DMX or SPI?

Selecting the perfect addressable LED tape for your project involves considering various factors to ensure that the tape meets your needs in terms of functionality, aesthetics, and performance. Here are the key aspects to consider:

Voltage

Choose between common voltages like 5V, 12V, or 24V. Lower voltages (5V) are typically used for shorter tapes or individual LED projects, while higher voltages (12V, 24V) are better for longer runs as they can help reduce voltage drop.

Power consumption

Calculate the total power requirement. Look at the wattage per meter and multiply by the total length you plan to use. Ensure your power supply can handle this load, with a bit of headroom for safety.

Type of Colors

The addressable LED tape is available in a wide range of colors.

Single Color: White, Warm White, Red, Green, Blue, Yellow, Pink, etc.

Dual Color: White + Warm White, Red + Blue, etc.

RGB

RGB + White

RGB + Warm White + White

DMX or SPI

When choosing between DMX512 and SPI protocols, consider the complexity of your project and the control system:

• DMX512 is ideal for professional lighting setups requiring long runs and high reliability. It’s widely used in stage and architectural lighting.
• SPI tapes are better suited for hobbyists and DIY projects due to their simplicity and ease of use. They work well with microcontrollers like Arduino and Raspberry Pi for custom lighting solutions.

DMX512 is an international standard protocol. Different types of DMX512 ICs may have different performances, but the supported protocols are the same, which means that the same DMX512 controller can control different types of DMX512 ICs. However, SPI is not an international standard protocol. SPI ICs produced by different manufacturers support different protocols, which means that different SPI ICs may need to be used with different SPI controllers. Below I list the common IC models on the market.

DMX512 addressable led tape: UCS512, SM17512

SPI addressable IC is divided into built-in IC and external IC or divided into resumed transmission with breakpoint and resumed transmission without breakpoint or divided into with clock channel and without clock channel.

SPI Addressable led tape common built-in IC models: WS2812B, WS2813, WS2815, SK6812, SK9822, APA102, APA107, NS107S, HD107S, HD108, NS8808
SPI Addressable led tape common external IC models: WS2811, WS2818, UCS1903, UCS2904, UCS9812, UCS8903, UCS8904, TM1814, TM1914, TM1812, CS8208, CS6816, CS6814, LPD8806, SM16511….

What is brakpoint resume function of SPI addressable led tape?

The breakpoint resume function means that when only one IC fails, the signal can still be passed on to subsequent ICs.

SPI Addressable led tape common IC models with breakpoint resume function: WS2813, WS2815B, CS2803, CS8812B, WS2818, TM1914, CS8208
SPI Addressable led tape common IC models without breakpoint resume function: WS2812B, SK6812, SK9822, APA102, WS2801, WS2811, UCS1903, TM1814, TM1812, CS6816, CS6814, LPD8806

Common IC models with clock channel: SK9822, APA102, WS2801, LPD8806
Common IC models without clock channel: WS2812B, WS2813, WS2815B, SK6812, CS2803, CS8812B, WS2811, WS2818, UCS1903, TM1814, TM1914, TM1812, CS8208, CS6816, CS6814

IC datasheet, pls contact us. 

LEDs Density

LED density refers to the number of LEDs by one meter of addressable LED tapes. The higher the LED density, the more uniform light, the higher brightness, and no light spots.

Pixels Per Meter

This is a key factor in determining the resolution of your lighting effects. More pixels per meter allow for finer control and more detailed animations or color transitions.

IP Grade

IP Code or Ingress Protection Code is defined in IEC 60529 which classifies and rates the degree of protection provided by mechanical casings and electrical enclosures against intrusion, dust, accidental contact, and water. It is published in the European Union by CENELEC as EN 60529.

If you need to install addressable LED tapes outdoors, you need to use IP65 or higher IP grade addressable LED tapes. However, for installations that are submerged in water for short periods, IP67 or even IP68 would be safer.

PCB Width

Check the width of the PCB. This is particularly important if you’re installing the tape in a specific profile or channel. Ensure the tape fits comfortably within the space, allowing for heat dissipation and bending around corners if needed.

By carefully assessing each of these factors, you can choose an addressable LED tape that not only fits your project’s technical requirements but also brings your creative visions to life with vibrant colors and dynamic effects.