This blog is mainly about individually addressable LED strip guide RGB RGBW and controllers. It includes individually addressable LED strip types, matching LED controller types, RGB vs.RGBW addressable LED strip and how to properly install individually addressable LED strip.
Table of Contents
Introduction
What is Individually Addressable LED Strip?
Individually addressable LED strip is a type of LED strip. Each LED of individually addressable LED strip can be controlled independently. So it can set every single LED to different color and brightness at the same time. This type of LED light strip can make wonderful lighting effects in this way. Therefore, this LED light strip is usually used in projects that require complex visual effects, such as stage lighting, architectural displays, DIY projects, and holiday decorations.
Advantages of individually Addressable LED Strip
One of the most important advantage of individually addressable LED strips is that each LED functions as an individual pixel. It means that each LED of individually addressable LED strip can be controlled independently, so it can offer precise control over colors, brightness for each pixel. These LED strips with high pixel density is very suitable for indoor lighting that need complex lighting effects. Because people will watch to the pixel LED strip closely when it creating stunning visual displays, smooth animations, or ambient lighting with intricate patterns.
Types of Individually Addressable LED Strips
Built-in RGB Addressable LED Strips
Built-in RGB individually addressable LED strips means the IC which used for controlling LEDs is built into the LED. There are two common types: WS2812 and SK6812, their operating voltage is generally 5V. Therefore, these two generally require additional power to prevent voltage drop for longer lengths. The WS2812 commonly found on the market today is generally an improved version of the WS2812B.
WS2813 and SK6813 are upgraded versions of WS2812 and SK6812, their operating voltage is 5V too. Their have a break-continue function, ensuring the strip continues to work even if an LED fails, making them reliable for indoor light installations and creative lighting projects.
The operating voltage of WS2815 is different from those types above, it operates at 12V, which reduces voltage drop issues. So WS2815 is more suitable for longer installations with fewer power supplies, ideal for large-scale architectural lighting or stage backdrops. Suntech supply individually 24v addressable WS2815 LED strip as well. These are the most common types of built-in RGB individually addressable LED strips available on the market.
External ICs generally cannot control every LED independently, but the GS8208 is an exception. The operating voltage of GS8208 addressable LED strip is DC12V. The GS8208 have a break- continue function too. The GS8208 is perfect for both indoor and outdoor applications requiring colorful and flexible lighting, offering robust performance with rich color effects and high versatility.
RGBW Addressable LED Strips
The individually RGBW addressable LED strips is generally only available in the SK6812 5V LED strip on the market. Compared to RGB, RGBW adds a separate white light, which is purer than the white light produced by mixing RGB. Available in densities of 30 LEDs/m, 60 LEDs/m, 120leds/m and 144 LEDs/m, 5mm and 8mm in width. Unlike the RGB type of SK6812, the operating voltage is only 5V, Suntech supply DC24v 66pixels/m RGBW, DC12v 72pixels/m individually addressable LED strip as well.
Addressable LED Controllers Explained
Master and slave control all-in-one machine
Mobile & App-Based Controllers
Mobile & App-Based Controllers offer easy connect solutions for control addressable LED strips. These controllers connect to your smartphone through Wi-Fi (SP108E) or Bluetooth (SP105E). Then users can control lighting effects, colors, brightness through dedicated apps.
Recommend Controller : SP105E, SP107E, SP108E, SP110E.
Main Controller + Sub-Controller
The XB-Z2 main controller and T790k sub-controller can control individually addressable LED strips with a huge number. The XB-Z2 serves as the master controller, capable of creating and controlling sophisticated lighting effects and animations for large installations. Mian controller can control many sub-controllers. Therefore, it is suitable for large-sized projects that need a huge number of addressable LED strip.
Recommend Controller: XB-Z2, T790K.
Madrix Artnet & Networked Controllers
GPS Main controller + Sub- Controller
The GPS Main Controller XB-809 and MR-3F23S, paired with Sub-Controllers T790K and MR-228DW, provide an advanced GPS wireless control system for addressable LED strips. This controller use GPS technology to enhance the precision of timing control. Therefore, it can achieve accurate control of LEDs over a wide area.
Recommend Controller : Main controller XB-809, MR-3F23S, Sub controller: T790K , MR-228DW
Comparing RGB vs RGBW Addressable LED Strips
WS2812, WS2813, WS2815, and SK6812 are all individually addressable LED strips, but they differ in key features and capabilities.
- WS2812, WS2813, WS2815 are RGB LED strips. The operate voltage of WS2812 is 5V, while the WS2813 has the added benefit of break-continue, allowing the strip to continue functioning even if a single LED fails, making it more reliable for long runs and complex installations. WS2815, is also an RGB strip but the operate voltage is 12V, reducing voltage drop issues for longer installations. This makes it ideal for larger projects, requiring less power injection and ensuring consistent brightness.If you want to learn more about the differences between WS2812, WS2813 and WS2815, you can click on these blogs: WS2812 vs WS2813, WS2812 vs WS2815, WS2813 vs WS2815.
- SK6812 is a RGBW strip. It is similar to the WS2812, but there are also some differences. If you want to learn more, please read this blog: WS2812 vs SK6812. The additional white provides a pure white light that better than the white mixed by RGB. Therefore, it can It can meet the demands of a portion of discerning customers, especially for warm white or daylight lighting.
In summary, WS2812 and WS2813 are RGB-only, WS2815 is a higher-voltage version of WS2813, and SK6812 adds a dedicated white channel for enhanced color control and white light output.
Installation Tips of Addressable LED Strips
Power Supply Considerations
Before purchasing and installing, please calculate the power requirements. You can learn how to calculate power through this link: https://suntechlite.com/how-to-calculate-the-led-power-supply-for-led-strip/
Wiring and Connectivity
Connecting the controller, power supply, and LED strip. Please reach this article: https://suntechlite.com/how-to-control-connect-and-wire-addressable-led-strip/
Conclusion
This article is a guide on individually addressable LED strips. It covering all aspects from the types of LEDs to controllers and practical applications. Let me know if you’d like to expand any specific section further!