LED strips have become an integral part of lighting design. The most exciting thing about today’s LED strips is their programmability, which allows you to customize color, brightness, and even dynamic effects. From creating a vibrant, flickering space to programming LED strips, you can bring your vision to life. So, which LED strips support programmable LED strip lights? How should we choose programmable LED strip lights?
Which LED Strip Lights are Programmable?
LED strip lights that support programmable control are often called “digital LED strips” or “addressable LED strips.”
The biggest difference between these addressable LED light strips and ordinary light strips is that each LED pixel can be individually controlled in color and brightness, thus achieving complex light animations, patterns and dynamic effects.
DMX512 LED Strip (Programmable)
DMX512 is a professional communication protocol for stage, architectural and landscape lighting, which can control up to 512 channels. We can issue it for scenes that require unified arrangement and multi-light coordination.
Each section of the DMX512 LED strip can be set with an address to achieve individual control. Of course, this type of strip usually needs to be used with a DMX decoder.
And it is mainly used for complex multi-light systems, large stages or engineering projects. Because it can be used with DMX consoles and computer software (such as Madrix, Resolume).
SPI LED Strip (Programmable)
SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface) is a serial peripheral interface protocol used to transmit data of each pixel one by one. Each pixel (or every 3 pixels) has a built-in control chip.
Each point can be independently programmed to control color and brightness, and you can program it according to your needs. Its common chip models are WS2812B and SK6812.
It is usually used with Arduino / ESP32 / Raspberry Pi / WLED controller. Supports complex light animation, streamer light chasing, pixel pattern, etc.
How to Choose a Programmable LED Strip?
When choosing a dimmable LED light strip, we have many choices. However, DMX512 and SPI are the two main control methods. They each have their own characteristics and are suitable for different application scenarios.
Installation scenario
First, we need to look at the location and purpose of the installation. So if it is a stage lighting system, building lighting, or a long distance, then we prefer DMX512 dimmable strips.
If it is a short-distance, small-scale project, such as bar KTV and family atmosphere lighting, then we choose SPI dimming LED strips.
Cost budget
Compared to SPI LED strip, the price of DMX512 dimmable LED strip is higher. Because the price of DMX512 controller and decoder is relatively high, it is suitable for projects with a sufficient budget.
If it is just a small project and the cost budget is not high, then you can choose SPI LED strips.
Lighting scale
DMX512 supports large-scale multi-node linkage control (maximum 512 channels/single group), which is suitable for engineering projects. SPI can only be used for short-distance lighting and is the preferred choice for small and medium-sized creative projects.
Control accuracy and pixel independence
DMX512 assigns an address to each light strip segment (such as RGB with 3 lamp beads per group), with high control accuracy but not point-by-point control. Therefore, it supports complex scenes and scenes such as stage dancing and chasing lights.
On the other hand, SPI LED strips have independent control chips for each LED lamp bead, which can achieve point-by-point dimming and color changes, and support scenes such as marquees, breathing lights, and pattern animations.
Control system
DMX512 is a DMX console control. All lights are DMX controlled and can be regulated together. SPI is more inclined to small project lighting and smart home development projects.
Power supply and wiring structure
DMX512 supports standard DMX wiring (three-core signal line + power supply), but its wiring is standardized and complicated. It requires a special electrician to operate, and the signal is stable over long distances.
SPI is mostly powered by low voltage (5V/12V/24V), and the signal line needs to be extended synchronously with the light strip, and the signal will attenuate over long distances. SPI needs to consider a segmented power supply and signal amplification.
Response speed and synchronization
DMX512 has a slightly slower response to light but strong synchronization, which is suitable for large-area linkage. However, SPI has a much faster response speed, and the animation is delicate and smooth, but the synchronization between multiple controllers is slightly complicated.
Conclusion
By understanding programmable LED strip, you can customize your lighting scheme and make better choices when choosing programmable LED strips. Whether you want to create soft accent lighting or a vibrant dynamic display, programmable LED strips can make your vision a reality. For more programmable neon strips, please contact us.