Table of Contents
1.Overview of Addressable LED Strip
Addressable LED strips have changed the lighting industry with it excellent visual effect. There are many types of addressable LED strip, and among them, the most popular are these few types: DMX LED strips, pixel RGBW LED strips, pixel RGB LED strips, and addressable white LED strips. They all have different uses.
DMX LED strips are known for their professional-grade control via DMX512 protocol. It is very suitable for large-scale architectural, stage, and commercial projects.
Addressable RGB LED strips, such as WS2812 or WS2813, allow for individually addressable LEDs, enabling stunning animations and dynamic effects.
Addressable RGBW LED strips enhance traditional RGB lighting by adding a single white channel. This single white is purer than the mixing white.
Addressable white LED strips offer tunable white or single white light options.
2. Voltage Options for Addressable LED Strips
- Common ICs: WS2812B, SK6812, WS2813
- Advantages: Could be used for devices that run 5v voltage such as Gaming Keyboards, Gaming Mice, Gaming PC cases, TV Backlighting Systems, a 5V addressable LED strip such as WS2812, WS2813, SK6812,these built-in ICs. They can control each LED independently, so it can set every single LED to different color and brightness at the same time.
- Disadvantages: Shorter maximum run length, prone to voltage drop. Mostly 5v strip run 2m , after 2m there will be voltage drop and white color will not be pure.
- Common ICs: WS2815, SK6813, UCS1903, WS2811, UCS2904, UCS2903
- Advantages: Compared to 5V strips, 12V addressable LED strips can run longer lengths without voltage drop, reducing the need for frequent power injection. Compared to DC24v strips, DC12v LED strip has individually addressable types such as WS2815 , SK6812 LED strip.
- Common ICs: DMX-controlled ICs like UCS512. TM1934, WS2818, UCS2904, UCS7604
- Advantages: Ideal for long runs and large installations, reduced power injection.
- Disadvantages: Compared to DC12v or DC5v addressable LED strip, it has no individually addressable types ,available in market only external IC types.
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3. Key Considerations for Voltage Selection
Length of the Strip
- 5V for short, less than 2meters or device must DC5v output.
- 12V or 24V for longer installations such as 5 to 20m one side connect to power supply , to avoid voltage drop.
- You can read this message for 5v , 12v and 24v comparison.
Type of Addressable LED Strip RGB or RGBW ?
RGB LED light strips can create a variety of lighting effects, and they also come in types that are individually addressable. When choosing RGB light strips, high-resolution 5V strips such as WS2812 or WS2813 are excellent choices, and each LED of them can be controlled individually. Therefore, they are very suitable for indoor use, such as in gaming devices, retail displays, and decorative lighting.
For those in need of RGBW lighting, the 5V SK6812 individually addressable LED strip is the best choice. It has a single white channel to provide a wider color range and higher brightness. These strips are very suitable for environments that require rich colors and pure white light, such as residential or commercial spaces.
For cost-conscious projects, external IC types like 24V TM1814 RGBW or WS2811 RGB strips are great options. These options provide addressable lighting functionality with fewer required integrated circuits, resulting in lower costs while still meeting the needs of general projects.
For large-scale key projects, 12V or 24V DMX RGB or RGBW LED strips are the best choice, such as the UCS512H4L. These strips offer excellent stability and precise control, and they are compatible with professional lighting systems. Therefore, they are very suitable for facade lighting and stage in large installation projects.
Power Supply Availability
Compatibility with readily available 5V, 12V, or 24V power supplies.
Application Type
For outdoor large-scale projects, DC12V and DC24V addressable LED strips are the excellent choices, such as TM1934 RGB, UCS7604 RGBW, or UCS512 RGB. These LED strips have a longer no voltage drop distance than 5V LED strips, so it can reduce the need for frequent power inputs. Additionally, these light strips utilize external ICs. This design is stable and reliable, allowing these light strips to be used in harsh outdoor environments. They are perfect for architectural lighting, outdoor signage, and large-scale decorative displays due to their easy installation and durability.
For indoor projects, high-resolution addressable LED strips, such as DC5V WS2813 and DC12V WS2815, are the excellent choices.Therefore, they can achieve more precise control and more detailed lighting effects. These LED strips use built-in ICs, each LED of them can be controlled independently. Therefore, they can achieve more precise control and more detailed lighting effects. The high resolution makes animations and transitions look much smoother, so they are suitable for projects requiring better visual effects, such as retail displays, gaming devices, and entertainment venues.
Choosing a right voltage and IC type is important for project success. For outdoor projects, you’ll want to focus on how sturdy and durable your LED strips are, while indoor setups are all about getting those crisp, eye-catching visual effects. It’s really just about putting these strips where they work best – that way, you’ll get the most out of them.
4. Application Scenarios
- Small DIY Projects
Recommendation: 5V addressable LED strips. They can achieve more precise control and more detailed effects. Normally you can use Raspberry Pi to control WS2812 LED strip for DIY jobs. - Medium-Sized projects
Recommendation: 12V LED strips for balance between flexibility and longer runs. - Large Commercial Spaces
Recommendation: 24V DMX LED strips for professional lighting in large venues. - Outdoor Applications
Recommendation: Choosing voltage for weatherproof and long-distance setups. DMX types and DC24v types
5. Conclusion
After years of development, we Suntechlite now own 1000+ basic products and more than 100 types of customized products. We supply the common addressable LED strips like DC12V/24V WS2811 RGB LED strip, DC12V WS2815, DC5V SK6812, and also designed some featured strips like 20m no voltage drop UCS1903 LED strip, DC12V SK6812 LED strip, DMX CCT LED strip, SK6812 5mm mini LED strip, etc.
Contact Suntechlite for professional advice, high-quality LED strips, and customized solutions.