In recent years, addressable digital LED strip lights have become increasingly popular across major lighting industries. So, it’s crucial that we understand the differences between the various types. This article will take an in-depth look at the addressable digital LED strips WS2811 vs WS2812 vs WS2813 vs WS2815. Let me flash together to compare their features, performance and suitability for different applications.
What is the WS2811 Addressable Digital LED Strip?
The WS2811 addressable digital LED Light Strip is a popular choice for many lighting projects due to its versatility. It is also an economical addressable LED strip controlled by an external IC WS2811.
This LED strip features individually addressable LEDs, with each IC controlling 3 LEDs. So every 3 LEDs can be cut into one pixel. Each pixel can be individually addressed, making it very flexible in many applications.
Main features of WS2811
- Chip: The WS2811 uses an external control IC, usually placed at regular intervals along the strip.
- Voltage: The operating voltage is 12V, which helps reduce current flow and allows longer runtime without significant voltage drop.
- Data transmission: Single-line data transmission protocol is used.
What is a WS2812 Addressable Digital LED Strip?
The WS2812B LED strip is a 5V individually addressable light strip with an IC embedded in a 5050 LED. In fact, it is an evolution of the WS2811, integrating the control IC into the LED package itself, creating a more compact and flexible design.
Main features of WS2812B
- Integrated Controller: The WS2812 integrates the control IC within the LED, allowing for a more compact design.
- Voltage: Operating voltage is 5V, ideal for more sensitive electronics and shorter strips.
- Compact design: Integrated IC makes the strip thinner and more flexible.
- Data transmission: using single-wire protocol, similar to WS2811.
What is a WS2813 Addressable Digital LED Strip?
WS2813 LED strip is an upgraded version of WS2812B, similar to WS2812B which is an improved version of WS2811. It adds a key application: it has an intermittent function. When an IC is broken, the signal can still pass through.
Main features of WS2813
- Fault Tolerance: Even if one LED fails, the light strip continues to function.
- Dual Data Cables: Includes a backup data cable for increased reliability.
- Voltage: The operating voltage is 5V, similar to the WS2812.
What is a WS2815 Addressable Digital LED Strip?
The WS2815 is designed for applications requiring higher reliability and longer uptime. It is an intelligent control LED light source that integrates the control circuit and RGB chip into a package made of 5050 components.
The WS2815 light strip operates at 12V and has dual data lines. Resume transmission from breakpoint. The failure of any pixel will not affect the signal transmission and the overall luminous effect.
Main features of WS2815
- High reliability: Dual data lines and higher voltage reduce the risk of failure.
- Dual data lines: Ensures continuous operation even if one LED fails.
- Voltage: The operating voltage is 12V, which can reduce voltage drop over long distances.
- Data transmission: Two-wire protocol enhances reliability.
Are WS2811 vs WS2812 vs WS2813 vs WS2815 Single Point and Single Hole?
WS2811 led light strip is an external IC. Typically, it is one IC controlling 3 LEDs at 12V or 6 LEDs at 24V. Therefore, the ws2811 led strip cannot be controlled separately.
The other three can be controlled individually. The ws2812 light strip, ws2813 light strip, and ws2815 light strip all have built-in ICs. They all support independent control.
Is There an Obvious Voltage Drop Between WS2811, WS2812, WS2813 and WS2815?
- WS2811: 12V operation reduces voltage drop over long periods of operation.
- WS2812 and WS2813: 5V operation requires frequent injection of power to control voltage drop. Generally, the longest roll can only be 5 meters long.
- WS2815: 12V operation allows longer strips without significant voltage drop, similar to the WS2811.
In summary, the WS2811 and WS2815 are 12V, which is more suitable for longer installations. This reduces the effects of voltage drop compared to 5V strips like the WS2812 and WS2813.
WS2811 vs WS2812 vs WS2813 vs WS2815 Dual-line Transmission, Breakpoint Resume Function?
- WS2811: Single data line, no breakpoint resume function.
- WS2812: Single data line, no breakpoint resume function.
- WS2813: Dual data lines, including breakpoint resume function.
- WS2815: Dual data lines, including breakpoint resume function.
WS2811 led strips and WS2812 led strips, they are single signal ICs only. If one IC goes bad, the rest of the LED strip will be ineffective or even not work.
The WS2813 and WS2815 light strips offer increased reliability with dual data lines and breakpoint recovery, ensuring that the light strip continues to operate even if an LED fails.
Applications for WS2811 vs WS2812 vs WS2813 vs WS2815
WS2811: It is ideal for long-term operation in large installations, such as architectural lighting and large event decorations.
WS2812: Ideal for detailed and compact designs such as DIY projects, gaming setups, and mood lighting.
WS2813: Best suited for projects requiring high reliability, such as professional displays and critical installations.
WS2815: Ideal for extensive and demanding installations that require high reliability and long-term operation, such as commercial lighting and large events.
Summary
Choosing the right addressable digital LED strip (WS2811 vs WS2812 vs WS2813 vs WS2815) depends on your specific needs and application requirements. The WS2811 and WS2815 are suitable for long-term operation with small voltage drops, while the WS2812 offers compactness and ease of use for smaller projects.
The WS2813 and WS2815 offer improved reliability with their dual data lines and breakpoint recovery capabilities, but they will cost more. User understanding of these differences will help you choose the best LED strip for your lighting project, ensuring optimal performance and satisfaction.
FAQs
Their differences mainly lie in control methods, voltage requirements and characteristics. WS2811 uses an external control IC and the operating voltage is 12V. The WS2812 has an integrated IC and an operating voltage of 5V. WS2813 has dual data lines and operates at 5V. The WS2815 also has dual data lines, but operates at 12V. The WS2813 and WS2815 feature a “breakpoint recovery” feature that allows the strip to continue working even if one of the LEDs fails.
Answer: WS2811 will be more suitable for long-distance operation because its operating voltage is 12V, which can reduce the voltage drop over long distances. The WS2812 operates at 5V and is more prone to voltage drops, requiring more frequent power injection points.
Answer: The working voltage of WS2815 LED strip is 12V. This higher voltage helps reduce voltage drop. At the same time, it also allows the light strip to operate continuously for longer periods of time without significant loss of brightness.
The breakpoint recovery feature in the WS2813 and WS2815 allows the LED strip to continue operating. What this means is that one or more of the LEDs in these light strips are faulty. This feature ensures that the rest of the light strip remains operational, thus maintaining the overall lighting effect.