What’s Behind the Light? – How WS2812B LED Strips Work

Let’s dive into the WS2812B LED RGB strip datasheet before we try to control the device. Once we get a handle on its operation, we can use our Raspberry Pi or Arduino to make some light.

Note: Parts are referenced in the video. These include a WS2812B LED strip without a controller. Examples can be found on the Internet such as:

- 1 meter, non-waterproof, 60 pixel/meter, $19.95 from Sparkfun: https://www.sparkfun.com/products/15206
- 5 meter, non-waterproof, 60 pixel/meter, $30.88 from Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/BTF-LIGHTING-Flexible-Individually-Addressable-Non-waterproof/dp/B01CDTEJBG/

If you plan to use a Raspberry Pi, you’ll also need a 5V to 3.3V Bi-Directional Logic Level Converter Module. Examples include:

- $2.95 from Sparkfun without headers (https://www.sparkfun.com/products/12009)
- $4.29 with unsoldered header (https://www.amazon.com/Bi-Directional-Converter-Arduino-Envistia-Mall/dp/B07QTKZSBT/)

You will also need a solderless breadboard (sometimes called a protoboard) and some jumper wires to make the connections. Join us in the next video for more information.

#WS2812 #RGB #pixel