DESCRIPTION
The WS2812B LED Strip Light is a popular, individually addressable RGB LED strip, ideal for vibrant, customizable lighting solutions in both residential and commercial settings. This flexible, high-performance LED strip utilizes the WS2812B chipset, integrating a single control IC into each LED for precise color control and seamless animations. Known for its ease of installation, the WS2812B LED Strip supports 5V DC input, and is compatible with a range of microcontrollers, such as Arduino, ESP32, and Raspberry Pi, making it highly versatile for DIY enthusiasts and professionals alike.
Each WS2812B LED on the strip has 24-bit color depth, allowing for 16.8 million color combinations. This strip offers high brightness, low power consumption, and minimal heat output, making it energy-efficient and safe for various applications, including under-cabinet lighting, backlighting, DIY projects, holiday decorations, and complex light displays.
A single WS2812B LED can draw up to 43 milliamps (mA) at peak brightness, so make sure you have a good power supply that can supply enough current.
Key Differences WS2812 VS WS2815
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Fault Tolerance: The Biggest Advantage of WS2815
This is the most significant difference for professional applications.
WS2812: It uses a simple daisy-chain. Data goes into the first LED (DI), is processed, and then passed to the next LED (DO). If LED #5 dies and stops outputting a data signal, LEDs #6, #7, #8, and so on, will all stop working. You have to find and replace the single dead pixel to fix the entire strip.
WS2815: It has two data lines: the primary (DI/DO) and the backup (BI/BO). The data signal travels along both paths. The LED always listens to the primary DI line. If it detects a failure (no valid signal), it automatically and instantly switches to the backup BI line for its input. This means if LED #5 dies, the signal simply jumps over it using the backup line, and LEDs #6 and beyond continue to work perfectly. The dead pixel is isolated.
Why this matters: In a permanent installation (e.g., architectural lighting, a large sign, or a stage prop), replacing a single dead LED can be incredibly difficult and costly. The WS2815's fault tolerance ensures the show goes on even with a few failed pixels.
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Operating Voltage: 5V vs. 12V
WS2812 (5V): The main challenge with 5V strips is voltage drop. Over longer distances, the resistance in the copper traces causes the voltage to sag. This results in LEDs at the far end of the strip appearing dimmer and changing color (e.g., white turning yellowish). To combat this, you need to inject power at multiple points along the strip.
WS2815 (12V): Because it operates at a higher voltage, it's much less susceptible to voltage drop. You can run a WS2815 strip much farther before needing a power injection point. This simplifies wiring and reduces installation time and cost for long runs.
Important Note: Even though the WS2815 runs on 12V power, its data signal is still 5V logic. This is usually not a problem, but for very long data cable runs, a 5V to 12V logic level shifter can help ensure signal integrity.
TECHNICAL DETAILS
- Operating Voltage: 3.3V - 5V (WS2812) / 12V (WS2815)
- LED per meter: 60
- Operating Current: 1.5A/m average
SHIPPING LIST
- 1x LED Strip Light WS2812B WS2815 1m