Demonstration of visible light communications using RGB LEDs in an indoor environment

We develop a prototype to demonstrate indoor wireless visible light communications (VLC) in which a panel of red, green, and blue (RGB) light-emitting diodes (LEDs) is used as a transmitter as well as a light source. Digital transmissions of text messages are carried out from the LED panel mounted on top of the room ceiling to the receiver located on the table top 2 m vertically below. Using low-cost and widely available off-the-shelf components, a small 4 × 10 RGB LED panel is constructed as a transmitter. Light intensity is then measured at various receiver locations. With only the red color modulated, it is demonstrated that the developed system can support transmission rates of 19.2 kbps to the receiver located directly below the panel, and 4.8 kbps to the receiver located on the table top 1.4 m horizontally away from the center location.