How to Use WS2812B White LED: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The WS2812B White LED is an individually addressable RGB LED that integrates a control circuit and an RGB chip into a single 5050 package component. Its ability to be controlled via a single data line makes it a popular choice for creating custom lighting effects in a wide range of applications, from DIY projects to commercial lighting systems. Common applications include LED strips, full-color displays, and decorative lighting.

• Supply Voltage (Vcc): 3.5V to 5.3V
• Operating Current (per LED): 20mA for each color, 60mA total at full brightness
• Peak Current (per LED): 80mA
• Operating Temperature: -40°C to +85°C
• Viewing Angle: ±120 degrees
• Wavelength (nm) for RGB:
  • Red: 620-625nm
  • Green: 515-530nm
  • Blue: 465-475nm

To use the WS2812B White LED in a circuit:

1. Connect the VDD pin to a 5V power supply.
2. Connect the GND pin to the ground of the power supply.
3. Connect the DIN pin to a digital output pin on a microcontroller, such as an Arduino UNO.
4. If chaining multiple WS2812B LEDs, connect the DOUT pin of the first LED to the DIN pin of the next.

• Use a capacitor (typically 1000µF, 6.3V) across the power supply pins to prevent voltage spikes.
• Place a 300 to 500 Ohm resistor on the data line to prevent signal reflection.
• Ensure a common ground across the WS2812B LEDs and the microcontroller.
• Avoid powering too many LEDs directly from the Arduino as it may exceed the current limit.

#include <Adafruit_NeoPixel.h>

#define LED_PIN     6 // Digital output pin connected to the DIN of the LED
#define NUM_LEDS    1 // Number of LEDs in the strip

// Initialize the NeoPixel library.
Adafruit_NeoPixel strip = Adafruit_NeoPixel(NUM_LEDS, LED_PIN, NEO_GRB + NEO_KHZ800);

void setup() {
  strip.begin(); // Initialize the strip
  strip.show();  // Initialize all pixels to 'off'
}

void loop() {
  strip.setPixelColor(0, strip.Color(255, 255, 255)); // Set the LED to full white color
  strip.show(); // Update the strip with new settings
  delay(1000); // Wait for a second
  strip.setPixelColor(0, strip.Color(0, 0, 0)); // Turn off the LED
  strip.show();
  delay(1000);
}

• LEDs not lighting up: Check power supply and connections. Ensure the data line has the correct resistor in place.
• Flickering LEDs: This may be due to a poor power supply or long wires causing voltage drops. Use a more stable power source or add a power injection point.
• Incorrect colors: Verify that the data signal is clean and without interference. Check for correct data encoding in the software.

Q: Can I control each LED individually? A: Yes, each WS2812B LED can be controlled individually via the data line.

Q: How many LEDs can I chain together? A: Theoretically, you can chain as many as your power supply can handle. However, the Arduino has a limit on how much current it can source, so external power may be necessary for larger arrays.

Q: Do I need to use a library to control the WS2812B with an Arduino? A: While not strictly necessary, using a library like Adafruit_NeoPixel simplifies the coding process significantly.

Q: How do I calculate the power requirement for my LED strip? A: Multiply the number of LEDs by the current draw per LED at the desired brightness level. For full brightness, each LED can draw up to 60mA.