APBA3010SURKQBDC-GX Datasheet and Pinout: Specs for Design and Sourcing

Why the APBA3010 Series Still Matters in Tight Spaces

Modern wearable electronics, edge‑lit membrane switches, and dense indicator panels all share a common constraint: you need a bright, bi‑color status LED that fits into a footprint smaller than a grain of rice. Kingbright’s APBA3010 series—a 3.0 mm × 1.0 mm right‑angle SMD chip LED—has become the go‑to solution for those exact layouts. When you start a new design around the APBA3010SURKQBDC-GX, you’re tapping into a platform that already powers millions of consumer and industrial devices, from fitness trackers to network switches.

Yet choosing a precise 3010 variant isn’t just about ticking a box for “red/green” or “blue/red.” Recent supply‑side activity around Kingbright’s sibling part, the hyper‑red/green CGKC, highlights how quickly allocation conditions can shift for small‑form‑factor LEDs—even within a single series[1]. For design teams that can’t afford a last‑minute PCB re‑spin, pinout verification and spec matching are gate‑level tasks, not afterthoughts. Getting the right color pair, forward voltage stack, and land‑pattern alignment on the APBA3010SURKQBDC-GX now avoids a costly hold later.

In this article, we walk you through the electrical and mechanical fundamentals of the QBDC variant, compare it side‑by‑side with the widely documented CGKC, and lay out a sourcing strategy that helps you move from datasheet to bill‑of‑materials with confidence—without treating any second‑source candidate as a guaranteed drop‑in.

APBA3010SURKQBDC-GX Pinout and Electrical Characteristics at a Glance

Like all members of the 3‑pin APBA3010 family, the APBA3010SURKQBDC-GX uses a right‑angle SMD no‑lead package with a single common terminal and two independent color channels. Based on the mechanical drawings available for the CGKC sibling and Kingbright’s consistent approach across the series, the physical pin identification is straightforward:

Pin 1
Common anode (typically). Look for the polarity notch on the package corner; pin 1 sits adjacent to that mark. On the PCB, this pad connects to your positive supply rail through a current‑limiting resistor.
Pin 2
Cathode for the first color die (super red on the QBDC variant). Drive this line low to illuminate the red LED.
Pin 3
Cathode for the second color die (blue). Drive this line low for the blue channel; by toggling both cathodes you can produce mixed‑color indication if your firmware supports it.

Because the internal connection could be common cathode on some custom builds, always cross‑check the marking diagram in the latest Kingbright datasheet before finalizing your schematic symbol. The 3‑pad land pattern is standardized across the 3010 series; SnapMagic libraries for the CGKC[2] will match the QBDC footprint exactly, but you still need to assign net names according to the QBDC pinout, not the CGKC’s.

The table below pulls together the electrical and optical parameters you’ll use to size current‑limiting resistors, calculate power dissipation, and verify compatibility with your microcontroller’s GPIO voltage levels. Since the QBDC variant’s dedicated datasheet is not as widely mirrored as the CGKC’s, we’ve drawn on Kingbright’s typical values for super‑red AlGaInP and blue InGaN dice in the 3010 platform[3]. All numbers should be confirmed against the official QBDC datasheet before placing an order.

Parameter	Value/Range (QBDC typical)	Unit/Notes
Package dimensions	3.0 × 2.0 × 1.0	mm – right‑angle SMD, no lead
Number of pins	3	Common anode configuration (verify)
Viewing angle (2θ½)	140	Degrees – wide dispersion for edge‑lit panels
Super Red forward voltage (V_F) @ 20 mA	1.95 – 2.5	V – AlGaInP die; typical 1.95 V
Blue forward voltage (V_F) @ 20 mA	2.8 – 3.6	V – InGaN die; typical 3.2 V
Super Red dominant wavelength (λ_d)	625 – 630	nm – check bin for exact value
Blue dominant wavelength (λ_d)	460 – 475	nm – typical 468‑470 nm
Luminous intensity (typical) Red / Blue	70 / 30	mcd @ 20 mA – binning ranges vary
Operating temperature range	‑40 to +85	°C – refer to official datasheet
Moisture sensitivity level (MSL)	3 (typical for series)	Verify with supplier

Key takeaways from the table: The blue channel requires a higher drive voltage than many 3.3 V MCUs can deliver directly, especially when margin is tight. If your logic supply is 3.0‑3.3 V, you may need a buffer transistor or a dedicated LED driver with sufficient headroom. Also, the super‑red and blue intensities differ notably; if you require visually balanced bi‑color output, plan on independent PWM duty cycles or distinct resistor values for each channel rather than a single shared current‑limiting network.

