Connecting an RGB LED strip with your own hands. LED RGB backlight - features, types and characteristics of Led controller rgb power pinout

In this article we will talk about color LEDs, the difference between a simple RGB LED and an addressable one, and add information about the areas of application, how they work, how control is carried out with schematic pictures of connecting LEDs.

1. Introduction to LEDs

LEDs – electronic component, capable of emitting light. Today they are widely used in various electronic equipment: flashlights, computers, household appliances, cars, phones, etc. Many microcontroller projects use LEDs in one way or another.

They have two main purposes:

Demonstration of equipment operation or notification of any event;
use for decorative purposes (lighting and visualization).

Inside, the LED consists of red (red), green (green) and blue (blue) crystals assembled in one housing. Hence the name – RGB (Fig. 1).

2. Using microcontrollers

With it you can get many different shades of light. The RGB LED is controlled using a microcontroller (MK), for example, Arduino (Fig. 2).

Of course you can get by a simple block 5 volt power supply, 100-200 ohm resistors to limit the current and three switches, but then you will have to control the glow and color manually. In this case, it will not be possible to achieve the desired shade of light (Fig. 3-4).

The problem arises when you need to connect hundreds of colored LEDs to the microcontroller. The number of pins on the controller is limited, and each LED needs power from four pins, three of which are responsible for color, and the fourth pin is common: depending on the type of LED, it can be an anode or cathode.

3. Controller for RGB control

To unload the MK terminals, special controllers WS2801 (5 volts) or WS2812B (12 volts) are used (Fig. 5).

With the use of a separate controller, there is no need to occupy several MK outputs; you can limit yourself to only one signal output. The MK sends a signal to the “Data” input of the WS2801 LED control controller.

This signal contains 24-bit information about color brightness (3 channels of 8 bits for each color), as well as information for the internal shift register. It is the shift register that allows you to determine which LED the information is addressed to. In this way, you can connect several LEDs in series, while still using one pin of the microcontroller (Fig. 6).

4. Addressable LED

This is an RGB LED, only with an integrated WS2801 controller directly on the chip. The LED housing is made in the form of an SMD component for surface mounting. This approach allows you to place the LEDs as close to each other as possible, making the glow more detailed (Fig. 7).

In online stores you can find addressable LED strips, where up to 144 pieces fit in one meter (Fig. 8).

It is worth considering that one LED consumes only 60-70 mA at full brightness; when connecting a strip, for example, with 90 LEDs, you will need a powerful power supply with a current of at least 5 amperes. Under no circumstances power the LED strip through the controller, otherwise it will overheat and burn out from the load. Use external sources nutrition (Fig. 9).

5. Lack of addressable LEDs

The addressable LED strip cannot operate at too low temperatures: at -15 the controller begins to malfunction; in severe frosts there is a high risk of its failure.

The second drawback is that if one LED fails, all the others along the chain will also refuse to work: the internal shift register will not be able to transmit information further.

6. Application of addressable LED strips

Addressable LED strips can be used for decorative lighting of cars, aquariums, photo frames and paintings, in room design, as New Year's decorations, etc.

An interesting solution is obtained if an LED strip is used as an Ambilight backlight for a computer monitor (Fig. 10-11).

If you will be using Arduino based microcontrollers, you will need the FastLed library to make it easier to work with. LED strip ().

Today, diode lighting is very popular. It allows you to create various decorative effects indoors and outdoors. Using such devices, you can create contour, decorative lighting for a specific area or inside the entire room. A variety of colors and glow power will allow each buyer to purchase a suitable option.

Today, RGB type tapes are very popular. They have a number of characteristic features. What RGB backlighting is, its types and properties will be discussed in the article.

General information

Today it is used for various purposes. It can highlight both interior objects and create complete lighting in a room or outdoors. For example, a gaming keyboard with RGB backlighting, furniture or a ceiling decorated in a similar way looks very impressive.

The presented lighting device is a flexible board on which diodes are applied by soldering. They are spaced the same distance from each other. In this case, the width of the board-tape can be from 8 to 20 mm. When it has LEDs, the thickness of the presented product can be 2-3 mm. Some designs provide special protection for diodes. In this case, the tape can be quite thick.

