WS2815
WS2815 — 12V Addressable LED
The WS2815 is the 12V successor/alternative to the WS2812B. It solves two major problems: voltage drop (thanks to 12V) and single-point failure (thanks to backup data line).
Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Voltage | 12V DC |
| Current | ~20mA per LED (full white) — groups of 3 LEDs |
| Protocol | Single-wire NRZ at 800kHz |
| Refresh rate | ~400Hz |
| Color depth | 24-bit (8 per channel) |
| Max chain | ~2000 LEDs (with proper injection) |
| Package | SOP-8 (5050 package) |
Key Advantages Over WS2812B
- 12V — Much less voltage drop, inject every 8-10m instead of 2-3m
- Backup data line — If one pixel fails, the rest of the strip still works
- Better for outdoor — Higher voltage handles longer runs
Backup Data Line
The WS2815 has a built-in backup data line. If a pixel fails (output dies), the next pixel automatically switches to reading from the BI (Backup Input) pin, which passes the original signal through. This means one dead pixel doesn’t kill the entire strip.
Best Uses
- Outdoor permanent roofline lighting
- Long architectural runs (>5m)
- Installations where reliability is critical
- 12V automotive/12V battery powered
| Pin | Label | Function |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | VDD | +12V |
| 2 | DO | Data out |
| 3 | BOut | Backup data out |
| 4 | GND | Ground |
| 5 | DIN | Data in |
| 6 | BIN | Backup data in |