WS2812B Individually Addressable RGB LED Strip
The WS2812B (also known as NeoPixel) is the industry standard for smart, addressable LED lighting. Unlike standard LED strips where the entire strand changes color at once, each individual LED on a WS2812B strip has its own integrated driver IC. This allows you to control the color and brightness of every single pixel independently using just one data pin from a microcontroller like an Arduino, ESP32, or Raspberry Pi.
Product Features
- Individual Addressability: Each LED acts as a single pixel, allowing for complex animations, scrolling text, and rainbow effects.
- One-Wire Control: Uses a specialized single-wire serial protocol (NZR mode) to send data to all LEDs in the chain.
- Cascadable Design: Strips can be cut at any point or soldered together to create custom lengths without losing control.
- Integrated Circuit: The control circuit and the RGB chip are integrated into a single 5050 component, maximizing density and reliability.
- Flexible Variations: Available in multiple densities (30, 60, or 144 LEDs per meter) and waterproof ratings (IP30, IP65, or IP67).
Technical Specifications
- LED Source: WS2812B (Integrated 5050 RGB LED with built-in WS2811 IC)
- Input Voltage: 5V DC
- Logic Level: 5V (Note: 3.3V MCUs like ESP32 may require a level shifter for long runs)
- Power Consumption: Approx. 0.3W (60mA) per LED at full white/brightness
- Gray Scale: 256 levels of brightness; 16.7 million colors
- Viewing Angle: 120°
- Data Speed: 800Kbps
Wiring & Pinout
| Pad Label | Wire Color | Function | Connection |
|---|---|---|---|
| +5V | Red | Power Input | 5V DC External Power |
| DIN | Green / White | Data Input | Microcontroller PWM/Digital Pin |
| GND | White / Black | Ground | Common Ground (MCU + Power) |
| DO | - | Data Output | Connect to DIN of the next strip |
Critical Implementation Notes
- External Power: For strips longer than 1 meter, do not power directly from the Arduino 5V pin. Use an external 5V power supply capable of handling the total current (LEDs x 0.06A).
- Protection Resistor: Place a 330Ω to 470Ω resistor between the MCU data pin and the strip's DIN to prevent voltage spikes from damaging the first LED.
- Large Capacitor: Add a large capacitor (1000µF, 6.3V or higher) across the + and – terminals of your power supply to smooth out power surges.
- Common Ground: Ensure the ground (GND) of your external power supply is connected to the ground (GND) of your microcontroller.
Package Contents
- 1x WS2812B LED Strip (Length and density as selected)
- 1x 3-pin JST-SM Connector (pre-soldered)