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Looking to buy an addressable LED strip but don't know where to start? This comprehensive guide will teach you everything you need to know about these fascinating devices, from their types and capabilities to the best ways to use them. By the end of this article, you'll be able to confidently choose the perfect addressable LED strip for your needs!
What Are
Addressable LED Strips?Addressable LED strips are a type of LED strip that is controlled by an addressable controller. These controllers allow the user to individually control each LED in the strip, allowing for more complex animations and patterns. Addressable LED strips are often used in decorations or lighting projects where a high degree of control is desired. They typically consist of three parts: the LEDs, the control circuit, and the power supply. The LEDs are arranged in a serial fashion, and each led has its own address. The control circuit contains the microcontroller that controls the LEDs, and the power supply provides power to the LEDs. Addressable LED strips are available in a variety of colors, and they can be used with a variety of controllers.
Addressable LED strips are a type of LED lighting that allows for individually controlled LEDs. That is, each LED on the strip can be independently controlled, rather than being controlled as a group. This gives you much more flexibility in terms of lighting design and allows you to create more complex and dynamic lighting displays. There are two main types of addressable LEDs: those with 3-pin connectors and those with 4-pin connectors. The 3-pin strips use a common anode design, while the 4-pin strips use a common cathode design. Addressable LED strips typically use one of two control protocols: WS2811/WS2812 (also known as a neuron) or DMX512. DMX512 is the industry-standard protocol for stage lighting and is used in a wide range of professional applications. WS2811/WS2812 is a newer protocol that is becoming increasingly popular for hobbyist and home applications. Both protocols allow for very precise control of the LEDs, but WS2811/WS2812 is typically easier to use for amateur users. Addressable LED strips are powered by a low-voltage DC power supply and use very little power compared to other types of lighting. They are also very easy to install and can be cut to size, making them a versatile lighting solution for a variety of applications.
Important Factors to Consider When Choosing Addressable LED Strips
There are a few important factors to consider when choosing addressable LED strips for your project.
First, you need to determine the number of LEDs per meter. More LEDs will result in a brighter light, but they will also use more power.
Second, you need to decide on the color depth. This refers to the number of colors that the LEDs can display. A higher color depth will allow for more vibrant colors, but it will also use more power.
Finally, you need to choose a control method. The most common methods are DMX and SPI, but there are other options available as well. Each one has its own advantages and disadvantages, so be sure to research each option before making a decision. By considering these factors, you can choose the best addressable LED strip for your project.
1. Consider the size of the area you want to light
2. Decide on the colors you want
3. Choose a style that fits your décor
4. Make sure the strip is dimmable, in case you want to change the mood or ambiance
5. Check the wattage to make sure it's compatible with your electrical system
6. Compare prices and reviews before making a purchase
Voltage
Voltage is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing addressable LED strips. The voltage of an LED strip will determine how much power it uses and how bright it will be. Most LED strips use either 5 volts or 12-volt power, but there are also strips that use 24 or even 48-volt power. When choosing an LED strip, it is important to make sure that the strip is compatible with the voltage of your power source. If you are not sure what voltage your power source is, it is best to consult with an electrician before making a purchase. In addition to voltage, you will also need to consider the current rating of the LED strip. The current rating determines how much amperage the strip can handle without being damaged. If you plan on using multiple strips in parallel, you will need to make sure that the sum of the currents does not exceed the rating of your power supply. Once you have considered these factors, you will be able to choose the right addressable LED strip for your project.
The Type of LED IC
One important factor you'll want to consider when choosing addressable LED strips is the type of LED IC that is used. The most common type is the WS2812B, which features 5050 SMD LEDs that are addressable. This means that each individual LED can be controlled, making it easy to create sophisticated lighting effects. Another popular option is the SK6812, which is similar to the WS2812B but uses an alternate chip from a different manufacturer. The main difference between these two types of chips is the way in which they control the current. The WS2812B uses direct internal feedback, while the SK6812 uses external resistors. As a result, the SK6812 is slightly less efficient than the WS2812B. However, it's still a great option for those who want to create eye-catching lighting displays. Whichever type of chip you choose, you'll be able to create stunning light shows with addressable LED strips.
