WS2816B Pixel Protocol
Manufacturer: Worldsemi
A single-wire, individually addressable 5V RGB pixel protocol with 16-bit-per-channel colour depth and a redundant data line for run reliability.
Specifications
| Clock Type | Data-Only |
| Color Resolution | 16 Bits |
| Physical Package | SMD5050 with integrated LEDs |
| RGB | Yes |
| RGBW | No |
| Output Pixel Voltage | 5V |
| PWM Rate | 10,000Hz |
| Suitable Camera | Up to 333fps |
| Redundant Data Line | Yes |
Strengths
- 16-bit-per-channel colour resolution gives far finer control over gradients and low-end dimming than typical 8-bit single-wire pixels, reducing visible banding on subtle fades.
- The redundant data line lets the signal bypass a failed pixel, so one dead LED does not black out the rest of the run, which is valuable on long or hard-to-service installs.
- Single-wire self-clocking wiring keeps cabling simple (data plus power only), and the 10,000Hz PWM rate is comfortably flicker-free for camera work up to the rated 333fps.
Limitations
- As a single-wire data-only protocol, timing is strict: bit periods must be held precisely, so cable length, connector quality, and level shifting matter, and a marginal signal can corrupt the chain.
- 16-bit colour doubles the data per pixel versus 8-bit parts, so a given data budget drives fewer pixels per line before refresh rate suffers; plan pixel counts and universe splits accordingly.
- At 5V, voltage drop over long runs causes colour shift and dimming toward the far end, so power injection is needed on any sizeable installation.
Overview
The WS2816B is a single-wire (data-only) addressable RGB pixel from Worldsemi, built around the familiar SMD5050 package with the LEDs and control IC integrated into one component. It self-clocks its data over a single line, so no separate clock conductor is needed. Its defining feature is 16-bit-per-channel colour resolution, which yields noticeably smoother gradients and low-level dimming than 8-bit parts, and it carries a redundant data line so a single failed pixel need not break the chain. It runs at 5V. ENTTEC is not affiliated with Worldsemi.
Compatible ENTTEC controllers
Sku: 71521
Sku: 73539
Sku: 70067
Sku: 70068
Sku: 73-545
Sku: 73924
ENTTEC has been engineering lighting control in Australia since 1999, and shipping LED pixel controllers since the original Pixelator in 2014.