Pixel Protocol Overview: WS2818B

This pixel protocol was designed by World Semi in China. WS2818B offers the same functionality as WS2818, but with slightly different timing, and built only for 12V applications. The control circuit comes in a SOP8 package, allowing for more flexibility with LED choice.

PixLite Support

Are you looking for WS2818B pixel drivers that work with Art-Net or sACN? All PixLite Mk3 products support WS2818B as an available Pixel IC type, so get in touch with us to find out how the lighting specialists at Advatek can support you in your pixel lighting project.

Technical Specifications

Clock Type Data-Only
Color Resolution 8 bits
Physical Package SOP8
RGB Yes
RGBW See WS2814
Output Pixel Voltage 5 – 12V
PWM Rate 2000Hz
Suitable Camera Up to 67fps, see Refresh Rate and PWM Rate
Data Transfer Rate 800kbps
Redundant Data Line Yes

WS2818B Advantages

  • Up to 12V, allowing for long cable lengths
  • High PWM rate allows for filming these pixels with cameras up to 67fps
  • Redundant data line reduces chance of entire strip failure

WS2818B Disadvantages

  • Data-only restricts refresh rates to be limited by the speed of the protocol, which will generally be slow
  • Only 8 bits of data for each color makes dimming curves less smooth
Categories: Pixel LEDs