting.com/
ECO LIGHT
http://www.ecolightled.com/
Eco Light
Eco Light
Eco Light
The END
THAT’S ALL FOR NOW