Building a Colorful LED Matrix Display with WS2812B

Circuit Design

1. Connect WS2812B Modules:

• Connect the data input (DI) of each WS2812B module to a digital pin on the Arduino (e.g., pin 6).
• Connect the 5V and GND pins of the WS2812B modules to the 5V and GND pins on the Arduino, respectively.

2. Power Supply:

Connect a 5V power supply to the 5V and GND pins on the Arduino and the breadboard.

Programming:

Write a program for the Arduino that utilizes the Adafruit NeoPixel library to control the WS2812B modules and create various lighting patterns on the LED matrix display.

Example code for displaying a rainbow pattern:

#include <Adafruit_NeoPixel.h>

#define LED_PIN 6

#define NUM_LEDS 64 // Change this to match the number of LEDs in your matrix

Adafruit_NeoPixel matrix = Adafruit_NeoPixel(NUM_LEDS, LED_PIN, NEO_GRB + NEO_KHZ800);

void setup() {

matrix.begin();

matrix.show(); // Initialize all pixels to 'off'

}

void loop() {

rainbowCycle(20); // Display rainbow cycle with 20ms delay per step

}

void rainbowCycle(uint8_t wait) {

uint16_t i, j;

for(j=0; j<256*5; j++) { // 5 cycles of all colors on wheel

for(i=0; i<matrix.numPixels(); i++) {

matrix.setPixelColor(i, Wheel(((i * 256 / matrix.numPixels()) + j) & 255));

}

matrix.show();

delay(wait);

}

}

uint32_t Wheel(byte WheelPos) {

if(WheelPos < 85) {

return matrix.Color(WheelPos * 3, 255 - WheelPos * 3, 0);

} else if(WheelPos < 170) {

WheelPos -= 85;

return matrix.Color(255 - WheelPos * 3, 0, WheelPos * 3);

} else {

WheelPos -= 170;

return matrix.Color(0, WheelPos * 3, 255 - WheelPos * 3);

}

}

Testing:

Upload the program to the Arduino and power up the circuit. The LED matrix display should show a colorful rainbow pattern cycling through the LEDs. Adjust the code and experiment with different patterns and colors.

Conclusion

Building a colorful LED matrix display with WS2812B modules allows for creating dynamic lighting effects and visual displays. This project demonstrates the use of WS2812B in creating a custom LED matrix and provides a foundation for creating interactive lighting projects.