8-bit WS2812 5050 RGB LED Built-in Full-Color Driver Development Board Blackboard

### Lesson Plan: Understanding and Utilizing the 8-bit WS2812 5050 RGB LED Built-in Full-Color Driver Development Board

**Introduction**

In this lesson, we will explore the operational principles and practical applications of the 8-bit WS2812 5050 RGB LED Built-in Full-Color Driver Development Board. The WS2812 LEDs are individually addressable LEDs that allow for full control of color and brightness, making them ideal for creating dynamic lighting effects and displays. By the end of this lesson, you will have a comprehensive understanding of how the WS2812 LEDs work and how to incorporate them into your electronic projects.

**Learning Objectives**

Upon completing this lesson, you will be able to:
1. Identify the physical characteristics of the WS2812 5050 RGB LED.
2. Explain the function of individually addressable LEDs and their role in electronic circuits.
3. Implement the WS2812 LEDs to create dynamic lighting effects using the Raspberry Pi Pico WH.

**Materials Needed**

– 8-bit WS2812 5050 RGB LED Development Board
– Breadboard
– Jumper wires
– Raspberry Pi Pico WH
– Multimeter (optional)

**Background Information**

The WS2812 LEDs are RGB LEDs with an integrated control circuit that allows each LED to be individually addressed and controlled. They communicate using a single data line and can display a wide range of colors by adjusting the intensity of the red, green, and blue components.

**WS2812 Characteristics**

The WS2812 LEDs have several key pins:
– **VCC**: Power supply (typically 5V).
– **GND**: Ground.
– **DIN**: Data input.
– **DOUT**: Data output (for chaining multiple LEDs).

**Principles of Operation**

The WS2812 LEDs operate by receiving serial data that specifies the color and brightness for each LED:
– **Data Protocol**: The data is sent in a specific timing format, which the WS2812 controller decodes to set the color of the LEDs.
– **Chaining LEDs**: Multiple WS2812 LEDs can be chained together, with the data output (DOUT) of one LED connected to the data input (DIN) of the next.

**Circuit Diagram and Setup**

**Step-by-Step Instructions**

1. **Identify the LED Board Pins**:
– Locate the VCC, GND, DIN, and DOUT pins on the WS2812 development board.

2. **Set Up the Breadboard Circuit**:
– Place the WS2812 development board on the breadboard.
– Connect the VCC pin of the WS2812 board to the 5V pin on the Raspberry Pi Pico WH.
– Connect the GND pin of the WS2812 board to the ground (GND) pin on the Raspberry Pi Pico WH.
– Connect the DIN pin of the WS2812 board to a GPIO pin (e.g., GP0) on the Raspberry Pi Pico WH.

3. **Install Required Libraries**:
– Ensure you have the necessary WS2812 library installed in your MicroPython environment. You can use the `neopixel` library.

4. **Write the Control Code**:
– Open your MicroPython IDE and write the following code to control the WS2812 LEDs and create dynamic lighting effects:

“`python
import time
import neopixel
from machine import Pin

# Define the number of LEDs and GPIO pin
num_leds = 8
pin = Pin(0, Pin.OUT)

# Initialize the NeoPixel object
np = neopixel.NeoPixel(pin, num_leds)

def set_color(index, color):
np[index] = color
np.write()

def rainbow_cycle(wait):
for j in range(256):
for i in range(num_leds):
rc_index = (i * 256 // num_leds) + j
np[i] = wheel(rc_index & 255)
np.write()
time.sleep_ms(wait)

def wheel(pos):
if pos < 85: return (pos * 3, 255 - pos * 3, 0) elif pos < 170: pos -= 85 return (255 - pos * 3, 0, pos * 3) else: pos -= 170 return (0, pos * 3, 255 - pos * 3) while True: rainbow_cycle(20) ``` 5. **Upload and Test the Code**: - Connect your Raspberry Pi Pico WH to your computer using a Micro USB cable. - Upload the code to the Raspberry Pi Pico WH. - Observe the WS2812 LEDs cycling through different colors, creating a rainbow effect. 6. **Optional: Measure Signal Characteristics**: - Use a multimeter to measure the voltage across the VCC and GND pins to ensure proper power supply. - Verify the data signal on the DIN pin using an oscilloscope to observe the data transmission. **Applications and Extensions** 1. **Dynamic Lighting Effects**: - Use the WS2812 LEDs to create dynamic lighting effects for projects such as mood lighting, decorative displays, and light shows. - Experiment with different color patterns and animations. 2. **Visual Indicators**: - Implement the WS2812 LEDs as visual indicators in various applications, such as status displays, progress bars, and notifications. - Combine with sensors to create responsive lighting effects based on environmental conditions. 3. **Interactive Projects**: - Use the WS2812 LEDs in interactive projects where users can control the lighting effects through input devices such as buttons or sensors. - Integrate with other modules to create complex interactive systems. **Summary and Review** This lesson has provided a detailed exploration of the 8-bit WS2812 5050 RGB LED Built-in Full-Color Driver Development Board, covering its identification, operational principles, and practical applications in electronic circuits. By understanding and utilizing WS2812 LEDs, you can create vibrant and dynamic lighting effects for a variety of applications, enhancing the visual appeal and interactivity of your electronic projects.