WS2812 LED Strip
The WS2812 LED strip is a 3-channel intelligent programmable RGB LED strip, which is composed of multiple WS2812 LED beads with integrated control circuits in series. Each LED bead can control the color and brightness individually, and dynamic lighting effects are achieved through digital signals. It adopts a single-line communication method, and only one data line (Din) is needed to control the entire strip. The data is transmitted through a specific timing signal. It has a cascading function, and each bead will automatically forward the data to the next bead after receiving it, supporting hundreds or thousands of LEDs in series. It can be addressed independently, and the color (24-bit color depth, 16.77 million colors) and brightness of each bead can be controlled individually.
What is WS2812?
WS2812 is an intelligently controlled programmable RGB LED that integrates red (R), green (G), blue (B) LED chips and control circuits in one package (usually 5050 size, 5.0mm × 5.0mm). Its biggest feature is that it only requires one data line to control multiple LEDs, achieving independent addressing and rich lighting effects.
Features of WS2812
Integrated driver IC (built-in control chip)
Traditional RGB LEDs require an external controller (such as a PWM dimming chip) to adjust the color, while each WS2812 LED has an integrated control IC inside that can directly receive and analyze digital signals. No additional driver circuit is required, simplifying the circuit design.
Single-wire serial communication (DIN→DOUT)
Only one data line (DIN) is needed to control the entire light strip, and the data is transmitted in sequence (cascade). Each LED reads its own data and passes the remaining data to the next LED (similar to a relay). Supports unlimited cascading (actually limited by refresh rate and power supply).
Independent addressing (each LED can be controlled individually)
Each WS2812 LED can set the color (24-bit color depth, 16.77 million colors) and brightness individually. Dynamic effects such as rainbow gradient, marquee, music rhythm, etc. can be achieved.
Power supply requirements
1.Working voltage: DC5V Current consumption: about 50~60mA when a single LED is fully bright white.