Backlighting And RGB
Bling bling.
QMK-Compatible LED backlighting
This is one LED per switch.
The structure is:
. |- LED --- Resistor -|
| | N-Channel
5V ---|- LED --- Resistor -|----- MOSFET ----- GND
| | |
|- LED --- Resistor -| PWM PIN
- Use a N-channel MOSFET.
- A PWM pin can only deliver around 20mA absolute maximum. Drawing tons of LEDs from a single PWM pin will easily fry your microchip. Place a resistor between the PWM pin and MOSFET gate.
- All LED-Resistor pairs are placed in parallel.
- All LEDs can be run under a few or single resistor, but this leads to brightness inconsistencies among the LEDs.
- The current from the LED-Resistor pairs feed into the drain of the MOSFET.
- PWM feeds into the gate of the MOSFET with a 1k or so resistor, usually.
- Source of the MOSFET goes to ground.
- Each LED resistor should be planned to let around 1-5mA through the LEDs each. 20mA will hurt your eyes.
Choosing the correct MOSFET
Power Dissipation
- Make sure the current flowing through times the voltage drop doesn't lead to a power dissipation that doesn't fry the MOSFET.
Maximum voltage and current
- Check for Drain-Source voltage/current max ratings.
Size
- Do not pick a MOSFET which will not fit on your PCB.
RGB Underglow
WS2812B is the standard used for underglow.
- Draws 45-50mA per package maximum.
- However, AliExpress GH60 PCBs have 16 WS2812B.
- Current can be limited via QMK.
- Can be daisy-chained together. One LED passes data onto the next, and so on.
- Can be purchased in individual WS2812B or by strips. Use individual for assembled PCBs.
- Wired in the following way:
- VDD to 5V
- VSS to GND
- DIN to previous LED DOUT, or AVR pin if first LED
- DOUT to next LED DIN, or unconnected if last LED
- Placing a 500 ohm resistor between AVR pin and first LED is highly recommended
Various other RGB choices
WS2812 (without B) - Unsimplified version of WS2812B with 6 pins
WS2811 - The controller within WS2812B. Can be used as standalone controller with other RGBs.
Controller-less RGBs - Use with separate PWM LED controllers.
Indicator LEDs
Simplest.
MCU PIN --- LED --- Resistor --- GND (Source setup)
or
5V --- LED --- Resistor --- MCU PIN (Drain setup)
LED and resistor can be swapped.