How to Create Pixel LED Using Ws2811 IC

The WS2811 is a 3-channel output IC made specifically for Pixel LEDs. It has a signal reshaping and amplification circuit, as well as an intelligent digital data, latch port. It also features a 12V voltage programmable constant current output driving circuitry and a precise internal oscillator. The three output channels were developed with a delay turn-on feature to eliminate power supply noise.

How it Works WS2811 IC

This IC uses single-line NZR (Non-Return to Zero) technique. The Data IN port receives data from the controller after the chip power-on reset event, the first IC collects initial 24bit data and then sends the internal data to the latch, and the other data reshaped by the internal signal reshaping and amplification circuit is sent to the next IC via the data-out port. Because this IC uses auto reshaping transmit technology, the chip cascade number is solely determined by signal transmission speed.

When the Data in the pin gets a reset signal, all chips concurrently communicate the received data to each segment. It will be updated with fresh information. After the reset signal has been completed. The control signals of the OUTR, OUTG, and OUTB ports will stay unaltered until a fresh reset signal is received. The IC provided PWM data to the OUTR, OUTG, and OUTB ports, which set the RGB voltages of the linked pixel LED.

Features of WS2811 IC

• Built-in voltage stabilizer.
• Adjustable 256 Gray level.
• 12v output port compression.
• Built-in signal reshaping circuit.
• Built-in electric reset circuit and power lost reset circuit.
• Cascading port transmission signal by a single line.
• Signal distance up to 10m without using any additional circuitry.
• Send data at speeds of up to 400 Kbps and 800Kbps in two modes.

The Circuit Diagram

We utilize a 5v supply in this circuit, which provides a constant current output of roughly 18.5mA at each output pin. This has the benefit of allowing the pixel LED to maintain its luminosity and color temperature due to the constant current drain via the IC’s output pins. Two 33ohm resistors are connected at the data input or output port to match the impedance, and the 104(0.1uf) non-polarized capacitor serves as a bypass capacitor to ground any AC components in the power rail (Optional). We utilized a standard Anode RGB LED in this circuit.

Multiple RGB LEDs are connected in series with a 12v supply in this circuit, resulting in a steady current output of around 18.5mA at each output pin. A 1.2Kohm resistor is used in series with the (VDD) pin to lessen the effects of power noise and to drop the voltage at the VDD pin of the IC. The non-polarized 104(0.1uf) capacitor serves as a bypass capacitor, grounding any AC components in the power rail. To match the impedance, two 33ohm resistors are connected at the data input and output ports (Optional).

R4 is a voltage divider at the OUT R pin. The V= I x R equation may be used to calculate the value of that resister. R = V/ I in this example refers to the voltage across the R resister, which can be determined using Vs – V LED (supply voltage – Voltage across the R LEDs which can be measured using a multimeter ). We may finally arrive at the equation R = Vs -V LED/ 18.5mA since “I” is constant at 18.5mA.

Designing Pixel LED PCB

We have two PCB designs: one that uses through-hole components and the other that uses surface-mount components. You can pick a PCB with through-hole components if you aren’t concerned about PCB size. You might pick a PCB with SMD components if you are concerned about the size of the PCB.

WS2811 IC Through Hole PCB

• D1 – For common Anode RGB LED
• J1 – In connector (Data IN, Gnd, V+)
• J2 – OUT connector (V+, Gnd, Data OUT)
• U2 – WS2811 IC (DIP08)
• R1, R2, R3 – 100Ohm, 33 Ohm, 33Ohm (1/4W)
• C1 – 0.1uf (Ceramic Non-polarized)

This PCB is 32mm by 23mm (WxH) and is made entirely of through-hole components. In this situation, the IC package is DIP8. The input and output connections are made using two 3pin connector headers (J1, J2). R1, R2, and R3 are 0.25-watt resistors. The RGB LED connection should be made through the D1 port. If you are utilizing a 5v supply, the R1 resistor is not necessary; instead, short the R1 pins.

What is the best way to use the pdf layout file? – The pdf file is two pages long, with the bottom copper side layout on the first page and the top silk side layout on the second. Simply print the document (select scaling settings as non in the print settings ). Use a screen UV-painting technique or a heat paper transfer technique. If you want the PCB to be built by a PCB manufacturer, use the Grabber files.

[ Download the pdf layout File ]

[ Download the Proteus Project and Gerber Files ]

WS2811 IC SMD PCB 5v I

• D1 – For common Anode RGB LED
• J1 – In connector (Data IN, Gnd, V+)
• J2 – OUT connector (V+, Gnd, Data OUT)
• U2 – WS2811 IC (SOP8)
• R1 , R2 ,R3 – 100Ohm(1206) , 33 Ohm (0805),33Ohm(0805)
• C1 – 0.1uf (0805)

This is a 2-layer PCB that is meant to conserve as much space as possible. It’s a 20 by 15 mm PCB made entirely of SMD components. SOP8 is the packaging for the WS2811 IC. The input, output, and RGB LED connections are all made with SMD pads. The R2 and R3 resistors are 0.1w SMD 0805 packages, however, the R1 resistor is an SMD 1206 package, which isn’t necessary if you’re using a 5v power source. If you’re using a 5v supply, short the R1 SMD pads.

[ Download the Proteus Project and Gerber Files ]

WS2811 IC SMD PCB 5v II

It’s a 2-layer PCB. Designed with the smallest possible size and components. It’s a 12mm x 19mm PCB that’s made entirely of SMD components. SOP8 is the packaging for the WS2811 IC. The input, output, and RGB LED connections are all made with SMD pads. If you want the PCB to be built by a PCB manufacturer, use the Grabber files.

[ Download the Proteus Project and Gerber Files ]

5050 RGB Pixel LED PCB with WS2811 IC

By attaching one PCB to another side to side, this 21mm X 7mm (WxH) PCB may be utilized as a pixel LED strip or string. A 5050 package SMD RGB LED is used on this PCB (D1). SOP8 is the packaging for the WS2811 IC. For the input and output, SMD pads are employed. The SMD 0805 packages of the R2 and R3 (33Ohm) resistors are 0.1w resistors. C1 is an SMD capacitor with a 0.1uF capacity and 0805 packagings.

[ Download the Proteus Project and Gerber Files ]

How to use the WS2811 Pixel LED Unit

Let’s explore how to use our WS2811 pixel LED PCB now that we’ve finished it. These components are connected in a series. The number of units in series is determined by the number of pixels LED units that the Pixel LED controller or microcontroller can support.

The first pixel LED unit is connected to the controller, as you can see. The data IN of the pixel LED unit is connected to the controller data OUT wire. The controller’s ground and +5 terminals are connected to the GND and +5 pads of the pixel LED unit, respectively. The data OUT pad of the first pixel LED unit connects to the data IN of the next pixel LED unit on the opposite end. The pixel LED unit’s GND and +5 pads should be connected to the GND and +5 pads of the following unit, respectively.