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Looking to buy an addressable LED strip but don't know where to start? This comprehensive guide will teach you everything you need to know about these fascinating devices, from their types and capabilities to the best ways to use them. By the end of this article, you'll be able to confidently choose the perfect addressable LED strip for your needs!
What Are
Addressable LED Strips?Addressable LED strips are a type of LED strip that is controlled by an addressable controller. These controllers allow the user to individually control each LED in the strip, allowing for more complex animations and patterns. Addressable LED strips are often used in decorations or lighting projects where a high degree of control is desired. They typically consist of three parts: the LEDs, the control circuit, and the power supply. The LEDs are arranged in a serial fashion, and each led has its own address. The control circuit contains the microcontroller that controls the LEDs, and the power supply provides power to the LEDs. Addressable LED strips are available in a variety of colors, and they can be used with a variety of controllers.
Addressable LED strips are a type of LED lighting that allows for individually controlled LEDs. That is, each LED on the strip can be independently controlled, rather than being controlled as a group. This gives you much more flexibility in terms of lighting design and allows you to create more complex and dynamic lighting displays. There are two main types of addressable LEDs: those with 3-pin connectors and those with 4-pin connectors. The 3-pin strips use a common anode design, while the 4-pin strips use a common cathode design. Addressable LED strips typically use one of two control protocols: WS/WS (also known as a neuron) or DMX512. DMX512 is the industry-standard protocol for stage lighting and is used in a wide range of professional applications. WS/WS is a newer protocol that is becoming increasingly popular for hobbyist and home applications. Both protocols allow for very precise control of the LEDs, but WS/WS is typically easier to use for amateur users. Addressable LED strips are powered by a low-voltage DC power supply and use very little power compared to other types of lighting. They are also very easy to install and can be cut to size, making them a versatile lighting solution for a variety of applications.
Important Factors to Consider When Choosing Addressable LED Strips
There are a few important factors to consider when choosing addressable LED strips for your project.
First, you need to determine the number of LEDs per meter. More LEDs will result in a brighter light, but they will also use more power.
Second, you need to decide on the color depth. This refers to the number of colors that the LEDs can display. A higher color depth will allow for more vibrant colors, but it will also use more power.
Finally, you need to choose a control method. The most common methods are DMX and SPI, but there are other options available as well. Each one has its own advantages and disadvantages, so be sure to research each option before making a decision. By considering these factors, you can choose the best addressable LED strip for your project.
1. Consider the size of the area you want to light
2. Decide on the colors you want
3. Choose a style that fits your décor
4. Make sure the strip is dimmable, in case you want to change the mood or ambiance
5. Check the wattage to make sure it's compatible with your electrical system
6. Compare prices and reviews before making a purchase
Voltage
Voltage is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing addressable LED strips. The voltage of an LED strip will determine how much power it uses and how bright it will be. Most LED strips use either 5 volts or 12-volt power, but there are also strips that use 24 or even 48-volt power. When choosing an LED strip, it is important to make sure that the strip is compatible with the voltage of your power source. If you are not sure what voltage your power source is, it is best to consult with an electrician before making a purchase. In addition to voltage, you will also need to consider the current rating of the LED strip. The current rating determines how much amperage the strip can handle without being damaged. If you plan on using multiple strips in parallel, you will need to make sure that the sum of the currents does not exceed the rating of your power supply. Once you have considered these factors, you will be able to choose the right addressable LED strip for your project.
The Type of LED IC
One important factor you'll want to consider when choosing addressable LED strips is the type of LED IC that is used. The most common type is the WSB, which features SMD LEDs that are addressable. This means that each individual LED can be controlled, making it easy to create sophisticated lighting effects. Another popular option is the SK, which is similar to the WSB but uses an alternate chip from a different manufacturer. The main difference between these two types of chips is the way in which they control the current. The WSB uses direct internal feedback, while the SK uses external resistors. As a result, the SK is slightly less efficient than the WSB. However, it's still a great option for those who want to create eye-catching lighting displays. Whichever type of chip you choose, you'll be able to create stunning light shows with addressable LED strips.