The tape contains special components to limit resistance. These are resistors, which are a mandatory element of any such product. Tapes with a length of up to 5 m are available for sale. You can purchase sections of lengths starting from 1 m. In this case, the structure can be cut according to the technology specified by the manufacturer.

Features of RGB type products

LED RGB lighting has a number of characteristic features. It can emit a glow of any shade. Control occurs using a special remote control. The diode of the presented type includes 3 crystals at once. They emit red, green and blue colors. Combining in a certain proportion, the rays produce the required shade. Therefore, the name of such a diode stands for R - red (red), G - green (green), B - blue (blue).

Using such a tape, you can create both full-fledged lighting and simply contour decorative lighting. Most often, diodes of the SMD 5050 type are installed on tapes of the presented type. The numbers in the marking indicate the size of the phosphor.

The presented design necessarily includes a heat removal system. This is extremely necessary to ensure long-term operation of the electrical device. Such a tape is connected to the network using a special power supply. It transforms the incoming alternating current household network, ensuring normal conditions for the functioning of the system. The circuit also includes a special controller that controls the lighting modes.

Design Features

Many buyers have already appreciated how impressive it looks mechanical keyboard with RGB backlighting, advertising or interior objects. Lighting with different characteristics can be created using different types of systems.

The tape for creating a glow of different colors can contain from 30 to 240 diodes on 1 linear meter of the board. This provides the required glow intensity. The tape is divided into sections. Most often they are 10 cm long. Each of them contains 3 diodes. Such elements include 3 crystals in their design. Each of them is located in a specific sector. If necessary, the desired area glows stronger or weaker, creating a different shade.

The section boundaries are marked on the tape. This allows you to determine where the tape can be cut to suit different purposes. True, to connect such a product you will need to master the soldering technique. Connectors are available for connecting the presented products. They facilitate the installation procedure and improve its quality.

Advantages

RGB lighting has many advantages. Today there are many systems that apply the presented principle to create different lighting effects. These are economical, strong and durable products. They are distinguished by high efficiency rates. It should also be noted that the presented type of lighting is safe and environmentally friendly. It does not create ultraviolet rays.

The beam scattering angle of the presented products is quite large. It reaches 120º. In this case, you can adjust the intensity and shade of lighting. Different remote controls are used for this. Exist special programs, which allow you to control the system using a smartphone.

With proper operation, the presented devices can operate up to 50 thousand hours. At the same time, breakdowns of RGB lighting devices occur extremely rarely. If you purchase products from trusted brands, you can rest assured of the quality and durability of the system. It is able to function normally at ambient temperatures from +60 to -40ºС.

Varieties

Exist different types backlight. This can be an analogue, digital or laser system. They differ in their operating principle. The most simple systems can be purchased at a price of 90 rubles. for 1 linear meter. On such a strip, all LEDs are connected in one parallel. The shade of the glow will be the same along the entire length of the ribbon.

Digital products cost from 300 rubles. for 1 linear meter. Such designs allow you to control the glow of each diode separately. This will allow you to create a different shade of glow on each section of the tape. Also, the presented products can create a “running wave” effect.

The most expensive system is RGB outdoor laser lighting (Garden). It allows you to create different images, images on surfaces at night. At the same time, their color will also change. You can purchase a similar system at a price of 11 thousand rubles.

Application area

There are many applications for the presented devices. They allow you to design different items and objects. Most often, such products are used to create decorative lighting for suspended ceilings. They can decorate arches, niches, furniture, cornices.

A keyboard with RGB backlighting and a kitchen countertop made of glass with this type of decoration look interesting. The presented products are also used to decorate a bar counter, steps, and transparent interior parts.

RGB type devices are also in high demand. It is used both for decorating facades, benches, gazebos, and for advertising. Shopping centers, bars, restaurants and other commercial establishments actively use the presented tapes for similar purposes.

You can also use these strips for lighting in bathhouses, swimming pools and other wet areas. For this purpose, products must be characterized by a special protection class.

Protection class

Each tape is marked with information about its protection class. In accordance with this indicator, you need to make a choice of one or another device for certain operating conditions. In the marking, the protection class is indicated by the letters IP. Next come the numbers. They are the ones who talk about the degree of protection of diodes.

For RGB ceiling lighting in a clean, dry room, you can use products with class IP20. If the room is not heated, it is better to give preference to IP22 type diodes.