LED Density
LED density is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing LED strips. LED density is simply the number of LED chips per unit of area. The higher the LED density, the brighter the LED strip will be. However, high LED density also means that the LED strip will be more expensive. For most applications, a LED density of around 30-60 LED chips per square inch is sufficient. Another factor to consider is the color temperature of the LED chips. LED chips are available in a wide range of color temperatures, from cool white to warm white. The color temperature you choose will depend on the application you are using the LED strip for. Finally, make sure to choose an LED strip that is compatible with the power supply you are using. Most LED strips require a 12V power supply, but some higher-end models may require a 24V power supply. Check the specifications carefully before making your purchase.
The Nature of the Installation
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing addressable LED strips is the nature of the installation. For example, if the strips will be installed in a wet or damp environment, it is important to choose a strip that is water-resistant. Additionally, if the installation will be exposed to direct sunlight, it is important to choose a strip that is rated for outdoor use. Another factor to consider is the length of the strip. For example, if a long strip is required, it is important to make sure that the chosen product is capable of handling that length. Finally, it is also important to consider the power requirements of the installation. For example, if a large number of LEDs will be used, it is important to make sure that the power supply can handle the additional load. By taking all of these factors into consideration, you can ensure that you choose the best addressable LED strip for your specific application.
Types of Individually Addressable LED Strips
Individually addressable LED strips are a type of LED strip that allows each individual LED to be controlled. This means that you can create any kind of light show or animation that you want, limited only by your imagination. There are a few different types of individually addressable LED strips.
WS2811 Vs WS2812 Vs WS2813
WS2812B, WS2811, and WS2813 are all individually addressable LED strips. WS2812B is the most common type of individually addressable LED strip. WS2813 is very similar to WS2812B, but it has a built-in development board. WS2811 is a much older type of individually addressable LED strip. It is not as common as WS2812B, but it is still used in some projects. All three types of individually addressable LED strips are controlled by a microcontroller. The microcontroller sends signals to the individual LEDs to turn them on or off. The LEDs can be controlled individually, or they can be controlled in groups. Individual control gives you the ability to create complex patterns and animations. Group control is often used to create simple lighting effects, such as fading or blinking. WS2812B, WS2811, and WS2813 are all compatible with the Arduino platform. You can use Arduino to control your individually addressable LED strips.
WS2811
The WS2811 is an external chip that you can find in 12V and occasionally, 5V varieties. The 12V is preferable as it is less likely to be damaged by static electricity. The WS2811 is a very popular chip, used in a wide range of applications including LEDs, motors, and displays. It is a highly versatile chip that can be programmed to do a variety of tasks. In terms of LED control, the WS2811 is often used to create dynamic and complex lighting effects. It can also be used to control motors, making it ideal for use in robotics applications. Overall, the WS2811 is a very versatile and popular chip that offers a wide range of potential uses.
The WS2811 is an integrated circuit chip that allows you to control a channel of 3 LEDs with each command. Therefore, it is not your ideal choice if you need to control each and every LED on its own. However, the WS2811 is extremely versatile and can be used in a wide variety of applications. For example, you could use it to create unique lighting effects or to add some extra personality to your project. In addition, the WS2811 is also relatively affordable, making it a great option for those on a budget. So, if you're looking for an integrated circuit chip that offers big features at a reasonable price, then the WS2811 is definitely worth considering.
WS2812B Vs WS2813
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Where to Buy Addressable LED Strips
Addressable LED strips are one of the most popular ways to add dynamic lighting to any space. They are easy to install, easy to use, and offer a wide range of customization options. However, with so many different brands and models on the market, it can be difficult to know where to buy addressable LED strips. In general, there are three things to consider when choosing a supplier: pricing, quality, and customer service.
