WS2816B Pixel Protocol
Manufacturer: WorldsemiA single-wire, individually addressable 5V RGB pixel protocol with 16-bit-per-channel colour depth and a redundant data line for run reliability.
Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Clock Type | Data-Only |
| Color Resolution | 16 Bits |
| Physical Package | SMD5050 with integrated LEDs |
| RGB | Yes |
| RGBW | No |
| Output Pixel Voltage | 5V |
| PWM Rate | 10,000Hz |
| Suitable Camera | Up to 333fps |
| Redundant Data Line | Yes |
Strengths
- 16-bit-per-channel colour resolution gives far finer control over gradients and low-end dimming than typical 8-bit single-wire pixels, reducing visible banding on subtle fades.
- The redundant data line lets the signal bypass a failed pixel, so one dead LED does not black out the rest of the run, which is valuable on long or hard-to-service installs.
- Single-wire self-clocking wiring keeps cabling simple (data plus power only), and the 10,000Hz PWM rate is comfortably flicker-free for camera work up to the rated 333fps.
Limitations
- As a single-wire data-only protocol, timing is strict: bit periods must be held precisely, so cable length, connector quality, and level shifting matter, and a marginal signal can corrupt the chain.
- 16-bit colour doubles the data per pixel versus 8-bit parts, so a given data budget drives fewer pixels per line before refresh rate suffers; plan pixel counts and universe splits accordingly.
- At 5V, voltage drop over long runs causes colour shift and dimming toward the far end, so power injection is needed on any sizeable installation.
Overview
The WS2816B is a single-wire (data-only) addressable RGB pixel from Worldsemi, built around the familiar SMD5050 package with the LEDs and control IC integrated into one component. It self-clocks its data over a single line, so no separate clock conductor is needed. Its defining feature is 16-bit-per-channel colour resolution, which yields noticeably smoother gradients and low-level dimming than 8-bit parts, and it carries a redundant data line so a single failed pixel need not break the chain. It runs at 5V. ENTTEC is not affiliated with Worldsemi.
Mapping an installation? ELM, ENTTEC's free LED pixel mapping software, drives the controllers above over Art-Net and sACN, from a single fixture to building-scale maps.
ENTTEC has been engineering lighting control in Australia since 1999, and shipping LED pixel controllers since the original Pixelator in 2014.