For external lighting, you can use strips with However, such structures must be located under the roof. They can withstand splashes of water and temperature changes. However, such tapes cannot withstand prolonged exposure to water. They can also be used to create lighting in the kitchen or bathroom.

In dusty environments, IP65 type devices can be used. They are also not afraid of cleaning with a jet of water under pressure. This class of luminaires is also shock resistant. Therefore, the presented tape can be used for tuning cars.

The tapes are IP67 waterproof. They can be used for lighting inside swimming pools. The presented products are not afraid of prolonged exposure to water. This tape can also be used to illuminate fountains.

Dimmer

To connect the tape to the network, you must use a special dimmer and controller for RGB lighting. These are integral attributes of the presented electrical products.

The dimmer allows you to control the light intensity. If necessary, it can make the stream of rays bright, allowing you to fully illuminate the space. In some cases, the flow rate can be reduced.

Controller

The controller allows you to create lighting effects and control the shade of the glow. The presented device also sets the lighting program. The controller also controls the speed of color changing.

Today, many models of dimmers and controllers have built-in systems for remote control luminous flux. This allows you to set the glow parameters using special controls.

Control unit selection

RGB lighting with or without a remote control is a must-have component. This is a power supply that is responsible for supplying the necessary voltage to an electrical device. It needs to be chosen correctly. In this case, the power of the tape is taken into account. It can be 12 or 24 V.

First you need to calculate how much electricity 1 m of tape consumes. To do this, you need to refer to the documentation that comes complete with the diode device. Next, you should multiply this figure by the length of the tape. For example, in the course of simple calculations it was found that the total power of the system is 48 W.

The power supply must withstand a slightly higher rated load. Moreover, the reserve should be about 25%. For a tape with a rated power of 48 W, a 60 W power supply is suitable. This will ensure normal conditions for the functioning of the system.

Now let's look at the multicolor LED, which is often called in abbreviation: RGB LED. RGB is an abbreviation that stands for: Red - red, Green - green, Blue - blue. That is, three separate LEDs are placed inside this device. Depending on the type, an RGB LED may have a common cathode or a common anode.

1. Mixing colors

2. Connecting an RGB LED to Arduino

3. Program for controlling an RGB LED

const byte rPin = 3; const byte gPin = 5; const byte bPin = 6; void setup() ( pinMode(rPin, OUTPUT); pinMode(gPin, OUTPUT); pinMode(bPin, OUTPUT); ) void loop() ( // turn off blue, turn on red digitalWrite(bPin, LOW); digitalWrite(rPin, HIGH); delay(500); // turn off red, turn on green digitalWrite(rPin, LOW); digitalWrite(gPin, HIGH); // turn off green, turn on blue digitalWrite(gPin, LOW); bPin, HIGH); delay(500); ) Load the program onto Arduino and observe the result. Your browser does not support the video tag. Let's optimize the program a little: instead of the variables rPin, gPin and bPin, we will use an array. This will help us in the next tasks.

• 4. Seven colors of the rainbow
• Now let's try to light two colors at the same time. Let's program the following sequence of colors:
• red
• green + blue = light blue
• blue
• blue + red = purple

5. Smooth color change

=0; i--)( analogWrite(rgbPins, i/dim); analogWrite(rgbPins, (255-i)/dim); delay(10); ) // turn off green, turn on blue in parallel for(int i=255; i> =0; i--)( analogWrite(rgbPins, i/dim); analogWrite(rgbPins, (255-i)/dim); delay(10); ) // turn off blue, turn on red in parallel for(int i=255 ; i>=0; i--)( analogWrite(rgbPins, i/dim); analogWrite(rgbPins, (255-i)/dim); delay(10); ) ) The dim variable determines the brightness of the glow. At dim = 1 we have maximum brightness. Load the program onto Arduino. Your browser does not support the video tag.

1. Tasks
2. Temperature indicator. Let's add a thermistor to the circuit and connect it to the analog input. The LED should change color depending on the temperature of the thermistor. The lower the temperature, the bluer the color, and the higher the temperature, the more red.

RGB lamp with regulator. Let's add three variable resistors to the circuit and connect them to the analog inputs. The program should continuously read the resistor values ​​and change the color of the corresponding RGB LED component.

