WL-ICLED: Würth Elektronik offers its RGB LEDs integrated with controllers in various designs. — Image source: Würth Elektronik
Würth Elektronik now offers WL-ICLED, a new series of RGB LEDs with integrated controller (IC). The components, controllable as pixels, combine a red, green and blue LED with a programmable contoller IC. The intelligent LEDs, available in four designs, are individually controllable in their pixel color and brightness levels from 0 to 100 percent.
Over 16 million different color and brightness levels can be set with the new RGB LEDs. They are compatible with open source libraries such as FastLED. As fewer components (such as series resistors) are required, display solutions with intelligent LEDs are not only quicker to implement, they are more compact than solutions with separate LEDs. Applications for the components include signal control systems, full-color matrix displays, audio and gaming systems, indoor lighting and displays on e-mobility charging stations. The following designs are now available: 2020 Chip LED compact, 3210 Chip LED Side View, 2121 PLCC6 with bypass and 5050 PLCC4.
Moisture protection
In contrast to comparable solutions already on the market, Würth Elektronik’s intelligent LEDs with an MSL3 moisture sensitivity level (rather than MSL5a or MSL6 commonly found) are less moisture sensitive during assembly. Some of the components comply with protection class IPx7, so they can even be submerged for a short time without damage. Another quality feature of the LED chipsets is their gold coating on the ‘Chip LED’ models and silver coating for PLCC models, which leads to better solderability. Available in 8-bit and 12-bit versions, the intelligent LEDs offer more options for PWM resolution.
Standardized qualification
Photobiological test reports in accordance with EN 62471:2008 and IEC 62471:2006 are available for all models in the product group. This may be relevant if the intelligent LEDs are used in toys. Würth Elektronik does not target the automotive market with the new product – but the tests and qualifications were carried out in accordance with AEC Q102-003 in order to provide customers with objectively comparable specifications.
The LEDs with integrated controllers can now be ordered from stock without a minimum order quantity. Developers can receive free samples.