What is a Pixel LED?
What is a Pixel LED?
A pixel LED (also called addressable LED) is an LED that contains a built-in driver IC (integrated circuit) that allows each individual LED to be controlled independently.
How It Works
Unlike standard LEDs where all lights on a strip show the same color, pixel LEDs use a serial data protocol:
- A microcontroller sends color data (24 bits per LED: 8 for red, 8 for green, 8 for blue)
- The first LED reads its 24 bits, passes the rest down the line
- This daisy-chains through all LEDs on the strip
- Each LED can show a unique color simultaneously
Key Components
| Component | Purpose |
|---|---|
| LED die | The actual light-emitting semiconductor (typically RGB) |
| Driver IC | The chip that receives data and controls the LED (e.g., WS2812B) |
| Data line | Single wire carrying serial data from controller to LEDs |
| Power lines | 5V or 12V + Ground |
Common Types
- WS2812B — 5V, most popular, 60mA per LED, 400Hz refresh
- SK6812 — 5V, similar to WS2812B but with optional RGBW variant
- WS2815 — 12V, backup data line, better for long runs
- APA102 — 5V, 2-wire SPI, 2kHz+ refresh, global brightness
- GS8208 — 12V, like WS2815 but different timing