But in this case, the opportunity to implement the color lighting effects for which the tape was created will be missed. Therefore, when installing colored LED strips, an electronic controller is usually installed in the open circuit between the power supply and the strip. It allows you to automatically change the color and brightness of the tape in a dynamic mode according to a program specified from the remote control.

The photo shows an electrical diagram for connecting an R G B LED strip to a 220 V network. The power supply (adapter) converts an alternating voltage of 220 V into a direct current voltage of 12 V, which is supplied to the R G B controller through two wires, maintaining polarity. An LED strip is connected to the controller via four wires in accordance with the markings. For ease of installation and repair of LED lighting, the units are connected to each other using connectors.

Electrical circuit of LED R G B LED SMD-5050

To connect, and even more so repair, an R G B LED strip at a professional level, you need to understand how it works and know the electrical circuit and pinout of the LEDs used in the strips. The photo below shows a fragment of an R G B LED strip with a printed wiring diagram for LED crystals.

As can be seen in the diagram, the crystals in the LED are not electrically connected to each other. Three multi-colored crystals in one LED housing form a triad. Thanks to this design, by controlling the brightness of each crystal individually, you can obtain an infinite number of LED glow colors. The displays of cell phones, navigators, cameras, computer monitors, televisions and many other products are built on this principle of color management.

Technical characteristics of the SMD-5050 LED are given on the website page “Handbook of SMD LEDs”.

Electrical circuit of LED R G B strip on SMD-5050 LEDs

Having understood the design of the LED, it is easy to understand the design of the LED strip. At the top of the picture is a photograph of a working section of LED R G B strip, and at the bottom is its electrical circuit.

As can be seen from the diagram, the contact pads of the same name on the LED strip, located on its right and left sides, are electrically connected directly to each other. Thus, it is possible to supply supply voltage to the tape from either end and to the next section of the tape when it is extended.

LED crystals VD1, VD2 and VD3 of the same glow color are connected in series. To limit the current, current-limiting resistors are installed in each of the color circuits. Two of them are rated 150 ohms, and one is 300 ohms, in a red crystal chain. A resistor of a larger value is installed to equalize the brightness of all colors, taking into account the intensity of radiation from the LED crystal and the different color sensitivity of the human eye to different colors.

How to cut LED strip into pieces

As you probably already understood, R G B LED strip of any length (this also applies to monochrome strips) consists of short independent segments that represent a finished product. It is enough to apply supply voltage to the contact pads and the tape will emit light. To obtain a piece of tape of the required length, elementary sections are connected to each other in accordance with the letter marking.

Typically the tape is produced in a length of five meters. If necessary, it can be shortened by cutting crosswise along a line drawn in the center of the contact pads between the markings; sometimes, in this place, a symbolic image of scissors is additionally applied. Sometimes the tape has to be cut to install at an angle. In this case, the cut contact pads of the same name are connected to each other by soldering with pieces of wire.

Ways to control glow color
R G B LED strips

There are two ways to control the color mode of an R G B LED strip, using three switches or an electronic device.

The principle of operation of the simplest controller on switches

Let's look at the operating principle of the simplest controller, based on mechanical switches. As a switch for manually controlling the glow of the R G B tape, you can use a three-key wall switch, designed to turn on chandeliers and lamps in a 220 V household network. The electrical connection diagram will then look like this.

Resistors R1-R3 serve to limit the current and can be installed anywhere in the power supply circuit for crystals of the same color. Using this scheme, you can connect R G B tapes designed for a supply voltage of both 12 V and 24 V.

As can be seen from the diagram, the positive terminal of the power supply is connected directly to the positive terminal of the LED strip, which is common to LEDs of all colors, and the negative terminal is connected to the R, G and B contacts of the strip through a switch. Using a switch of three switches, you can get seven colors of tape glow. This is the simplest, most reliable and cheapest way to control the glow colors of an R G B tape.

Operating principle of the electronic controller

To obtain an infinite number of glow colors of the R G B tape and in automatic mode dynamically change the value of the luminous flux, instead of switches, an electrical unit is used, which is called an R G B controller. It is included in the open circuit between the power supply and the R G B tape. Typically, the controller kit includes a remote control that allows you to remotely control its operating mode, and as a result, the lighting mode of the LED strip.

