This page will be expanded over time as new IC types become popular in Christmas lighting.
Always check the labels on your RGB pixels. V+/GND may be reversed, i.e. GND top and V+ bottom.
Connecting V+ from your power source incorrectly to your lights will likely damage them.
WS281x
WS281x is 8-bit without a dedicated clock line. There are four common WS281x variants. The first two are:
WS2811 (separate IC),
WS2812 (IC integrated in 5050 LED).
| Typical Pixel Pinout |
|---|
| V+ | |
| DATA |
| GND |
Manufacturing changes may result in a different pinout order.
Check PCB markings before applying power. |
A further two variants add an additional wire for data backup:
WS2818 (separate IC with data backup) and
WS2813 (IC integrated in 5050 LED with data backup).
| Typical Pixel Pinout |
|---|
| V+ | |
| BACKUP |
| DATA |
| GND |
Manufacturing changes may result in a different pinout order.
Check PCB markings before applying power. |
WS281x works with...
| WS281x |
|
|---|
| INK1003 |
|
|---|
| UCS1903 |
|
|---|
| GS820x |
|
|---|
INK1003
INK1003 is 8-bit and similar to WS281x (specifically WS2812). The 12V version typically will contain a built-in DC-DC 5V regulator every 50cm or 100cm, which means each 5050 RGB can be individually controlled even with a 12V power feed.
| Typical Pixel Pinout |
|---|
| V+ (12v) | |
| V+ (5v) |
| DATA |
| GND |
Manufacturing changes may result in a different pinout order.
Check PCB markings before applying power. |
INK1003 works with...
| WS281x |
|
|---|
| INK1003 |
|
|---|
| UCS1903 |
|
|---|
| GS820x |
|
|---|
A 5V only version also exists without any DC-DC converters. Be sure to specify that you want the 12V version to your supplier if that is what you want.
GS820x
GS820x is 8-bit without a dedicated clock line. An additional fourth wire is used as a backup data source. It has an effective colour depth of 12-bit through gamma correction and has an automatic test mode. There are two variants:
GS8206 (separate IC with data backup),
GS8208 (IC integrated in 5050 LED with data backup).
While this IC is compatible with WS281x configured controllers, mixing GS820x/WS281x pixels off the same output may cause issues in certain environments. J1SYS controllers should have their outputs configured with speeds around 3200-3600.
| Typical Pixel Pinout |
|---|
| V+ | |
| BACKUP |
| DATA |
| GND |
Manufacturing changes may result in a different pinout order.
Check PCB markings before applying power. |
GS820x works with...
| WS281x |
|
|---|
| INK1003 |
|
|---|
| UCS1903 |
|
|---|
| GS820x |
|
|---|
WS2801
WS2801 is four wires, with clock. 8-bit.
WS2801 works with...
| WS2801 |
|
|---|
LPD6803
LPD6803 is four wires, with clock. 5-bit.
LPD6803 works with...
| LPD6803 |
|
|---|
