Creating the RGB LED circuit

In this section, we will create a simple circuit to control an RGB LED, and we will be using a common cathode RGB LED (that is, the three individual LEDs share a common GND connection).

We will start by building the circuit as shown in Figure 8.2 on our breadboard:

Figure 8.2 – Common cathode RGB LED schematic

Following is the accompanying breadboard layout for this schematic that we are about to build:

Figure 8.3 – Common cathode RGB LED circuit

Here are the steps to follow, which match the numbered black circles in Figure 8.3:

1. Start by placing the RGB LED into your breadboard, taking care to orientate the LED regarding the positioning of its cathode leg.
2. Position the 200Ω resistor (R1). One end of this resistor connects to the red leg of the LED.
3. Position the first 15Ω resistor (R2). One end of this resistor connects to the blue leg of the LED.
4. Position the second 15Ω resistor (R3). One end of this resistor...