Index
Introduction
The WS2812 breakout board features individually addressable RGB LEDs, ideal for stunning lighting effects and animations.
With just a single data pin connected to the ESP32-S3, you can control the color and brightness of each LED independently.
Perfect for projects like decorative lighting, visual indicators, and interactive displays using the ESP32-S3.
Required Components
- ESP32-S3 Board
- WS2812 breakout board
- Jumper wires
- Breadboard (optional)
- Power supply (if using multiple LEDs)
Pinout
Circuit Diagram / Wiring
- WS2812 5V → VIN/5V (ESP32-S3)
- WS2812 GND → GND (ESP32-S3)
- WS2812 DI (Data IN) → Pin 5 (ESP32-S3)
Code / Programming
- Install Required Library (via Arduino Library Manager).
- Go to the “Libraries” tab on the left-hand side of the screen.
- Click on the “Library Manager” button (book icon) at the top of the Libraries tab.
- In the Library Manager window, type “Adafruit_NeoPixel” in the search bar.
- Locate the “Adafruit_NeoPixel” library click on the “Install” button next to it.
- Wait for the library to be installed, and you’re ready to use the Adafruit_NeoPixel library in your projects.
/*
Filename: ESP32-S3_ws2812_effects.ino
Description: Demonstrates rainbow, color wipe, solid color, and breathing effects using WS2812 LED with ESP32-S3.
Author: www.oceanlabz.in
Modification: 1/4/2025
*/
#include <Adafruit_NeoPixel.h>
#define PIN 5 // Use a safe digital GPIO pin on ESP32-S3
#define NUM_LEDS 1 // Number of WS2812 LEDs
#define DELAY_TIME 10 // Delay for Rainbow effect
#define BREATH_SPEED 10 // Speed for breathing effect
Adafruit_NeoPixel strip(NUM_LEDS, PIN, NEO_GRB + NEO_KHZ800);
// Array of colors for cycling
uint32_t colors[] = {
strip.Color(255, 0, 0), // Red
strip.Color(0, 255, 0), // Green
strip.Color(0, 0, 255), // Blue
strip.Color(255, 255, 0), // Yellow
strip.Color(0, 255, 255), // Cyan
strip.Color(255, 0, 255) // Magenta
};
void setup() {
strip.begin();
strip.show(); // Initialize all pixels to 'off'
}
void loop() {
// Rainbow effect
rainbowCycle();
// Color wipe through defined colors
for (int i = 0; i < 6; i++) {
colorWipe(colors[i], 50);
delay(1000);
}
// Display colors directly one by one
for (int i = 0; i < 6; i++) {
strip.setPixelColor(0, colors[i]);
strip.show();
delay(1000);
}
// Breathing effect in different colors
breathingEffect(strip.Color(255, 0, 0), BREATH_SPEED); // Red
breathingEffect(strip.Color(0, 255, 0), BREATH_SPEED); // Green
breathingEffect(strip.Color(0, 0, 255), BREATH_SPEED); // Blue
breathingEffect(strip.Color(255, 255, 0), BREATH_SPEED); // Yellow
}
// Rainbow cycle function
void rainbowCycle() {
for (int hue = 0; hue < 256; hue++) {
strip.setPixelColor(0, strip.ColorHSV(hue * 65536L / 256));
strip.show();
delay(DELAY_TIME);
}
}
// Wipe a color across the LED
void colorWipe(uint32_t color, int wait) {
for (int i = 0; i < NUM_LEDS; i++) {
strip.setPixelColor(i, color);
strip.show();
delay(wait);
}
}
// Smooth breathing effect
void breathingEffect(uint32_t color, int breathSpeed) {
for (int brightness = 0; brightness <= 255; brightness++) {
strip.setPixelColor(0, color);
strip.setBrightness(brightness);
strip.show();
delay(breathSpeed);
}
for (int brightness = 255; brightness >= 0; brightness--) {
strip.setPixelColor(0, color);
strip.setBrightness(brightness);
strip.show();
delay(breathSpeed);
}
}
Explanation
- WS2812 LEDs are individually addressable RGB LEDs controlled using a single digital pin on the ESP32-S3.
- Each LED’s color and brightness can be set independently using the Adafruit NeoPixel library.
- Ideal for color effects, animations, and visual feedback in interactive ESP32-S3projects.
Troubleshooting
- If LEDs don’t light up, verify the data pin connection and ensure
strip.begin()is called insetup(). - Use a proper 5V power supply for the WS2812; ESP32-S3’s 3.3V pin is not sufficient for LED power.
- If colors flicker or don’t respond, use a logic level shifter or a 330Ω resistor on the data line for signal reliability.