That's why we're proud to offer customization services on all of our addressable LED strips. Whether you need a special length, width, or color, our team of experts can create a custom solution that's perfect for your project.
In addition, we also offer a wide range of accessories and options that can be added to your customized addressable LED strip, such as mounting brackets, diffusers, and controllers.
So if you're looking for a company that can provide you with the perfect addressable LED strip for your project, look no further than us. We're here to help you find the perfect solution for your needs.
In conclusion
So, what are you waiting for? Get started on your project by browsing the wide selection of addressable LED strips at MSH Lighting today. With our help, you're sure to find the perfect strip for your needs. If you have any questions about our products or how to use them, don't hesitate to give us a call. We're always happy to help!
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LEDs come in lots of different shapes and sizes. For Analog LEDs, where the whole strip becomes a single color, choice is mostly about the size, wattage and density of the strip. For Digital LEDs it’s also important to make sure you get the correct chip inside of the LED strip so that you can also control it. Using this chip a Digital LED strip can control each individual LED on the strip and give them all different colors making effects and all sorts of cool displays possible.
This article isn’t meant as a buyers guide but more an information guide. For the buying guide check this article for LED strip or this article for different forms factors!
I want to start off with talking about LED voltage. For the longest time all addressable LEDs and strips used 5v. This is still the mainly used voltage but newer 12v variants have started to appear. The higher voltage is good for preventing voltage drop over the copper PCB traces for longer distances or higher power draw. This is also the main advantage of choosing these strips. For instance, 144LED/m strip is often found up 1 meter in length but you can get 2m length 12v versions. The reason for this is that the voltage drop with 5v over 1m is so high already you shouldn’t use longer lengths without again injecting extra power at those 1m junctions. Since 12v is a much higher voltage the strip can be double the length before encountering the same issue.
So for projects where you are either going to have long wires from the controller to the LEDs or long amounts of strip and injecting voltage every 100 LEDs is a challenge, 12v strips can be a better choice then standard 5v versions. But as I said, not everything is available yet in 12v and it also has it’s downsides, because of the higher voltage a lot of power needs to dissipated to make it run. That means a 12v LED strip will consume more power for running the same effect a 12v will require. Also a lot of controllers “asumme” 5v so be careful with this when buying, all of your components, including your controller need to support 12v.
The QuinLED-Dig-Uno controller is fully suited for using it with 5v and/or 12v LED strip
LED chips basically come in 2 variants, clock-less like the well known ws2812b (neopixel) or SPI like the APA102 (dotstars). Clockless has the advantage of only using a single wire for it’s signaling thus making a whole strip a 3 wire affair. But SPI has the advantage that it’s a lot easier to drive in regards to timing and often can also be driven as much higher data rates for higher refresh speeds or being able to use more LEDs on a single strip. Most generally used LED chips are of the clockless variant, in the below summary I will include which are SPI based and thus need 4 wires instead of 3.
The QuinLED-Dig-Uno is fully clock-less and SPI compatible, providing 4 output terminals (5v, GND, Clock, Data)
The following list is in order of popularity or quantities sold, not actual chronological order. The one’s listed below also certainly aren’t the only chips available on the market, but the most prominent one’s!
The most well known chip currently is the ws2812b chip. This chip became very famous partly because Adafruit gave it the name “Neopixels” and made it available to the general public a few years ago. They also did a lot of work in creating easy to use libraries for Arduino based controllers. A big advantage of this LED chip compared to its predecessors is that this chip houses all the parts needed inside of the actual LED chip itself. Since the introduction they have quickly become the most affordable LED chip and is readily available from lots of sources on Aliexpress and Amazon for cheaper prices then Adafruit tends to sell them. Quality wise there isn’t too much of a difference between vendors since all LED strips and LEDs are manufactured by only a handful of manufacturers around the world.