LED Density
LED density is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing LED strips. LED density is simply the number of LED chips per unit of area. The higher the LED density, the brighter the LED strip will be. However, high LED density also means that the LED strip will be more expensive. For most applications, a LED density of around 30-60 LED chips per square inch is sufficient. Another factor to consider is the color temperature of the LED chips. LED chips are available in a wide range of color temperatures, from cool white to warm white. The color temperature you choose will depend on the application you are using the LED strip for. Finally, make sure to choose an LED strip that is compatible with the power supply you are using. Most LED strips require a 12V power supply, but some higher-end models may require a 24V power supply. Check the specifications carefully before making your purchase.
The Nature of the Installation
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing addressable LED strips is the nature of the installation. For example, if the strips will be installed in a wet or damp environment, it is important to choose a strip that is water-resistant. Additionally, if the installation will be exposed to direct sunlight, it is important to choose a strip that is rated for outdoor use. Another factor to consider is the length of the strip. For example, if a long strip is required, it is important to make sure that the chosen product is capable of handling that length. Finally, it is also important to consider the power requirements of the installation. For example, if a large number of LEDs will be used, it is important to make sure that the power supply can handle the additional load. By taking all of these factors into consideration, you can ensure that you choose the best addressable LED strip for your specific application.
Types of Individually Addressable LED Strips
Individually addressable LED strips are a type of LED strip that allows each individual LED to be controlled. This means that you can create any kind of light show or animation that you want, limited only by your imagination. There are a few different types of individually addressable LED strips.
WS Vs WS Vs WS
WSB, WS, and WS are all individually addressable LED strips. WSB is the most common type of individually addressable LED strip. WS is very similar to WSB, but it has a built-in development board. WS is a much older type of individually addressable LED strip. It is not as common as WSB, but it is still used in some projects. All three types of individually addressable LED strips are controlled by a microcontroller. The microcontroller sends signals to the individual LEDs to turn them on or off. The LEDs can be controlled individually, or they can be controlled in groups. Individual control gives you the ability to create complex patterns and animations. Group control is often used to create simple lighting effects, such as fading or blinking. WSB, WS, and WS are all compatible with the Arduino platform. You can use Arduino to control your individually addressable LED strips.
WS
The WS is an external chip that you can find in 12V and occasionally, 5V varieties. The 12V is preferable as it is less likely to be damaged by static electricity. The WS is a very popular chip, used in a wide range of applications including LEDs, motors, and displays. It is a highly versatile chip that can be programmed to do a variety of tasks. In terms of LED control, the WS is often used to create dynamic and complex lighting effects. It can also be used to control motors, making it ideal for use in robotics applications. Overall, the WS is a very versatile and popular chip that offers a wide range of potential uses.
The WS is an integrated circuit chip that allows you to control a channel of 3 LEDs with each command. Therefore, it is not your ideal choice if you need to control each and every LED on its own. However, the WS is extremely versatile and can be used in a wide variety of applications. For example, you could use it to create unique lighting effects or to add some extra personality to your project. In addition, the WS is also relatively affordable, making it a great option for those on a budget. So, if you're looking for an integrated circuit chip that offers big features at a reasonable price, then the WS is definitely worth considering.
WSB Vs WS
Where to Buy Addressable LED Strips
Addressable LED strips are one of the most popular ways to add dynamic lighting to any space. They are easy to install, easy to use, and offer a wide range of customization options. However, with so many different brands and models on the market, it can be difficult to know where to buy addressable LED strips. In general, there are three things to consider when choosing a supplier: pricing, quality, and customer service.
That's why we're proud to offer customization services on all of our addressable LED strips. Whether you need a special length, width, or color, our team of experts can create a custom solution that's perfect for your project.
In addition, we also offer a wide range of accessories and options that can be added to your customized addressable LED strip, such as mounting brackets, diffusers, and controllers.
So if you're looking for a company that can provide you with the perfect addressable LED strip for your project, look no further than us. We're here to help you find the perfect solution for your needs.
In conclusion
So, what are you waiting for? Get started on your project by browsing the wide selection of addressable LED strips at MSH Lighting today. With our help, you're sure to find the perfect strip for your needs. If you have any questions about our products or how to use them, don't hesitate to give us a call. We're always happy to help!
Addressable LED strips bring lighting designs to new heights never before weve seen such a level of customization with colors, brightness, and timings.
