WS2815 RGB & RGBW Addressable LED Strip

The data transfer protocol use single NZR communication mode. After the pixel power-on reset, the DIN port receive data from controller, the first pixel collect initial 24bit data then sent to the internal data latch, the other data which is reshaping by the internal signal reshaping amplification circuit sent to the next cascade pixel through the DO port. After transmission for each pixel, the signal to reduce 24bit. Every pixel adopts auto-reshaping transmit technology, making the pixel cascade numbers are not limited to the signal transmission, only related to the speed of signal transmission. Refresh Frequency updates to 4KHz, Low Frame Frequency and no Flicker appear in HD Video Camera. RESET time>280μs, it won’t cause a wrong reset while interruption, it supports the lower frequency and inexpensive MCU.

Integrated circuit chips enable the circuit control simpler, neater and more reliable while NO extra components are needed.

Both are 12V addressable LED solutions with backup data transmission, but they use ICs from different manufacturers. WS2815 is available in RGB and selected RGBW configurations, while the SK6813-12V option is available in RGB only.

DC12V

It uses 12V as its main power input for each chip, VDD, which is then dropped down to 5V inside each pixel for its logic requirements. This allows longer chains of pixels to driven in series, making it one of the most common protocols for pixel lighting displays.

Firstly, ws2815 led strip is DC12V drived and ws2812 led strip is DC5V drived, that means there is lower voltage drop of ws2815 led strip compare to ws2812 led strp

Secondly, the WS2815 LED strip has a backup data line that allows for continuous operation even if one LED fails.

A WS2815 LED strip can be controlled with a Raspberry Pi using a compatible Python library such as rpi_ws281x. Power the strip with a separate regulated 12V DC power supply—never connect 12V to the Raspberry Pi.

Connect the strip’s data input to a supported GPIO pin, such as GPIO18, and connect the grounds of the Raspberry Pi, LED strip and power supply together. Because Raspberry Pi GPIO outputs 3.3V logic, a 74AHCT125 or 74HCT245 level shifter is recommended to provide a reliable data signal. Follow the strip’s wiring diagram for the backup data line.

Example using rpi_ws281x:

from rpi_ws281x import PixelStrip, Color

LED_COUNT = 60
LED_PIN = 18

strip = PixelStrip(LED_COUNT, LED_PIN)
strip.begin()

strip.setPixelColor(0, Color(255, 0, 0))
strip.show()

Use an adequately rated 12V power supply and add power injection for longer strips when necessary. A 300–500Ω resistor on the data line and a suitable capacitor across the strip’s power input are also recommended. See Adafruit’s NeoPixel wiring best practices.

A WS2815 LED strip can be controlled with a compatible Adafruit board using the Adafruit NeoPixel library. Power the strip with a separate regulated 12V DC power supply—do not power it directly from the Adafruit board. Connect the strip’s data input to a digital output pin and connect the grounds of the board, strip and power supply together.

For a 3.3V Adafruit board, use a logic-level shifter such as the 74AHCT125 or 74HCT245 for a more reliable data signal. A 300–500Ω resistor between the data output and the first pixel is also recommended. Follow the strip’s wiring diagram for the backup data input.

For a standard RGB version, the library can normally be initialized as follows:

Adafruit_NeoPixel strip(LED_COUNT, DATA_PIN, NEO_GRB + NEO_KHZ800);

Confirm the color order for the specific strip before programming. Adafruit also recommends a suitable capacitor across the strip’s power input to protect against sudden current changes. See the Adafruit NeoPixel best practices and library guide.

A WS2815 LED strip can be controlled with Arduino using the Adafruit NeoPixel or FastLED library. Power the strip with a separate regulated 12V DC power supply—do not power it directly from the Arduino. Connect the strip’s data input to an Arduino digital pin and connect the grounds of the Arduino, LED strip and power supply together.

Place a 300–500Ω resistor between the Arduino data pin and the strip’s data input. Follow the strip’s wiring diagram when connecting the backup data line. For long strips, select a power supply with sufficient capacity and add power injection where necessary.

For a standard RGB WS2815 strip using the Adafruit NeoPixel library:

#include 

#define DATA_PIN 6
#define LED_COUNT 60

Adafruit_NeoPixel strip(
  LED_COUNT,
  DATA_PIN,
  NEO_GRB + NEO_KHZ800
);

void setup() {
  strip.begin();
  strip.clear();
  strip.show();
  strip.setBrightness(100);
}

void loop() {
  strip.setPixelColor(0, strip.Color(255, 0, 0));
  strip.show();
}

Confirm the pixel quantity and color order for your specific WS2815 strip before programming.

The strip has a primary data line and a backup data line. If the data signal of one pixel fails, the backup line can help transmit data to the following pixels, improving reliability in long or important installations.

In many data-signal failure situations, the backup data line allows the following pixels to continue receiving control signals. However, continued operation depends on the type and location of the damage, so it should not be described as protection against every possible failure.

No. This strip is designed for a regulated 12V DC power supply. Connecting it directly to 5V may cause unstable operation, while 24V may permanently damage the LEDs and ICs.

Multiply the strip’s wattage per meter by the total installation length, then add approximately 20% capacity. For example, a 5-meter strip rated at 14.4W/m requires at least 72W, so an adequately rated 12V power supply above this load should be selected.

Power injection may still be necessary for longer runs or high-brightness operation. The required interval depends on LED density, wattage, cable size, installation length and the selected lighting effect. Powering or injecting from both ends can help reduce voltage drop.

Connect the controller data output to the strip’s data input and ensure that the controller, strip and power supply share a common ground. Follow the arrows printed on the PCB because addressable LED strips have a fixed signal direction.

Yes. It can be cut only at the marked cutting points. Cut sections can be reconnected by soldering suitable wires or using compatible connectors while maintaining the correct power, ground and data direction.

RGB versions create colors by mixing red, green and blue light. RGBW versions include an additional white channel, providing a more natural and independent white output. Please confirm the required white color temperature when ordering RGBW models.

Waterproof options can be supplied for indoor, damp-location and outdoor applications. The appropriate protection level depends on whether the strip will be exposed to moisture, rain or temporary immersion.