Comparing Bi-Color SMD LEDs: APBA3010 Variants and Drop-In Alternatives

At first glance, every APBA3010 looks identical through an X‑ray machine: same land pattern, same 1.0 mm thickness, same 140° lens profile. But the color dice inside determine how you drive them and how they perform. The APBA3010SURKQBDC-GX (super red/blue) targets applications where a deep blue indicator needs to coexist with a warning or status red, while the APBA3010SURKCGKC‑GX (hyper red/green) is a popular choice for charging indicators and generic dual‑state signaling[4].

When evaluating whether you can substitute one for the other—or whether a different 3010 variant fits your BOM better—look beyond the mechanical drawing. The forward voltage stack, chrominance coordinates, and luminous intensity bins all influence real‑world visibility, battery life, and production test limits.

Comparison Metric	APBA3010SURKQBDC-GX (QBDC)	APBA3010SURKCGKC‑GX (CGKC)[2]	Selection Criteria & Failure Boundary
Color pair	Super Red (AlGaInP) + Blue (InGaN)	Hyper Red (AlGaInP) + Green (InGaN)	Match indicator color semantics; blue often reserved for Bluetooth/Wi‑Fi status, green for power/charge.
Dominant wavelengths	625‑630 nm (red), 460‑475 nm (blue)	630 nm (red), 570 nm (green)	Ensure your light pipe or lens material does not attenuate the specific blue wavelength.
Forward voltage (typical) @ 20 mA	Red 1.95 V, Blue 3.2 V	Red 1.95 V, Green 2.1 V[3]	3.2 V blue requires an open‑drain driver or level shifter; green at 2.1 V works directly from 3.3 V GPIOs.
Luminous intensity @ 20 mA	~70 mcd (red), ~30 mcd (blue)	~300 mcd (hyper red), ~70 mcd (green)[3]	CGKC’s hyper red is 4× brighter; QBDC may need higher drive current or narrower viewing‑angle lens for equivalent perceived brightness.
Package / footprint	3.0×1.0 mm, same land pattern, common anode	Identical footprint, common anode[2]	Mechanically interchangeable; pin‑mapping of color cathodes may differ—always verify.
Distribution price signals (Octopart)	Request quote	Varies by distributor; some show volume and sample pricing[3]	QBDC may occupy a different pricing tier due to blue‑die availability; check current quotes via authorized channels.

Note: The CGKC benefits from extensive library support—SnapMagic exports ready‑to‑use footprints for Altium, KiCad, Eagle, and more[2]. Because the mechanical envelope is identical, you can safely re‑use those shapes for the QBDC; just rename the pins and adjust the series resistors. Always pull the latest Kingbright datasheet for each specific variant before generating a final BOM, as binning and intensity ranges are revised periodically[3].

Design and Sourcing Pitfalls When Specifying Miniature SMD LEDs

Tiny SMD LEDs invite a false sense of simplicity: three pads, a couple of resistors, and you’re done. In the lab, however, we’ve seen seasoned engineers fall into traps that burn hours of debug time or force a last‑minute layout change. The APBA3010SURKQBDC-GX is no exception. Below we map the most common pitfalls to practical verification steps that can be folded into your design review checklist.

Pitfall	Potential Impact	Actionable Mitigation
Trusting a library footprint without checking pin‑out	Common cathode vs. common anode reversal lights the wrong color or burns the LED if polarity is flipped.	Download the recommended CAD model from SnapMagic[2] but re‑annotate nets according to the QBDC datasheet pin‑mapping. Use the notch and pad 1 marking as your reference.
Assuming equal brightness between two color channels	End users see a dominant color or no perceived color change, forcing firmware rework and possible resistor changes.	Plan independent current‑setting resistors for each cathode; pre‑characterize intensity at target PWM frequencies during prototyping. Specify the exact luminous intensity bin you need in the purchase order.
Driving a 3.2 V blue LED directly from a 3.3 V GPIO	Insufficient headroom leads to dim or non‑functioning blue indication across temperature and process variation.	Use an N‑channel MOSFET or a dedicated LED driver that can pull the cathode to ground while the anode is tied to a higher rail (e.g., 5 V or V_LED). Verify the worst‑case V_F max and the GPIO’s V_OL.
Skipping moisture sensitivity level (MSL) checks before reflow	Popcorn cracking of the epoxy lens during SMT soldering leads to latent field failures.	Request MSL classification from the authorized distributor. If MSL 3 or higher, follow the bake‑and‑seal procedure per IPC/JEDEC J‑STD‑033. Kingbright’s typical MSL for 3010 series is 3[3].
Using a third‑party datasheet without revision check	HK TO‑GRACE mirrors may lag behind the official Kingbright Rev V.16A or later, leading to incorrect wavelength or V_F data[1].	Always download the datasheet directly from kingbrightusa.com or from a manufacturer‑authorized repository like Datasheets.com[4]. Check the Rev number on the first page.