Since the operation of an LED strip usually requires a DC voltage of 12 V (less often 24 V), to connect it to a 220 V AC power supply, a power supply or adapter is used that converts AC voltage into DC voltage, which is connected through a detachable connection supplied to the controller unit.

Let's look at the operating principle of an RGB controller using the example of the simplest and most widely used controller, model LN-IR24. It consists of three functional units - an RGB control controller, power switches and an infrared sensor chip (IR). The controller chip is programmed with the required operating algorithm for the LED strip. The controller chip is controlled by a signal coming from the IR sensor chip. The IR sensor receives a control signal when you press buttons on the remote control.

The supply voltage to the LED strip is controlled using three field-effect transistors operating in switching mode. When a signal from the RGB control controller IC reaches the gate of the transistor, its drain-source junction opens and current begins to flow through the LEDs, causing them to emit light. The brightness of the LEDs is controlled by high-frequency changes in the pulse width of the supplied supply voltage (pulse width modulation).

Selecting a power supply and controller for R G B tape

The power supply for the RGB LED strip must be selected based on its supply voltage and current consumption. The most popular are LED strips for a DC voltage of 12 V. Current consumption in circuits R, G and B can be found from the label or determined independently using the reference data for LEDs presented in the table on the site page Reference table of parameters of popular SMD LEDs. It is customary to indicate the power consumption of a tape per meter of its length.

Let's look at an example of how to determine the power consumption of an RGB strip of an unknown type for a supply voltage of 12 V. For example, you need to select a power supply and controller for an RGB strip 5 m long. The first thing you need to do is determine the type of RGB LEDs installed on the strip. To do this, just measure the size of the sides of the LED. Let's say it turns out to be 5 mm × 5 mm. From the table we determine that this size is for an LED of the LED-RGB-SMD5050 type. Next you need to count the number of LED housings per meter of length. Let's say there are 30 pieces.

One LED crystal consumes a current of 0.02 A, three crystals are placed in one case, therefore the total current consumption of one LED will be 0.06 A. There are 30 LEDs per meter of length, multiply the current by the amount 0.06 A × 30 = 1.8 A. But the diodes are connected three in series, which means that the real current consumption of a meter of tape will be three times less, that is, 0.6 A. The length of our tape is five meters, therefore, the total current consumption will be 0.6 A × 5 m = 3 A.

Calculations have shown that to power an R G B tape five meters long, you need a power supply or network adapter with a DC output voltage of 12 V and a load current of at least 3 A. The power supply must have a current reserve, so an adapter model APO12-5075UV was selected, designed for a load current of up to 5 A. When choosing a power supply, you need to take into account that its output connector must match the R G B connector of the controller.

When choosing a controller, it is necessary to take into account that the current consumption in a single channel R, G or B will be three times less. Therefore, for our case, we need to take a controller designed for a voltage of 12 V and a maximum permissible load current per channel of at least 3 A/3=1 A.

For example, the LN-IR24B R G B controller meets these requirements. It is designed for a load current of up to 2 A (you can connect up to 10 meters of RGB tape). Allows you to turn the tape on and off, select 16 static colors and 6 dynamic modes remotely, from a distance of up to eight meters, using an elegant remote control. The supply voltage to the controller is supplied from the power supply or network adapter using a coaxial DC Jack. R G B controller LN-IR24B is lightweight and has small overall dimensions.

The appearance of the LED strip lighting kit prepared based on the calculation results is shown in the photograph. The kit includes a power supply model APO12-5075UV, R G B controller LN-IR24B with remote control and R G B LED strip.

If you need to connect several five-meter R G B strips, you will need a more powerful controller, for example, CT305R, which allows you to supply current up to 5 A to LEDs of the same color. This controller can be controlled not only using a remote control, but also via a network from a computer, thereby turning R G B lighting into color and musical accompaniment when listening to music.

It is unacceptable to connect LED strips longer than five meters in series, since the current-carrying paths of the strip itself have a small cross-section. Such a connection will lead to a decrease in the luminous flux on a section of tape exceeding a length of five meters. If you need to connect several five-meter LED strips, then the conductors of each of them are connected directly to the controller.

