More Pixel Protocols

LED Pixel Protocol WS2812

Overview

This pixel protocol was designed by World Semi in China. WS2812 offers many of the benefits the WS28xx series is famous for, as well as being the first in the series to offer an integrated LED design. Typically, users will choose WS2813 or above for higher quality, however WS2812 is still one of the most common protocols for pixel lighting displays. The control circuit and LEDs are integrated in a 5050 SMD package, which provides a small physical footprint for each pixel.

WS2812 pixel protocol - Advatek Lighting

WS2812 pixel protocol

Specifications

PixLite Mk1

PixLite Mk2

PixLite Mk3

Clock Type

Data-Only 

Color Resolution

Bits 

Current Control

Physical Package

SMD5050 with integrated LEDs 

RGB

RBGW

Input Voltage

5V 

Output Pixel Voltage

12V 

PWM Rate

400Hz 

Suitable Camera

Unsuitable for cameras 

Data Transfer Rate

800kbps 

Redundant Data Line

Colors

Color 

Brightness 

Wavelength 

Red 

550 – 700 mcd 

620 – 630 nm 

Green 

1100 – 1400 mcd 

515 – 530 nm 

Blue 

200 – 400 mcd 

465 – 475 nm 

Considerations for Use

Advantages

  • Up to 12V, allowing for long cable lengths

Disadvantages

  • Data-only restricts refresh rates to be limited by the speed of the protocol, which can be slow
  • Low PWM rate makes theses pixels unsuitable for cameras
  • Only 8 bits of data for each color makes dimming curves less smooth
  • No redundancy in data

PixLite Support

Are you looking for WS2812 pixel drivers that work with Art-Net or sACN?

All PixLite Mk1, Mk2, and Mk3 products support WS2812 as an available Pixel IC type, so get in touch with us to find out how the lighting specialists at Advatek can support you in your pixel lighting project.

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