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Addressable LED strips have revolutionized the lighting industry, providing unrivaled flexibility, energy efficiency, and lighting design possibilities. Facing the various similar look LED strip lights, which one should you choose? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the WS2813 vs WS2814 vs WS2815 LED strip lights, and the specifics of each one, to help you make an informed decision.
WS2813 vs WS2814 vs WS2815, What’s the difference?
First, let’s take a quick look at the comparison chart to understand their differences and similarities.
Compare Table: WS2813 vs WS2814 vs WS2815 LED Strip
| Item | WS2813 LED Strip | WS2814 LED Strip | WS2815 LED Strip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Differences | |||
| IC Type | WS2813 built-in IC | WS2814 external IC | WS2815 built-in IC |
| Color | RGB | RGBW | RGB |
| PIN Configuration | 6 pin | 12 pin | 6 pin |
| Strip Voltage | DC5V | DC5-24V | DC12V |
| Voltage Drop | High | DC5V:High; DC12V: Middle; DC24V: Low | Middle |
| Individual Control | Yes | DC5V: Yes; DC12V/24V: Yes | Yes |
| Similarities | |||
| Refresh Rate | 2KHz | 2KHz | 2KHz |
| Data Transmission Speed | 800Kbps | 800Kbps | 800Kbps |
| Gray Level | 256 | 256 | 256 |
| Signal Transmission Distance | 5M | 5M | 5M |
| Dual-signal Wire | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Break-point Continue | Yes | Yes | Yes |
From the table above we can see that there are many differences and similarities between WS2813 vs WS2814 vs WS2815 addressable LED light strips. Now, let’s compare WS2813, WS2814, and WS2815 based on several important factors.
Differences:
IC Type
WS2813 LED strips use the built-in WS2813 LED ICs, WS2814 LED strips use external WS2814 ICs, and WS2815 LED strips use WS2815 ICs. These three ICs are from World Semi Company, which is a professional IC manufacturer focusing on improving LED lighting.
Color
WS2813 and WS2815 LED strip support work with RGB LED, but WS2814 can drive RGBW LED. So WS2814 LED strip has stronger color mixing ability and better color expression.
PIN Configuration
WS2813 and WS2815 strip lights use 6 PIN configuration IC, and WS2814 uses 12 PIN configuration IC.
6-pin configuration LED ICs are usually relatively simple models. Common pin functions include power (VCC) pins, voltage drain to drain (VDD) pins, data output (DO), data input (DIN) pins, ground (GND) pins, and backup input (BIN) pins. This configuration is suitable for basic LED control needs such as single color LEDs or simple colored LED control.
LED ICs in 12-pin configuration usually have more functions and expandability. In addition to the above-mentioned basic pin functions, it may also include more control pins, auxiliary power pins, data output pins, and series connection pins.
Strip Voltage
WS2813 LED strips are DC5V, WS2815 LED strips are DC12V, and WS2814 LED strip support DC5V~24V. The wide voltage of the WS2814 LED strip has stronger adaptability and anti-interference ability, making it suitable for more lighting decoration scenes.
Voltage Drop
Due to the difference in voltage, the degree of voltage drop is also different. The WS2813 RGB LED light strips are DC5V, so the voltage drop problem is the most serious, and usually needs to be powered at both ends when the strip is longer than 5 meters. WS2815 LED strip is DC12V, the WS2814 LED strip can be DC5V/12V/24V. The DC12V strip needs to be powered from two ends when the strip is longer than 10 meters. If choose DC24V WS2814 strip, you just need to supply power every 15 meters.
If you are concerned about voltage drop, you can learn about Suntech Lite’s latest voltage-drop-free LED strip.
Please check the below video to learn how to operate to solve the voltage drop problem.
Individual Control
WS2813 and WS2815 addressable LED strips are built-in IC LED strips, each LED has an integrated IC and can be controlled individually. The WS2814 is an external IC that is installed on the strip, each IC drives 3 LEDs on a 12V strip or 6 LEDs on a 24V strip. If you pursue the precise control for each LED and the lower voltage drop, please select WS2815.
Similarities:
WS2813, WS2814, and WS2815 LED strips are all color-changing pixel LED strips, so they have some similarities.
- The refresh frequency is 2KHz.
- Data transmission speed can reach 800Kbps.
- 256 Gray Level: The PWM control terminal can realize 256 levels of adjustment.