In powerful models of controllers, terminal blocks are used to connect external devices, in which the wires are clamped with a screw. There must be markings next to the terminals. INPUT (IN) means input; an external power supply is connected to these terminals, from which the supply voltage is supplied for the controller itself and the LED strips. Polarity is indicated by additional signs “+” and “-”. Failure to observe the correct polarity when connecting the power supply may damage the controller.

The group of terminals for connecting R G B tape is marked OUTPUT (OUT) and means output. The colors are designated by the letters R (red), G (green), B (blue) and V+ (this is the common wire of any other color). Colored wires usually come from the tape too, and it’s enough to just connect them color to color.

I note that you can successfully connect a monochrome LED strip to any RGB controller that matches the current. Then it will be possible to use the remote control to change the mode of its glow - turn it on, off, change the brightness, set a dynamic mode for changing the brightness.

An RGB or RGBW LED strip is a lighting device consisting of several monochrome LEDs glowing in white, red, green or blue. It got its name thanks to the last three colors - the first letters of their English translation were taken (Red, Green, Blue - red, green and blue, respectively).

When it is directly connected to a DC source with a voltage of 12/24 V, it is impossible to realize the color effects for which such a tape was created. To provide a variety of colors and brightness, a special controller with a receiver for controlling the remote control (RC) is installed between the power source and the board. This receiver sets various programs according to which the RGB LED strip operates.

RGB technology

Multicolor tape was invented in the course of numerous scientific studies in which scientists tried to create a white glow from LEDs. Initially, blue phosphor diodes with a special white coating were used to produce it. Later, for these purposes, they began to use a strip with three LEDs - red, green and blue. All three are installed in one cell, and the emitted light is perceived by humans as white - this is RGBW technology.

By changing the brightness of a particular LED, you can get other colors and their shades. The number of the latter exceeds several hundred thousand. This is the main advantage of RGB technology over phosphor LED strips.

Device

Structurally, this is a flexible printed circuit board to which LEDs and resistors are attached, designed to reduce the current. Available in different widths - from 5 to 30 mm. The most popular LED strips are those with a set of six terminals, in which the LEDs are assembled inside a single housing.

LEDs are classified by size. The most common are SMD 5050 with dimensions of 5x5 mm. One linear meter of RGB strip can contain about 30 LEDs (a product with double density - 60). Power and luminous flux depend on the number of diodes and their size.

Tapes vary in degree of protection (IP00, etc.). The lower this parameter, the fewer options for using the lighting device. For example, poorly protected devices are used exclusively in dry rooms, and products in a silicone shell are not afraid of even complete immersion under water (IP68).

To place the tape on surfaces, double-sided tape is attached to its back side. You can always cut it into pieces, choosing the required length. Manufacturers of devices independently mark the places of cuts with dotted lines, and the “scissors” symbol is also depicted there. Cut the flex board in these areas, since this is the only area where the pads are installed for connecting to the power supply, followed by soldering or using connectors.

Controller for RGB strip

To take advantage of all the capabilities of the RGB strip, connect controllers to the circuit that perform a number of functions:

• remote control control;
• changing the brightness of LED diodes;
• change in glow color;
• mode selection - switching the frequency of color changes and their iridescence;
• combination of primary colors to obtain new shades.

When choosing an RGB controller, consider two main criteria - compatibility with the connected strip and control method.

Such a controller can be controlled by:

• via a Wi-Fi network using a tablet or smartphone;
• remote control with infrared diodes;
• without remote control (switch on the wall).

The last option is relevant if there is no need to frequently switch tape modes.

The main physical parameter characterizing an RGB controller is its rated power. To calculate it, take the formula Mk = Ml*L*Km, where:

• Mk - rated power of the controller;
• L - length of the segment in meters;
• Ml - tape power in W/m;
• Km is the power factor of the product.

The voltage required to power the controller must be the same as that of the RGB strip.

Amplifier for RGB strip

Another element used when connecting RGB boards is an amplifier. If the length of the tape exceeds five meters, you cannot do without it.

The product is equipped with two terminals - Input (input) and Output (output), and each of them has the same contact pads as the tape itself - R, G, B and “+”. There are terminals for connecting power - “plus” and “minus” (VDD and GND, respectively).

