Rohm Semiconductor has announced the development of two types of high-bright RGB LEDs: SMLV56RGB1W1, featuring a height of 0.6mm, and the standard-type SMLW56RGB1W1, featuring a height of 1.1mm. Both units are capable of 1.8cd (white).

RGB LEDs are convenient because they can emit virtually any color, including white, while taking up very little space since the three elements are integrated into a single, compact form factor without reducing reliability. This makes them for instance the preferred choice in portable gaming devices and applications requiring high brightness and multiple colors in a small area (display blocks, LED spotlights, illumination devices, and more).

One drawback to high brightness LEDs is the small distance between the LED and target object, often due to the relatively large package height of conventional LEDs (at least 1.4mm). This often results in non-uniform light distribution or LED see-through, where the LED is visible through the object itself. Rohm solved these issues with the SMLV56RGB1W1 in a thin form factor. A package height of 0.6mm has been achieved due to a novel flat frame structure.

This makes it possible to configure the LED a longer distance away from the object, enabling uniform light transmission with excellent colour blending characteristics. Both SMLV56RGB1W1 and SMLW56RGB1W1 integrate protection Zener diodes to prevent damage due to ESD, and classification is performed based on white light emission, ensuring little variation in chromaticity for greater uniformity and consistency between the products.