Beyond these design‑side precautions, buyers should put equal rigor into the sourcing workflow. Request a detailed quotation that includes:

Exact Kingbright ordering code for the APBA3010SURKQBDC-GX, including any bin‑suffix for luminous intensity or wavelength.
Date code and lot code traceability (require a maximum age of 24 months, with documentation that the parts were stored in a moisture‑barrier bag).
Confirmation that the parts are sourced from an authorized Kingbright distributor, not from a spot broker, to avoid the risk of non‑conforming material.
A test report or certificate of conformance issued within 90 days if the parts are designated for high‑reliability applications.

By building these checks into your new‑part introduction process, you transform the APBA3010SURKQBDC-GX from a potential trouble spot into a predictable, repeatable design element.

APBA3010SURKQBDC-GX: Questions Engineers and Buyers Ask

Q: What is the exact pinout of the APBA3010SURKQBDC-GX, and is it common anode or cathode?
A: Kingbright’s APBA3010 bi‑color series typically uses a common anode configuration. The 3‑pin SMD package has a polarity notch: pin 1 is the common anode, pin 2 is the cathode for the first color die (super red), and pin 3 is the cathode for the second color die (blue). Always confirm this against the official datasheet marking diagram, as some customer‑specific builds may deviate.

Q: Can I substitute the APBA3010SURKCGKC‑GX if the QBDC variant can be allocation-sensitive — confirm availability via RFQ?
A: They share the same 3.0×1.0 mm footprint and right‑angle orientation, but the APBA3010SURKQBDC-GX outputs super red/blue while the CGKC gives hyper red/green. Before swapping, verify that your drive circuit can handle the CGKC’s lower green V_F (2.1 V) and that your application logic can interpret green instead of blue. Use SnapMagic[2] to confirm footprint parity and Octopart[3] to gauge distributor availability. Not a guaranteed drop‑in—always bench‑test first.

Q: How do I integrate the APBA3010SURKQBDC-GX footprint into Altium or KiCad?
A: Download the symbol and footprint for the CGKC sibling from SnapMagic (exports to Altium, KiCad, Eagle, PADS, and more)[2]. The land pattern is identical across the APBA3010 series; just rename the pins to reflect the QBDC pinout. Double‑check the pad dimensions against the latest Kingbright mechanical drawing[3] to ensure your solder‑mask clearance is adequate.

Q: What are typical lead times for Kingbright APBA3010 series LEDs right now?
A: Lead times fluctuate with color bin demand and die availability. As of mid‑2025, some CGKC variants show an 8‑to‑14‑week window through authorized distribution, but the QBDC may trail if specific blue wavelength bins are in high demand. Always request an allocation‑backed lead time from a franchised Kingbright distributor; platforms like Octopart[3] show live pricing and stock indicators that can inform your negotiating position.

Q: Is the APBA3010SURKQBDC-GX suitable for automotive or outdoor applications?
A: The LED uses AlGaInP and InGaN die technologies that deliver good brightness and a 140° viewing angle for indoor indicators and consumer devices. It is not described as an AEC‑Q qualified part. For outdoor or under‑hood use, review the operating temperature range (−40 °C to +85 °C) and MSL rating in the official datasheet[4]. If your project requires full automotive compliance, evaluate alternative AEC‑Q LEDs and run accelerated life testing on the final assembly.

Q: Where can I find the most reliable datasheet for the QBDC variant?
A: The definitive source is Kingbright’s official website (kingbrightusa.com) or an authorized distributor portal such as Datasheets.com[4]. Avoid third‑party aggregators unless they mirror the latest revision (e.g., Rev V.16A for the CGKC); HK TO‑GRACE copies may lag behind official updates[1]. If the QBDC datasheet is not yet downloadable, request it directly from your Kingbright sales contact.