The LED measures just 1.0mm x 1.0mm, revolutionizing miniaturization with full-color control. It is suitable for wearable tech and advanced design applications.
The SMD LED – Addressable RGB APA-104-1010 from Sparkfun measures 1.0mm x 1.0mm, indicating progress in the miniaturization of electronic components. This development is part of a trend toward smaller devices. Addressable LEDs, used as indicators, now include control circuits that allow for the adjustment of colour and brightness through programming. This feature provides control over each LED in an array, facilitating the creation of lighting effects.
Wearable technology designers will appreciate the LEDs’ small size for integrating lighting into apparel and accessories without adding weight. Drone manufacturers can use these LEDs for status indicators and navigation lights, where low weight is crucial for flight performance. Professional lighting designers can use the control over each LED to create complex displays in interactive art installations and architectural lighting. To maintain compact functionality, industrial designers can incorporate these LEDs into devices as status indicators and user interface enhancements.
A comparison of different models of addressable LEDs shows the trend toward miniaturization. The addressable LED, at 1.0 x 1.0 mm, operates on 3.3-5.5 volts with a maximum current of 15 mA and offers 24-bit colour depth. In contrast, older models like the APA102C-5050 and WS2812B 5050 are larger and consume more power.
The trend toward smaller components is driven by the need for compact devices, increased energy efficiency, and improved resolution in applications. The APA-104-1010 maintains the functionality of its predecessors but uses less space, making it suitable for use in applications where size and weight are important, such as in wearable technology and drones. These LEDs are sensitive to humidity and can crack during reflow, a problem addressed by shipping them in humidity-sealed bags.
Overall, the SMD LED – Addressable RGB APA-104-1010 is a milestone in electronics miniaturization. It enables applications that were not feasible before due to space limitations, heralding a new era in electronics design. The potential for future developments using this technology is significant, and it is expected to impact how projects are designed.
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