If there is sufficient power, 12 or 24 V is supplied from the additional unit. Connect the common ends of the tape to the Input terminals on the amplifier, then connect the Output terminal. At the end, the control unit is connected through the positive and negative terminals VDD and GND. It is very important to maintain polarity, otherwise the diodes will not light.

As a result, the connection algorithm is as follows: power supply, controller, first piece of tape, amplifier, second piece.

Such an electrical circuit is controlled using one remote control.

If it is necessary to use several tapes of five meters or more in length, a second amplifier and control unit are connected to the circuit. The presence or absence of the latter is determined by the power of the glow. Parallel connection of power supplies is strictly prohibited - only using a diode bridge.

An amplifier is a bulky electrical element, so there is not always enough space for its convenient placement. If necessary, it can be replaced with a micromodel of reduced power (make sure that it is sufficient for the operation of the tape).

Important! If the power of the main amplifier is slightly lower than that required for the LED strip, purchase an additional microamplifier for the kit and connect it in series to the existing one.

power unit

• LED RGB strips operate from 12 or 24 V power sources. When choosing a control unit, pay attention to several important physical conditions:
• the voltage and power of the unit must meet the stated requirements for RGB;

Depending on the installation location, the device must be characterized by one or another degree of moisture protection.

Important! If you make mistakes when choosing, the unit will overheat greatly and after a short period of time will fail.

• There are several types of power supplies that can be found on the market:
• with an aluminum body, high tightness and protection against moisture penetration, but high cost;
• mini-product in a plastic case, partially protected from moisture, at a lower cost;
• an open unit located in a perforated housing, characterized by the largest dimensions and high power, requires additional means of protection from moisture;

network block - average power. Read the instructions that came with the RGB strip. Multiply this value by the length of the flexible board, then increase the resulting value by 30% (there should always be a power reserve). As a result, you will find out the power of the power supply required for the selected LED strip.

Popular connection schemes

The implementation of any circuit requires a little knowledge, including an understanding of how to correctly divide an electrical product into parts.

Standard connection diagram

Observe the following installation procedure:

1. Connect the controller to the power supply via the output (reduced) voltage terminals.
2. Positive wires are highlighted in red, negative wires are highlighted in black.
3. Connect the LED strip to the controller via three contact pads - R, G, B (control of three primary colors) and VDD (plus).

Option for connecting two LED strips

If you need to power two LED strips simultaneously, consider the following points:

• you will need two power supplies and two amplifiers for RGB;
• follow the order of connecting the wire in accordance with the color marking;
• the circuit is suitable for supplying current to sections of boards whose length reaches 10 meters.

Basic rule: if at least two strips are connected to the circuit, their parallel connection is ensured (series will reduce the voltage power for LEDs located at the far ends from the power source and amplifier).

Connecting an RGB strip 20 meters long

When choosing a powerful power supply, you can use the “controller-amplifier-unit” connection diagram. In all other cases, two or more blocks are required.

Step-by-step installation instructions

When connecting an RGB color strip yourself, strict adherence to the algorithm is required:

1. Finding the installation site and preparing the surface. First, decide on the installation location, and then level the surface to which the LED strip will be attached. It could be a ceiling, a door, etc. Be sure to degrease it using any solvent, otherwise the double-sided tape will come off after a short period of time. When attaching to metal surfaces, additional electrical insulation is required.
2. Most LED RGB strips are self-adhesive - remove the protective film from the back and carefully press the product to the surface of the selected location. When making bends, their radius should be no more than 20 mm, otherwise problems may occur. Cut the tape in strictly designated places. When connecting different parts, use special connectors or a soldering iron (more about this in a separate article).
3. Connecting the electrical circuit. Select the LED strip connection diagram from those suggested above. Combine the product with a controller, amplifier and power supply. Plug the latter into the network using an electrical plug. Connect the black wire of the unit to the V- terminal on the amplifier, the red wire to V+. Combine the LED strip wires with the contact pads of the controller in accordance with their color and designation: red - R, green - G, blue - B. The last wire is connected to the positive terminal - V+.
4. The backlight operates from a 220 V network. Check its operation using the remote control.

Correct connection and operation of the RGB LED strip will allow you to create a unique atmosphere at home, decorate office or residential premises, or an outdoor gazebo. The presence of certain electrical products in the selected circuits depends on the length of the board, the number and standard size of the LED diodes used.