You can use them for designing mesmerizing light shows or have a fun little DIY project in your room. Its a perfect fit for all; the only limitation is YOUR imagination.
However, digital addressable LED strips are NOT easy to set up and may need expert guidance. To help you with that, we made this ultimate guide to addressable LED strips that covers all your questions and queries regarding addressable LED technology.
Lets dive into it.
Addressable LED strips have LEDs that can be controlled (addressed) individually, giving you tons of lighting design flexibility.
Normally, an analog LED strip can change one color at a time. But with an addressable LED strip, you can program each LED individually and control its color, temperature, hue, and brightness.
This helps create amazing lighting effects like chasing lights, meteor showers, moving fades, and many more. Mainly used in applications where a high degree of control is required, like stage lighting in concerts.
You can program each LED using computer code and make a custom lighting show or use a pre-defined set of libraries to get awesome effects.
At first glance, youll notice that addressable LED strips have three parts, LED chips, the controller or microcontroller, and a power supply.
Programming and controlling addressable LED is difficult, but its flexibility in custom lighting designs is immense.
Addressable LEDs strip may have LED chips that can be controlled individually or in a group of 3 or 6 LEDs. Individually addressable LED strips let you control every LED, making them the most dynamic lighting option available.
Simple addressable LED strips give lesser control as you can only control groups of LEDs at once. However, they are still far ahead of analog LED strip lights.
Understanding how addressable LED work is critical to having the best lighting design for your project. Well keep it simple so you dont get caught up in too many technical details.
Addressable LED strips let you control each LED (chip) individually, which is made possible by combining an integrated circuit chip (ICs), a controller, and a power supply.
Each LED has its standalone integrated chip (IC) responsible for changing that particular LEDs color and brightness.
The addressable LED strip light is arranged in groups of 3 or 7 chips wired in series. There is a cutting point after each group which is how you can get the desired length of the LED strip.
Next up is a microcontroller that controls each IC of the LED. It does that by utilizing data channels that connect IC with the controllers.
Traditional RGB LED strip doesnt have controllers with data channels and instead is connected with R, G, B, and + pins that can only send single commands.
All of this is powered by a power supply. It uses a low-power DC supply, typically 12V or 24V.
Moreover, two control protocols, DMX512 and WS, are available in the market.
DMX512 is more for professional use, like big light shows, while WS is beginner-friendly and typically used in small-scale projects.
Youll probably find these names printed on standard LED addressable strips, which are actually the names of IC chips.
A built-in IC chip controls individual LEDs colors and brightness levels. So, it plays a pretty important role. Some of the popular types are as follows.
WSB uses one wire communication protocol offering a wide range of color options. Popular microcontrollers like Raspberry Pi and Arduino can control these strips.
Furthermore, its the most commonly available and inexpensive addressable LED strip type. Its a favorite pick for LED hobbyists and enthusiasts.
Next up is APA102 addressable LED strip that uses a two-wire communication protocol allowing a higher refresh rate resulting in smoother transitions, animations, and lighting shows.
SK is similar to WSB in the sense that it only uses one-wire communication but has voltage-independent colors and brightness levels, which is really convenient.
Voltage independence means that the drop in volts doesnt affect the colors of the SK addressable LED strip over a specific voltage range.
Moreover, it offers a larger color gamut and higher accuracy.
LPD addressable LED strip provides a higher refresh rate(RR) and pulse width modulation (PWM) rate resulting in better color resolution and smoother transitions than all the above types. RR AND PWM are two performance-measuring standards of LED circuits.
The different types of addressable led strips are based on communication signals (data). Each with its unique properties.
Digital Multiplex(DM) 512 means that more than five hundred data channels can be controlled at a time, making this addressable led strip the most programmable and versatile among all types. It enables you to perform complex lighting tricks and animations. By the way, learn about the difference between DMX and DALI lighting control.
DMX512 LED strips are compatible with the DMX controller. However, traditionally led strips require a separate decoder which makes DMX512 superior.
If one LED chip burns out, it doesnt affect the other bulbs, and they work perfectly fine.
DMX512 is a universal digital protocol for lighting equipment, but its great controllability makes it harder to wire.
It is also the most expensive compared to other types. Though, its high quality, low interference, and long-distance communication make it worth every penny.
