How do RGB LED lights work?

Come funzionano le luci LED RGB?

The color perceived by humans is determined by the way the brain combines light from different photoreceptors or cells.

The RGB color scheme combines red, green and blue light to create the colors we see on, for example, TV screens, computer monitors and smartphones.

But what does RGB mean and what implications does it have in lighting engineering and in particular in LED applications?

Now let's talk about it.

What is the RGB color system?

RGB stands for Red, Green and Blue, i.e. red, green and blue. These are the three primary colors that characterize the additive color system.

Photo Credits: SharkD at English Wikipedia via Wikimedia Commons

In lighting we encounter RGB when we are dealing with colored light.

Let's see it in detail.

What is RGB LED Lighting?

An LED is a semiconductor diode that emits light when current passes through it. The RGB LED is a lighting module consisting of three individual diodes.

An RGB LED is therefore a combination of 3 LEDs inserted in a single casing:

  • 1 red LED
  • 1 green LED
  • 1 blue LED

When these three diodes are combined and used together in a single unit (the RGB LED), the resulting system is capable of creating and displaying over 16 million color options.

Why such a large amount?

Red, green and blue have many different shades, 255 to be exact. When we mix and match all those shades, we get more than 16 million colors. Just do the combinatorial math calculation 255x255x255.

How does an RGB LED work?

As we have already mentioned, red, green and blue are the three primary colors of the RGB system. The combination of these colors is based on additive mixing, which is also used in computer monitors and TV displays.

A 100% mixture of each color gives rise to white.

To make a variety of different colors, it is necessary to adjust the intensity of each RGB LED diode.

Technically this can be achieved by pulse width modulation (PWM) and constant current reduction (CCR): two mechanisms used to regulate intensity.

RGB LED controllers change the power on each of the three channels (red, green and blue) to create a specific color mix. For example, to generate a purple color, the red and blue channels would be closed and the green channel completely deactivated. Mixing blue and red light allows you to get the desired purple color.

RGB LED lighting delivers brilliant colors that can be customized for any occasion – from warm orange to cool blue.

To form white light, the three diodes (red, green, blue) are used simultaneously. However, this light is not generally as bright as a white (non-RGB) LED bulb, as it may contain traces of other colors.

RGB LED lights in the rooms

RGB LED light gives you countless creative possibilities with endless color options, including single colors and color changing.

In addition to being lively and colourful, it is also seductive. It allows you to add a fun touch to virtually any space in your home or work environment.

You can place them in the kitchen or laundry room to add some color, or you can use them as an accent. For example around mirrors, gaming stations or bar corners.

They are perfect as a frame for corners dedicated to leisure or pleasant moments.

In particular, RGB LED light strips are very popular with teenagers who use them under cabinets, shelves and behind TV or computer screens.

Working well as mood lighting and particularly for creating relaxation areas, especially in a bedroom. For this same reason, RGB LEDs are also popular for personalizing stages and club counters.

The fascinating and changeable lighting effects make the RGB LED lights suitable for stage performances, decorations and creative productions.

In the FT catalog you will find all the RGB lighting you want, ideal for illuminating your home or workspace with different color intensities.

We are always at your disposal to suggest the perfect RGB solution for you.

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.