Hardware Reference
In-Depth Information
Prepare for lift off
As the name explains, digitally-addressable RGB LED strips are those where the colour of
each RGB LED can be individually controlled (in the case of the analog strip, the colours
cannot be individually controlled).
Where can I buy them?
There are different models of the digitally addressable RGB LED strips based on different
chips such as LPD6803, LPD8806, and WS2811. The strips are sold in a reel of a maximum
length of 5 meters. Some sources to buy the LED strips include Adafruit (
http://www.
DC-p-931386.html
) and they cost about 50 USD for a reel. Some vendors (including
Adafruit) sell them in strips of one meter as well.
Engage thrusters
Let's review how to control and use these digitally-addressable RGB LED strips.
How does it work?
Most digitally addressable RGB strips come with terminals to powering the LEDs, a clock pin,
and a data pin. The LEDs are serially connected to each other and are controlled through the
SPI
(
Serial Peripheral Interface
).
