If you’ve ever worked with LED strips—especially RGB or addressable LEDs—you may have come across the terms “common anode” and “common cathode.” While they might sound technical, understanding their differences is crucial for proper wiring, controller compatibility, and avoiding frustration in your lighting projects.
In this guide, we’ll break down:
✔ What common anode and common cathode LED strips are
✔ How they work differently
✔ Key differences and when to use each
✔ Common mistakes to avoid
In this guide, we’ll break down:
✔ What common anode and common cathode LED strips are
✔ How they work differently
✔ Key differences and when to use each
✔ Common mistakes to avoid
1. What Are Common Anode and Common Cathode LED Strips?
Both terms refer to how the LEDs in a strip are wired internally. The main difference lies in which LED terminal (anode or cathode) is shared across all LEDs.
Common Anode LED Strips:
Definition: All LEDs share a common positive (anode) connection.
How it works:
The anode (+) is connected directly to the power supply.
Each LED’s cathode (-) is controlled individually (usually via a PWM signal).
The LED turns ON when the cathode is pulled LOW (0V/GND).
Common Cathode LED Strips:
