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An Introduction to LED Pixel Lighting Technology
LED Pixel Strip Light is addressable LED strip light that can be used to create any custom lighting effects required. These products can be used in a variety of projects, from illuminated signs to stage productions. Addressable LED strip lights, also know as LED pixel strip lights allow you to control either every single LED individually or as a group using an LED pixel controller.
LED Strip Light vs Digital Pixel LED Strip Light
With LED strip lights all the LEDs are controlled as one. If you change the colour of the LED strip light the entire length of strip light changes to that colour. LED strip light is a fantastic option for lighting and enhancing the ambience of a space with a solid wash of colour.
Digital pixel LED strip light allows you to control individual or a group of the LEDs. With this added control a digital addressable strip light can create amazing effects. From a simple chasing effect where the LEDs light up one by one through to much more complex effects where you can create images and effects which have an impressive wow factor.
A main aspect to consider when selecting pixel LED strip lights is the pixels per metre or PPM. A higher PPM means that there are more LED pixels in one meter of the strip, which allows for finer detail and smoother transitions between colours. On the other hand, a lower PPM will result in a more blocked appearance of colours as there are pixels controlling larger groups of LED chips.
PPM is an important consideration when selecting pixel LED strip lights, as it can impact the quality of the lighting effects that can be achieved with the strip light.
Below is an demonstration on the kind of effects that can be generated using pixel LED strip light:
Your Pixel Options
To create these fantastic light effects, you can use a preprogramed simple standalone controller. Or for professional installations we recommend one of our Advatek options. With all pixel projects we are here to help and produce the best solutions for your requirements.
You can think of Pixel LED Strip Light as a very low-resolution LED video screen but controlled via a pixel controller instead of SDI or HDMI.
Pixel, Addressable, Digital, SPI…what does it mean?
Pixel, Addressable and Digital all refer to the same meaning. They are all different ways the industry refers to the same product. Some of the term you might see include LED Pixel Strip Lights, Digital Toning LED Strip Light or Addressable LED Light Strips.
Even though there are various names and terms for the these products, they all share the same key fundamentals of pixel LED strip light:
- A flexible PCB with copper solder pads in either black or white
- Colour changing LED chips mounted to the PCB
- A pixel chip mounted to the PCB which controls the LED chips
SPI on the other hand stands for "Serial Peripheral Interface". It is the signal that is used to communicate the with the LED pixel strip light. SPI Digital LED controllers are designed to be used with pixel LED strip light to send a signal along the strip light, communicating with the pixel chips and passing on a message to the LED chips to tell them to light up in a certain way.
What about RGB vs RGB+W pixel LED strip lights?
This depends on the end user application.
RGB Pixel Strip Light uses a 3-in-1 colour (red, green, and blue) LED chip. By having the three colours, red, green, and blue, at full brightness, the end user can obtain a nearly white colour. RGB strip light also uses 3 channels per LED, which means lesser number of DMX addresses, when it comes to mapping them.
RGBW Pixel Strip Light has a 4-in-1 colour (red, green, blue, and white) LED chip. Although RGB can produce a colour close to white, the dedicated white LED of the RGBW Pixel strip light provides a much purer white tone. RGBW strip light uses 4 channels per led, which means a larger number of DMX universe will be required during mapping the strip light.
LED Pixel Lighting Control
Controlling Pixel LED lights involves sending signals to individual LEDs in a matrix or strip to change their colour, brightness, and pattern. There are different methods for controlling Pixel LED lights, each with its own advantages and limitations.
Microcontroller: One of the most common ways to control Pixel LED lights is by using a microcontroller such as Arduino, Raspberry Pi, or Teensy. The microcontroller sends signals to the LED strip or matrix, specifying the colour, brightness, and pattern of each LED. This method provides a high level of flexibility and control, allowing for complex animations and lighting effects.
Pixel Controllers: Pixel Controllers are advanced LED controllers designed to provide high-quality control for LED pixel lighting applications. These controllers offer a range of features and capabilities that make them ideal for use in a variety of lighting applications, from stage and event lighting to architectural and commercial lighting.
One of the key features of Pixel Controllers is their compatibility with a wide range of LED pixel protocols, including WS2811, WS2812 and APA102. This makes them a versatile option for controlling different types of LED lighting installations.
Pixel Controllers generally offer a range of advanced features, such as built-in pattern generation, colour correction, and advanced mapping capabilities. This allows users to create complex lighting effects and animations, as well as fine-tune the colour and brightness of each individual LED.
Software: Software applications such as Jinx, Glediator, and MadMapper allow users to create custom animations and effects for Pixel LED lights. These applications usually require a computer or laptop to run and a compatible LED controller to send the signals to the LEDs.
What are LED Pixel Protocols?
When controlling Pixel LED lights, it is important to consider the power requirements of the LED strip or matrix. Pixel LED lights require a significant amount of power, and it is important to ensure that the power supply is sufficient to prevent damage to the LED strip or matrix. It is also important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for wiring and connecting the LEDs to ensure safe and reliable operation.
LED pixel protocols are a set of communication standards used to control LED pixels in various lighting applications. These protocols allow for precise control of individual LED pixels, enabling them to display complex patterns, animations, and colours.
There are several popular LED pixel protocols in use today, each with its own unique features and characteristics. Some of the protocols we use include:
- UCS1903
- UCS1904
- UCS2903
- UCS2904
- TM1804
- TM1903
- WS2811
- WS2815
- SK6812
Overall, LED pixel protocols are a critical component of modern lighting systems, enabling precise control and dynamic visual effects in a wide range of applications.
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