The ICLEDs from Würth Elektronik are qualified RGB LEDs with an integrated controller that can be dimmed via PWM signal. The IC ensures a constant current to the three different color chips and it is perfect for color mixing solutions allowing both static and dynamic lighting effects to be realized for a wide range of applications.

Thanks to the integrated controller in each ICLED, complex circuits with challenging PCB layouts are a thing of the past. A MCU sends the information of an entire chain of ICLEDs only to the first ICLED in the circuit. This information is retransmitted via daisy-chain connection to the following ICLEDs, so that all subsequent components do not require an additional connection to the microcontroller.

The ICLEDs content high premium materials, which enable better solderability and high reliability.

In addition, ICLEDs offer compatibility with open-source libraries such as FastLED for fast Design-In.

The control signal with the desired color and brightness is sent from an MCU over the DIN (Data In) pin of the first LED. The ICLEDs read out the incoming information and display the corresponding colors by means of PWM signals to the single RGB chips. In addition, the ICLEDs must be connected to a voltage source on the VDD (+) and VSS (-) pins accordingly.

The dual-wire protocol works with two lines: a data line (DIN) and a clock signal line (CIN). This additional clock signal line makes it possible to flexibly adjust the transmission speed, resulting in more stable and faster communication. In addition, the ICLEDs with dual wire have a sleep mode to save energy when the LEDs are not actively controlled. This protocol is particularly suitable for applications with many LEDs or high-power requirements.