- Signal transmission distance: There is no need to add any circuit when the transmission distance between any two pixels does not exceed 5 meters.
- Dual-signal wire: They all have two signal wires, and the backup data wire makes the data transmission more stable.
- Break-point Continue: They all have breakpoint resumable transmission. If a single IC is damaged, the signal can still be transmitted without affecting the overall display effect.
Deep Dive into WS2813, WS2814, and WS2815 LED Strips
After comparing WS2813 vs WS2814 vs WS2815 digital LED strips, we now dive into the specifics of each kind of LED strip.
WS2813 LED Pixel Light
What is WS2813 LED Strip
The WS2813 is an updated version of the standard WS2812B LED strip. It is known for its dual-signal wires, providing it with a fail-safe in case one LED fails, preventing the entire strip from going out.
Features of WS2813 LED Strip
The WS2813 operates at a 5V power supply. It features an individual control and dual-data-wire design, meaning each LED can receive and transmit signals, allowing for seamless communication even if one LED fails. This reliability makes it a popular choice.
WS2814 LED Pixel Light
What is WS2814 LED Strip
The WS2814 RGBW LED strip is an improvement on the WS2813 model. It maintains the dual-signal feature but introduces a new design that uses external ICs to ensure stable performance.
Features of WS2814 LED Strip
The WS2814 LED strip operates at 5V~24V power supply, making it suitable for both small and larger installations, the 24V model makes it can maintain brightness over longer lengths. The dual data wire design means that the failure of one pixel does not affect the others.
WS2815 LED Pixel Light
What is WS2815 LED Strip
The WS2815 is the most popular in this series of LED strips. It maintains the features of its predecessors but operates at a 12V power supply, offering increased brightness and efficiency.
Features of WS2815 LED Strip
The WS2815 LED strip is similar to the WS2814 but with two key differences:
1. WS2814 can support DC24V power, which makes it suitable for long-distance lighting based on a more convenient connection.
2. WS2815 only has RGB lighting, but WS2814 has RGBW lighting that meets more color mixing and changing lighting.
Choosing Between WS2813 vs WS2814 vs WS2815
When choosing between WS2813 vs WS2814 vs WS2815 LED strips, it’s essential to consider their specific features and your project requirements. When choosing between these three options, consider the following factors:
- Required fault tolerance: If you need the ability to tolerate individual LED failures, WS2813 or WS2815 would be suitable choices.
- Power supply compatibility: If you prefer using a 12V or 24V power supply, consider WS2814 and WS2815 for reduced voltage drop over longer distances.
- Project complexity: If you require precise control over individual LEDs for dynamic effects, WS2813 and WS2815 provide more robust fault tolerance.
Ultimately, the choice depends on your specific project requirements, such as fault tolerance, control capabilities, and power supply compatibility. Review the specifications and features of each LED strip type, and select the one that best aligns with your needs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, through WS2813 vs WS2814 vs WS2815, we know that the WS2813, WS2814, and WS2815 LED strips each offer unique features, making them suitable for different applications. While they share some similarities, their differences in voltage requirements, color, and voltage drop make them better suited to different needs. Understanding these differences can help you choose the right LED strip for your project.
FAQs
Can I use a WS2813 controller with WS2815 lights?
Yes, you can use a WS2813 controller with WS2815 lights. However, you need to ensure that the controller can handle the 12V power requirements of the WS2815.
Are WS2813, WS2814, and WS2815 compatible with Arduino?
Yes, all three WS2813, WS2814, and WS2815 LED strips are compatible with Arduino. They can be easily controlled using libraries like FastLED or Adafruit_NeoPixel.
Can WS2813, WS2814, and WS2815 be cut to custom lengths?
Yes, WS2813, WS2814, and WS2815 LED strips can be cut to custom lengths. They all have cuttable sections, usually marked along the strip, allowing you to adjust the length to your specific requirements.
Which LED strip is more reliable in terms of data transmission and error handling?
The WS2815 is considered the most reliable in terms of data transmission and error handling. It has a backup data line that ensures continuous operation even if one pixel fails.
- Can WS2813, WS2814, and WS2815 LED strips be controlled using wireless or remote control systems?
Yes, you can use wireless or remote control controllers (with Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connection) like SP series mini controller to control WS2813, WS2814, or WS2815 SPI LED strip.
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