3 wire LED strip
A chip that was released before the ws2812b series we just talked about. LED strips with this variant use an external chip that controls the connected LEDs. Most of these have been replaced by the ws2812b variant because it’s easier to integrate into a product but where size isn’t so much a limitation or another type of LED is desired then a surface mount one the ws2811 chip is still used. For instance Christmas light style LEDs still often use the ws2811 because they use a different LED and the larger form factor of the chip isn’t a problem in that application. An advantage of the ws2811 is that it can also be used with 12v poewr (in certain configurations) but mindful though, sometimes those are only addressable per 3 pixels on the strip in stead of 1!
3 wire LED strip
Another chip that was made “famous” by Adafruit. Although the ws2812b chips are great for a lot of applications they have a relatively low PWM frequency making them unsuited for particular needs. This is where the APA102 comes in, where the ws2812b, depending on version, runs at 400Hz to 1.6kHz the APA102 chip runs at ~20kHz. It also isn’t a clockless chip with only three wires (+, -, data) but instead uses a 4 wire protocol (+, -, clock, data). That means it’s easier to drive for most microcontrollers but can also be driven a lot “harder” then the ws2812b chip can. This makes it possible to do persistence of vision applications and other things the ws2812b is unsuited for. The APA102 also has some advantages in regards to settable brightness and tune-able color spectrums. So while more expensive, the APA102 can deliver in some areas where the ws2812b cannot. Depending on vendor and strip, APA102 is also the brightest LED strip, so if you need a lot of light output, this might be your LED chip! The APA102 can also be bought in full white variants giving you for instance warm white addressable LED strips.
4 wire LED strip
A new competitor from the last 3 years or so. This chip is 100% compatible with the ws2812b and is basically a clone of it. It does however introduce interesting features such as RGBW support by adding an extra dedicated white LED for this inside of the package. Not all software supports this but if it does, it enables a whole new color pallet by mixing all the colors + white. This chip runs PWM at about 1.1kHz making it better in the regard to the ws2812b too.
3 wire LED strip
As mentioned above, sometimes it’s smarter to choose a 12v LED strip then a 5v one (which are more common). Below are the most commonly used 12v LED strips, again, not in chronological order!
A new chip from the creators of the ws2812b and compatible with the same protocol. Main improvements are a higher internal PWM frequency (around 2kHz but some datasheets also state 8kHz), 12v compatible (5v logic signal) and dual signal wires so that if a chip gets damaged the signal should still reach all other chips. The downside of running 12v is that it often needs to “burn off” power depending on what is being displayed. This causes ws2815 to use more watts then a ws2812b running the same pattern.
4 wire LED strip
Yes, this one is also mentioned in the 5v category. But since the ws2811 is often used in different form factors some of these can be fed with 12v instead of 5v and driving 3 LEDs with the same signal. This for instance makes for very cheap LED strip that runs at 12v, but uses clusters of 3 LED modules which will display the same colors. So even those these are being sold as 60LEDs/m strip, you can only set the color per 3 LEDs not for each single one! But the big advantage is that these strips make for very cheap 12v strips and they are excellent to use in project where you need longer runs of LEDs. They are the cheapest type of 12v strip you can get and once the LEDs at 10m away from your vision, generally the per 3 LEDs isn’t a problem anymore!
3 wire LED strip
A new contender in the Digitally Addressable LED chip market. This chip is 12v compatible, has dual data lines for redundancy purposes and a unique feature where if you do not provide a data signal it will start playing a test pattern on all the LEDs. It features a global 8kHz PWM frequency with constant current drivers per color make it a lot better flicker wise then other strips. If you don’t send any data to the strip it will go into a test mode displaying various patterns, this stops once a data signal is detected. The data signal is ws2812b (clockless) compatible.
4 wire LED strip
Test pattern when no signal is detected
This article wasn’t so much meant to show what to buy but what’s available and some differences between the available chips. I have two buying guides for LED strip up, mainly that’s the “What 5v Digital RGB(W) LED Strip to buy” article or if you want different form factors, take a look at the Other forms of Digital RGB LEDs article!
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