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] Semiconductor material Gallium arsenide (GaAs) Infrared λ > 760 Δ V < 1.9 Aluminium gallium arsenide (AlGaAs) Aluminium gallium arsenide (AlGaAs) Gallium arsenide phosphide (GaAsP) Red 610 < λ < 760 1.63 < Δ V < 2.03 Aluminium gallium indium phosphide (AlGaInP) Gallium(III) phosphide (GaP) Gallium arsenide phosphide (GaAsP) Orange 590 < λ < 610 2.03 < Δ V < 2.10 Aluminium gallium indium phosphide (AlGaInP) Gallium(III) phosphide (GaP) Gallium arsenide phosphide (GaAsP) Yellow 570 < λ < 590 2.10 < Δ V < 2.18 Aluminium gallium indium phosphide (AlGaInP) Gallium(III) phosphide (GaP) Indium gallium nitride (InGaN) / Gallium(III) nitride (GaN) Gallium(III) phosphide (GaP) Green 500 < λ < 570 1.9 < Δ V < 4.0 Aluminium gallium indium phosphide (AlGaInP) Aluminium gallium phosphide (AlGaP) Zinc selenide (ZnSe) Indium gallium nitride (InGaN) Blue 450 < λ < 500 2.48 < Δ V < 3.7 Silicon carbide (SiC) as substrate Silicon (Si) as substrate — (under development) Violet 400 < λ < 450 2.76 < Δ V < 4.0 Indium gallium nitride (InGaN) Dual blue/red LEDs, Purple multiple types 2.48 < Δ V < 3.7 blue with red phosphor, or white with purple plastic Diamond (235 nm) Boron nitride (215 nm) Ultraviolet λ < 400 3.1 < Δ V < 4.4 Aluminium nitride (AlN) (210 nm) Aluminium gallium nitride (AlGaN) Aluminium gallium indium nitride (AlGaInN) — (down to 210 nm) White Broad spectrum Δ V = 3.5 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 - $$$$$$$$$
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