Three Color LED (RGB) Module KY-016

Three Color LED (RGB) Module KY-016

Components
DET566
Part.No: KY-016
€1.75
In Stock
Immediate Dispatch
KY-016 RGB LED Module for Arduino – full-color three-pin PWM control with built-in current-limiting resistors. Common cathode, 5V operating voltage, plug-in LED for easy mixing of red, green and blue.

 

The KY-016 Three Color LED (RGB) Module is a compact full-color LED breakout board designed for Arduino and other 5V microcontroller projects. By sending individual PWM signals to the Red, Green and Blue control pins, you can blend any color in the visible spectrum — making it a go-to component for status indicators, mood lighting, and visual feedback applications.

Key Features

  • Full-Color Plug-in RGB LED: Single through-hole RGB LED on a convenient breakout board → no extra wiring mess, drop-in ready
  • Built-in Current-Limiting Resistors: Onboard resistors on each color channel → protects the LED from burnout without needing external components
  • PWM Color Mixing: Adjust duty cycle on R, G, B pins independently → millions of color combinations from just three signals
  • Common Cathode Drive: All three anodes driven separately, single shared ground → straightforward control from any PWM-capable output
  • 5V Operating Voltage: Directly compatible with Arduino logic levels → no level shifter required

Pinout & Wiring

PINSymbolDescription
1GNDCommon cathode – connect to GND
2RRed channel – PWM input (5V logic)
3GGreen channel – PWM input (5V logic)
4BBlue channel – PWM input (5V logic)

Wiring note: Connect GND to Arduino GND, then wire R, G, B pins to three PWM-capable digital pins (e.g. D9, D10, D11 on UNO). Use analogWrite(pin, 0–255) to control each channel's brightness.

Compatibility

  • Arduino UNO / Nano / Mega: 5V logic, direct connection to PWM pins — fully compatible with no additional components
  • Other 5V microcontrollers: Any board with 5V PWM outputs and a GND pin can drive this module directly

Typical Applications

  • Status indicators for Arduino projects (e.g. red = error, green = OK, blue = standby)
  • Mood lighting and decorative LED effects controlled via PWM
  • Color-mixing demonstrations for electronics and STEM education
  • Visual feedback in robotics and automation prototypes
  • Learning PWM control and additive color theory hands-on

Technical Specifications

ParameterValue
InterfacePWM (3 channels: R, G, B)
Operating Voltage5V
LED TypePlug-in full-color RGB LED
Drive ModeCommon Cathode
Current ProtectionBuilt-in current-limiting resistors
MPNKY-016

FAQ

Q: Do I need external resistors to use the KY-016?
A: No. The module already includes current-limiting resistors on each color channel, so you can connect it directly to your Arduino's PWM pins without any additional components.

Q: Can I use the KY-016 with a 3.3V board like ESP32 or Raspberry Pi?
A: The module is rated for 5V operation. While the LED may light at 3.3V with reduced brightness, it is designed and tested for 5V microcontrollers such as Arduino. Use at 3.3V at your own discretion.

Package Contents: 1 × KY-016 RGB LED Module

⚠ Note: Always use the PWM pins of your microcontroller to control each channel. Driving the pins at constant HIGH (5V) without PWM will run the LED at maximum brightness continuously — the onboard resistors provide protection, but PWM is recommended for color accuracy and longevity.
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