SPI, short for serial peripheral interface, is another subcategory of an addressable led strip that uses synchronous serial communication protocol for data transfer for communication.
Unlike DMX512, which uses a synchronous parallel interface to create more complex lighting shows, the SPI strip is relatively simpler.
It can offer a wide range of preset lighting offers that you can select on a remote controller suited for small projects with minimum lighting requirements like decoration.
SPI is not an international protocol, so different manufacturers may end up developing different protocols for their strips.
You will get efficient and thoughtful service from BLUE DIAMOND.
This simply means that SPI addressable strips can only be controlled by an SPI controller, which the manufacturer recommends.
Single Signal Addressable Strip: As the name suggests, a single signal addressable strip has an IC control area that can transmit only one signal at a time. An IC control area is also called a Pixel. Its a combination of an LED chip and an IC circuit.
When a single LED (pixel) burns out, the rest of the bulbs attached next to it also stop working.
Dual Signal Addressable Strip: A dual signal addressable strip has an extra clock channel that lets you control each LEDs ON/OFF time. Like the first type, if one bulb along the strip stops working, the others will also shut down.
Breakpoint Resume Addressable Strip: Breakpoint Resume addressable LEDs have a backup and default data line. This simply means that if one of the LED chips burns out, the rest will still work. Its an upgrade to a single signal addressable led strip and utilizes a four-channel LED driver.
Still confused? Here is an easy breakdown of the different categories with their examples. Table 1 is about DMX512 vs SPI Addressable LED Strip, and Table 2 shows examples of dmx512 LED strips and SPI LED strips.
Signal ProtocolWiringCompatibilityReliabilityAnti-interferenceCostApplicationDMX512HardGood, Universal IC protocolHigh, Breakpoint transmissionGood long-distance communicationHighStage lighting, large light shows, adsSPI EasyInferior,Different protocolsBreakpoint resume but discontinue after two breakpointsInferior, affected by strong current/magnetic disturbanceLowSmall scale decorationSignal Protocol
Category
Examples
DMX512 Addressable LED Strip
Universal/Same protocol for different DMX512 ICs
UCS512, SM
SPI Addressable LED Strip
Built-in IC models
WSB, WS, WSB, SK, SK, APA102, CS, CSB
External IC models
WS, WS, WS, UCS, TM, TM, TM, CS, CS, CS, LPD
IC models with breakpoint resume function
WS, WSB, CS, CSB, WS, TM, CS
IC models without breakpoint resume function
WSB, SK, SK, APA102, WS, WS, UCS, TM, TM, CS, CS, LPD
IC models with clock channel
SK, APA102, WS, LPD
IC models without clock channel
WSB, WS, WSB, SK, CS, CSB, WS, WS, UCS, TM, TM, TM, CS, CS, CS
Addressable LEDs are available in 5V, 12V, and 24 V voltage ratings. For longer strip runs, a higher voltage rating of 24V is preferred so you wont experience voltage drop along the strip.
Addressable LED strip lights can produce any color imaginable with a combination of red, blue, green
(RGB) and white light (W). Here are some standard color options you can choose
from.
Single 3-channel chip.
Single 4-channel chip. RGB with white LEDs.
Single 3-channel RGB chip with a separate chip for White LED.
Single 3-channel chip with a separate 2-channel chip consisting of cold white and warm
white LED.
Single 5-channel chip with RGB, CW, and WW LEDs
Finally, different integrated circuit (IC) chip sizes differentiate digitally addressable LEDs. They are the four digits numbers printed on the IC chip, for example, SMD and SMD . These represent the size in millimeters (mm).
So, a IC chip is 5mm by 5mm with a surface area of 25 mm.
Remember, a larger surface area of an LED IC chip doesnt necessarily mean a brighter light. In fact, a chip puts out more light than a chip, even though it has a smaller surface area.
Other factors that influence the lumen output of an LED are circuit design, power supplied, and material.
However, size does play a role in the placement of LED chips onto the strip. The narrower chips can be placed closely together, resulting in smooth, light output, contrary to bigger chips that need to be spaced further apart.
But a bigger chip can easily fit multiple diodes in a single chip, creating more dynamic lighting.
