What is Common Cathode LED display technology?

Common Cathode is a patented LED driver architecture invented by SiliconCore that powers each red, green and blue diode with its own dedicated voltage. This precision power delivery eliminates excess heat generation at the PCB level, leading to cooler operating temperatures, lower energy consumption, higher brightness and longer display lifespan.

Why Common Cathode is Different

Traditional LED driver designs use a “Common Anode” approach, sending one uniform voltage to all diodes. This wastes energy and generates unnecessary heat. SiliconCore’s Common Cathode method:

Supplies precise voltages to each LED color channel

Reduces heat dissipation by 20–50%

Cuts power consumption by 20–40% vs. the industry average

Enables fanless operation, reducing noise and HVAC requirements

Extends LED lifespan to over 100,000 hours

Benefits of Common Cathode for LED Display Performance

BenefitHow Common Cathode Delivers It
Higher Brightness40% higher sustained brightness with less power
SustainabilityLower power usage reduces operational costs and carbon footprint
Cooler OperationSafe to touch, even in high-brightness modes
Extended LifespanReduced thermal stress preserves LED integrity for over 11 years
Better Image QualityHigher dynamic range, improved low-light performance, and uniform color accuracy
XR & Broadcast ReadyAchieves 240Hz frame rates and 7680Hz refresh rates for multi-camera, slow-motion, and active 3D environments


Sustainability Advantages of Common Cathode LED

Choosing Common Cathode LED displays can transform both creative and operational outcomes with:

Up to 40% energy savings over the display’s lifetime

Lower carbon emissions through reduced HVAC and transport needs for virtual production shoots

Longer product lifecycle, minimizing electronic waste


Common Cathode in Action

David Geffen Hall, Lincoln Center – Ultra-fine pitch LED walls with deep contrast and low power draw for public and performance spaces. 

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White & Case Grand Hall Forum – A 160-foot curved LED display facilitating hybrid meetings, conferences and events, meeting strict cooling and power limits without sacrificing brightness or clarity. 

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Yongchuan Technology Studio – Asia’s largest curved LED virtual production wall, running 20–50% cooler than market averages. 

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Products Featuring Common Cathode

Every SiliconCore display is engineered around our patented Common Cathode architecture. It’s the foundation of our low-power, high-brightness, fine-pitch performance across the portfolio. Explore our solutions: 

Mobile Foldable LED Columns https://www.silicon-core.com/products/mobile-foldable-columns

Mobile AIO LED Display https://www.silicon-core.com/products/all-in-one-135-hd

XR LED Displays https://www.silicon-core.com/products/xr 

High Resolution Modular Floor https://www.silicon-core.com/products/silicon-floor 

Enlighten COB Series https://www.silicon-core.com/products/enlighten 

Fine Pixel Pitch Outdoor LED Display https://www.silicon-core.com/products/led-outdoor-display 

Steph Faulkner