Getting Started With Addressable LEDs – Tech Basics | DigiKey Electronics

Addressable LEDs allow designers to use and control large numbers of individual LEDS without using up large amounts of available I/O on a microcontroller. Multiple LEDs may be configured as matrixes, rings, strips or random patterns linked to a power rail and a single communication line. Neopixels are based on WS2812, WS2811, and SK6812 LED drivers.