Choosing the right digitally addressable LED strip depends on various factors. Knowing
them will increase your chances of buying a suitable product for your project.
Typically, addressable LED strips run on 5v, 12v, and 24v supplies. We recommend going for the 12 or 24v option for large installations as it prevents voltage drop in the LED strip.
A voltage drop occurs due to the inherent electrical resistance of the wire. This resistance causes voltage loss in the circuit.
The longer the wire is, the higher the resistance will be. You cant do anything about the voltage drop except to use a higher voltage power supply.
LEDs closer to the power supply get the most voltage and shine the brightest, but the bulbs in the end, suffer from the voltage drop resulting in diminishing brightness.
Lower voltage LED strips have shorter cut lines. Thats because LED chips are wired in groups on the strip.
A 5 V strip has one-, a 12 V strip has three- and a 24 V strip has seven- LEDs in one group.
So, for smaller projects with a higher number of bends, we recommend low-voltage addressable strips like 5v or 12v because they have closer cut lines.
The flexible strip on which the addressable LEDs are mounted is actually a long, flexible circuit board.
This strip (circuit board) is lined with a copper layer connecting all the circuitry and dissipating residual heat.
We know through basic physics that a conductor with greater thickness will offer lesser electrical resistance resulting in a lower voltage drop.
So, we recommend an addressable LED strip with a higher copper amount. Typically, the copper in LED strips is measured in ounces per sq. ft.
For small-scale projects, you can do away without considering this, but for large-scale projects, we recommend asking the retailer for complete details about copper content in the addressable LED strip.
How bright an LED is directly related to its power supply. The higher the power is, the brighter the light will be.
Color rendering index (CRI) measures how well an artificial light source reproduces the objects original color.
Sunlight has the highest CRI value of 100, and all other light sources are measured against it. Cheap addressable LEDs tend to have poor CRI values, which can destroy your lighting project. So, always invest in products with a CRI rating of 85 or higher.
A common misconception is that the brighter the LED light is, the more powerful and efficient it is.
But thats not the complete story. An LED light can produce high lumens if given enough power supply, which is just a waste of energy.
A better way to measure the efficiency of an LED strip is by a ratio of luminous flux to power, known as Luminous Efficacy.
It is usually mentioned in the product specs, but if they ask the retailer about it. LED strips with higher luminous Efficacy produce brighter light by consuming minimum energy and dissipating less heat.
The LED power supply must be dust and waterproof, especially if you install it in concealed places, like behind the drywall.
The addressable LEDs, which are rated IP65-68, should be used for extra safety.
The number of LEDs present in one meter (unit) of the addressable LED strip is known as the LED density. Higher density makes lighting brighter and transitions smoother, but it also increases power consumption.
Lastly, you need to consider the control protocol type like DMX512 or SPI. You can go through the various options weve discussed above and choose the best suited for your project.
We recommend three great ways to install LED strips for your projects.
Adhesives and sticky tape are great ways to attach the LED strips to the surface. However, this method is best suited for DIY small-scale projects like lighting up your room or a music studio.
LED channels are aluminum rails with diffusers in which LED strips are placed. It acts like a shield for the LED strip and gives off a smooth, even light output which is great for sophisticated decor. Its fairly easy to attach rails to any surface.
Aluminum channels hide the electrical wiring, giving your place a minimalistic and clean look.
Use buckles or mounted clips to install outdoor LED strips. For outdoor use, adhesives may not be effective against the weather, so clips are a better option.
Managing LED strips at bends and corners can be a frustrating experience. Here are some tips for easy installation without much cutting and bending of the strip.
Guide the LED strip along the corner and let it take its natural shape. Do not force the bend. Place hot glue for extra stickiness.
Some people also try to fold the LED strips at a 90 degrees angle. However, it can damage the strip.
Cut the LED strip into two parts at the cut line. Use a wire connector to connect both strips. Though efficient, this will leave the corner with no light. To counter this, use an aluminum channel or a diffuser to get even light.
The best way to connect two LED strips together is by soldering the end of the connector. The output of one LED strip is connected to the input of the second, and the process continues. Connect one end to the power supply, and the whole strip will light up.
