WS2812 LED shield - 40 RGB LEDs, 8x5, for Arduino UNO

Product Overview

• LED shield with 40 addressable RGB LEDs in an 8*5 arrangement
• Direct connection to Arduino UNO without additional components
• Individually controllable LEDs, with 16 million possible colors
• Power supplied via the Arduino power supply or an external source
• Equipped with integrated WS2812 controllers on each LED

Product Description

This LED shield combines 40 individually controllable RGB LEDs with the controllers already integrated into each LED. The shield plugs onto an Arduino UNO and requires only three connections: a data line, ground, and power supply. Each LED can be controlled independently, enabling complex color patterns and animations.

The WS2812 controllers store their color values themselves and forward the signal to the next chip when needed. This significantly reduces the effort required in the sketch. All 40 LEDs can be controlled using just one data line. Power consumption increases with the brightness and number of illuminated LEDs; approximately 2 amperes are required at maximum brightness for all LEDs.

Applications include status displays with multicolor indicators, lighting effects in robotics projects, and interactive installations. The preassembled design is particularly practical: assembly is not required, and the first animation can be running after just a few minutes of sketch development.

The Arduino UNO provides a maximum of approximately 400 milliamperes for external components through its power supply. An external power source is therefore required when the LED shield is fully loaded, such as a USB power supply with at least 2.5 amperes. The Arduino ecosystem provides established libraries for controlling WS2812 LEDs, such as Adafruit NeoPixel.

Safety Notice

The shield is intended exclusively for building prototypes and for testing and development purposes. It is not suitable for installation in household electrical circuits. When using an external power source supplying more than 5 volts, particular attention must be paid to the correct voltage levels and wiring to avoid damaging the Arduino UNO. If in doubt, consult a qualified electrician before commissioning.

Scope of Delivery

• 1* WS2812 8x5 LED shield