Controlling RGB Leds

Using Arduino LEDs and Multiplexing
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I translate RGB LED as being shorthand for RGB LED with controller especially when they are talking about them as on a LED strip.

Then you are missing something big.
Their are four major types:-

  1. Four connections, one positive and one for each of the grounds for R,G and B. Normally these are 12V and are controlled by a PWM signal driving a FET in each colour line. This is how you use them Usage | RGB LED Strips | Adafruit Learning System. What ever is the colour all the LEDs on that strip have the same colour.

  2. Three connections 12V - Every three LEDs have full independent colour control.

  3. Three connections 5V - power ground and data, of the WS2812 type sometimes called Neopixels. Each LED has full independent colour control.

  4. Four connection 5V - power ground data clock, sometimes called dot star. Each LED has full independent colour control.
    Overview | Adafruit DotStar LEDs | Adafruit Learning System