Start by setting the dmx512 address into DMX512 ICs. You have to use an address writer to achieve this. Once the address is set in the DMX controller, it will save all the data of the LED IC even when the power is turned off.
SPI is different than DMX512 and doesnt require setting up the address.
SPI isnt a standard style, and many manufacturers tend to use their own design. Typically, an SPI addressable LED will have a data channel, a spare data channel (only for breakpoint resume type), clock channel.
The channels on the PCB of an SPI LED strip are marked with the letter D for the data channel, the letter B for the spare data channel, and the letter C for the clock channel.
LED strips operate on low voltage DC so you simply cant put it in the main AC power supply as this will cause them to burn out.
Instead, use high-quality AC to DC power supply. A rule of thumb is to use a power supply of 20% more rating than the expected power consumption of LED strips, as this will counter the voltage losses.
Make sure to match the voltage of the LED strip and the power supply. Underpowered or overpowered LEDs dont last long.
Youll certainly face voltage drops for a longer LED strip and may need more than one power supply.
You can attach the power supply to the middle of a long LED strip. The power is evenly distributed on both halves, and there wont be any voltage drop.
If connecting the power supply in the middle doesnt solve the voltage drop, then you may need Power Injections.
Its simply running extra wires to places that actually need them. You can connect these wires to a single or multiple power supply.
In the case of a digital addressable LED strip, its safe to connect the power supply directly to the positive and negative terminals of the strips because the individual microcontroller of each LED regulates the voltage.
For multiple power supplies, just remember not to connect the positive wires of two adjacent power supplies, as it can cause a fire.
Make sure to use thick wires for larger projects, as they offer the least resistance.
DMX512 LED strip requires a DMX controller, and the SPI LED strip needs a specific SPI controller. These controllers are not compatible with each other.
To control digitally addressable LEDs, you need a computer/controller like Arduino or Raspberry Pi to process all the code and signal the LED microcontroller on the strip.
Youll need a separate supply to run the program on the computer and control the addressable LEDs.
Addressable LED strips are fun to work with on DIY projects, but like any other electronics, they can run into problems. Here are a few things you can do to troubleshoot a digital addressable strip.
If your LED strip is not lighting up at all, go and check the power supply. If its working fine, check for any visible damage to the wires connecting the LED strip to the power supply.
If there is no wiring issue, then you may have a faulty LED. Use a multimeter to check the voltage across each LED chip.
If only a few LEDs are lighting up and the rest are either dim or not working, then you have a voltage drop or signal loss issue. Make sure the wiring is ok, and use a slightly higher-rated power supply.
Digital addressable LEDs may show inconsistent colors if there is a problem with color calibration during programming or coding. Ensure the program codes color values are consistent across the entire strip.
If your LEDs are flickering, you may be facing an error related to the refresh rate of the strip. Access the code and ensure the refresh rate is set correctly and the signals reach all the LEDs on the strip.
If your addressable LED strip is heating up, you are using a poor-quality power supply or a higher power than recommended.
See the details about connecting the power supply above. Ensure you keep the strips ventilated and dont run them at full capacity for an extended period.
If youre a first-time buyer or just want to improve your order, here are a few things you must consider when buying addressable LED strips for your project.
Kudos! If you stuck around till the end. After going through our guide, we are positive that you now have a firm grasp on the working concept of digitally addressable LED strips.
Weve first covered the working of the addressable LED strip and how to differentiate them with so many available options. Later we discussed installation and ways to get the best product in the market. With this knowledge and deep survey, you can find the best LED product for your project.
Wait! Before you leave, let us share with you a place where you can get all your LED lighting needs under one roof.
Are you looking for an addressable LED strip manufacturer that can help with your project?
RC Lighting is a leading Chinese manufacturer of addressable LED strips. Our products are manufactured in dust-free and high-tech plants under the watchful eye of expert technicians and engineers.
You can choose from a variety of high-quality LED indoor and outdoor lighting products in our catalog at market-competitive rates.
Got a unique request? We offer customization offers to our clients all across the globe.
Our LED addressable lights are durable, long-lasting, and available in various colors. Moreover, our products comply with the highest international quality standards.
RC Lighting offers 24/7 customer service, and youll also get a FREE project evaluation. So what are you waiting for?
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For more High Efficiency Constant Current LED Stripsinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.