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LED driver chips are an important component in LED lighting systems. If you plan to use addressable LED strips for lighting and decorative projects, It is critical to choose an LED strip with the appropriate IC chip. In this blog, we will compare two common types of SPI LED strips: WS2811 and WS2818B. By exploring their features and specifications, we aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of these ICs and highlighting their differences and advantages, to help you make an informed decision for your project.
WS2811 VS WS2818B , What’s the difference?
First, let’s take a quick look at the comparison chart to understand their differences and similarities. The table below compares the WS2811 and WS2818B LED driver chip.
| Type | WS2811 | WS2818B |
| Application Circuit Voltage | 5V/12V/24V | 5V/12V/24V |
| Data Transfer Rate | 800K/S | 800K/S |
| Channel | 3(RGB) | 3(RGB) |
| Constant Current | 16.5mA | 16.5mA |
| Current Range | non-tunable | non-tunable |
| Data Bit | 8 | 8 |
| Grayscale | 256 | 256 |
| Port Refresh Rate | 4KHZ | 2KHZ |
| Port Withstand Voltage | 20V | 20V |
| Two-point Transmission Distance | 4 meters | 5 meters |
| Featured Function | / | Break Continue |
| Package Size | SOP8 | SOP8/CPC8/FSOP8 |
| Signal Protocol | TTL/SPI（single-wire serial） | TTL/SPI（two-wire serial） |
| Difference Comparison | high refresh rate | Break Continue/packaging optional |
From the table above we can see that there are some differences and similarities between WS2811 and WS2818B addressable LED light strips. Next, we will delve into the specific details and characteristics of each LED Strip.
Deep Dive into WS2811 vs WS2818B LED Strips
After conducting a rough comparison between WS2811 and WS2818B, we now dive into the specifics of each kind of LED strip.
WS2811 LED Pixel Light
What is WS2811 LED Strip
WS2811 pixel protocol is designed by China World-Semi. WS2811 is an external IC that is directly soldered onto the PCB. WS2811 LED strips are available in DC5V, DC12V and DC24V. Commonly used for LED decorative lighting and Indoor/outdoor LED video or irregular screen.
Features of WS2811 LED Strip
The WS2811 has only three channels, so it cannot provide RGBW options. The WS2811 has a refresh rate of 4k, which allows for smoother and more consistent color transitions. Built in signal reshaping circuit,after wave reshaping to the next driver, ensure wave-form distortion not accumulate.
WS2818B LED Pixel Light
What is WS2818B LED Strip
The WS2818B and WS2811 share many similarities, such as being designed and manufactured by World-Semi, being external ICs, and supporting DC5V/DC12V/DC24V. However, there are some differences in terms of break-continue, refresh rate, and package size.
Features of WS2818B LED Strip
The WS2818B uses a dual-wire serial TTL/SPI signal protocol, which adopts dual signal transmission that allows these signals to operate together without interference. This enables the system to continue functioning even if one pixel is damaged, a feature known as break-continue. Additionally, the refresh rate of the WS2818B is 2 kHz, and its package size is available in several options, including SOP8, CPC8, and FSOP8.
Choosing Between WS2811 and WS2818B
When choosing between WS2811 and WS2818B LED strips, it’s essential to consider their specific features and your project requirements. When choosing among these two options, consider the following factors:
- Break-continue: Among the WS2811 and WS2818B, only the WS2818B features a break-continue function. Therefore, the WS2818B is more advantageous for large projects. This is because if there is a wiring issue with the WS2811, it can lead to dead pixels and cause all subsequent LED strips to turn off. In contrast, the WS2818B with the break-continue feature will not experience this issue unless there are two consecutive dead pixels present.
- Port refresh rate:The port refresh rate of WS2811 is 4KHz, WS2818B is 2KHZ.This means that the shooting effect of WS2811 will be better than that of WS2818B.
Ultimately, the choice depends on your specific project requirements, such as break-continue and port refresh rate. Review the specifications and features of each LED strip type, and select the one that best aligns with your needs
Conclusion
In conclusion, through the comparison of WS2811 and WS2818B, we know that the WS2811 and WS2818B LED strips each offer unique features, making them suitable for different applications. While they share some similarities, their differences in terms of break-continue, refresh rate, and package size. When you really understand the nuances between them, you can choose the LED Strip that suits you.
FAQs
1、Can WS2811 and WS2818B be cut to custom lengths?
Yes, WS2811 and WS2818B strips can be cut to custom lengths. They all have cuttable sections, usually marked along the strip, allowing you to adjust the length to your specific requirements.
2、What is break-continue, and why is it important?
Break-continue allows the system to keep communication even there is interruption or damage in the transmission path.