Uploaded October 2024 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
This video demonstrates different approaches to wiring microcontrollers to common "clockless" LED strips (i.e. "Neopixel" WS2811, WS2812, WS2813, WS2815) which all use the same protocol transmitted at 800kHz on a single 5V data line.
For simple circuits and only a short length of LEDs, it may be ok to take the data signal directly from the GPIO pin of an Arduino/ESP8266/ESP32. But for a more robust approach, I'll explain why you should add a series resistor to condition the data signal and protect the GPIO pin, a capacitor to smooth out power fluctuations, and a logic level convertor to step up the output from a 3.3V microcontroller to the 5V logic required by the WS28xx specification.
To carry the data over a greater distance, you could also consider using differential signalling, as demonstrated using a pair of RS485 transceivers. This is much more tolerant of noise, and allows you to transmit a signal 10 metres or more - ideal if your LED strips are located some distance away from your controller, or if you need to introduce a space between consecutive LEDs in the middle of the strip.
Timings
00:00:00 - 00:01:20 Introduction
00:01:21 - 00:02:46 Direct connection
00:02:47 - 00:06:30 A more robust circuit
00:06:31 - 00:10:24 Differential signalling for long distance
00:10:25 - 00:12:14 Backup data line
Please subscribe to the channel to see more #playful #technology projects, or check out my Patreon page at patreon.com/playfultech
This video demonstrates different approaches to wiring microcontrollers to common "clockless" LED strips (i.e. "Neopixel" WS2811, WS2812, WS2813, WS2815) which all use the same protocol transmitted at 800kHz on a single 5V data line.
For simple circuits and only a short length of LEDs, it may be ok to take the data signal directly from the GPIO pin of an Arduino/ESP8266/ESP32. But for a more robust approach, I'll explain why you should add a series resistor to condition the data signal and protect the GPIO pin, a capacitor to smooth out power fluctuations, and a logic level convertor to step up the output from a 3.3V microcontroller to the 5V logic required by the WS28xx specification.
To carry the data over a greater distance, you could also consider using differential signalling, as demonstrated using a pair of RS485 transceivers. This is much more tolerant of noise, and allows you to transmit a signal 10 metres or more - ideal if your LED strips are located some distance away from your controller, or if you need to introduce a space between consecutive LEDs in the middle of the strip.
Timings
00:00:00 - 00:01:20 Introduction
00:01:21 - 00:02:46 Direct connection
00:02:47 - 00:06:30 A more robust circuit
00:06:31 - 00:10:24 Differential signalling for long distance
00:10:25 - 00:12:14 Backup data line
Please subscribe to the channel to see more #playful #technology projects, or check out my Patreon page at patreon.com/playfultech
