How to switch control between 2 RGB LEDs with PWM from a Netduino

Question

I'm building a project where I will be lighting up 2 RGB LEDs using PWM. Since the Netduino only has 4 PWM pins (of which I will only use 3 - one pin each for the R, G, and B values respectively), I need a way to be able send the signal to either LED or both. Something like the following:

What component(s) do I need for that black box? I considered something like a TLC 5940 PWM Driver, but I want to be able to power this off of the Netduino itself (i.e. no external power source). Do I just use a bunch of AND gates?

Answer 1

Assuming your PWM output can supply enough current for both LED's then put a FET between the cathode and ground for each LED. Control each FET's gate with an I/O line from the microcontroller. This way you can turn either on, both off, or both on by controlling the I/O lines.

Just make sure the PWM pins on the uC can actually provide enough current to drive the LED and that the current is properly limited.

Answer 2

If both LEDs are on are they going to be the same? You could control the common pin with a transistor to totally shut off either or both LEDs.

If you use the TLC5940, you wouldn't even need to use the PWM pins from your micro as it will run all by it self after you send it a command. As far as powering it, it should easily be powered off any sort of dev board, your LEDs are going to be far more power hungry than it.