12-LED RGBW NeoPixel Ring (Warm White) with individually addressable pixels, 32-bit colour control, and a dedicated white channel. Chainable, 5 V powered, and controlled from a single pin perfect for compact, high-impact lighting projects.

Whats better than smart RGB LEDs? Smart RGB + White LEDs! This 12-LED RGBW NeoPixel Ring (Warm White) adds a dedicated white LED to every pixel, giving you richer colours, cleaner whites, and far more flexible lighting effects all arranged neatly in a circle.

The ring measures 1.45 (37 mm) in outer diameter and features 12 ultra-bright, individually addressable NeoPixels. Each LED contains its own driver chip, so every pixel can be controlled independently using just one microcontroller pin. The rings are fully chainable, letting you connect multiple rings together by linking the data output of one to the input of the next.

Each NeoPixel includes constant-current drive (~18 mA per channel), ensuring consistent colour even if the supply voltage varies. No external resistors are needed simply power the ring from 5 V DC, and youre good to go.

Each pixel is split internally: one half provides the familiar RGB, while the other is a warm white LED with yellow phosphor. Unlit, the white element looks a bit like an egg yolk, but once powered its extremely bright. Brightness and colour are controlled using 8-bit PWM per channel, giving 32-bit colour control per pixel. This makes the ring ideal for smooth colour blends, warm white illumination, or combining both in a single animation.

NeoPixels use an 800 kHz single-wire protocol, which requires accurate timing. The PWM refresh rate is around 400 Hz, which works well in most cases but can be noticeable if the LEDs are moving. For higher-speed visual applications, DotStars offer a 20 kHz PWM rate, though NeoPixels remain a great choice for most projects.

Because the PWM engine runs inside each LED, once you send the colour data, the ring continues driving the LEDs on its own no constant updates required. Control data is passed along the ring using an internal shift-register design, allowing an effectively unlimited number of chained pixels.

Extensive documentation is available, including wiring guides, power calculations, and example code. Be sure to use a NeoPixel library with RGBW support standard RGB-only libraries will not work correctly. The Adafruit NeoPixel library fully supports RGBW devices, and the NeoPixel berguide covers everything from basic setup to advanced animations.

Each ring is fully assembled and tested and includes 12 individually addressable RGBW NeoPixels.

Specifications

• Outer diameter: 36.8mm
• Inner diameter: 23.3mm
• Thickness: 3.25mm
• Weight: 3.3g
• May ship with either WS2812B or SK6812-based LEDs. They are the same brightness, colour and protocol

Revision History

• As of November 1, 2023 we’ve updated this PCB with Adafruit Pinguin to make a lovely and legible silkscreen – you may get the new PCB or the older version with vector fonts – both are identical other than the fancy silkscreen.

Resources

• WS2812 Datasheet
• SK6812 Datasheet
• Tutorial

Package Contents

• 1x NeoPixel Ring – 12 x 5050 RGBW LEDs w/ Integrated Drivers – Warm White – 3000K
  • Please note: May ship with either WS2812B or SK6812-based LEDs. They are the same brightness, colour and protocol

Introducing the 12 LED RGBW NeoPixel Ring in Warm White a smart upgrade to traditional RGB LEDs, now featuring 4 LEDs (red, green, blue, and white) for more dynamic lighting effects. This compact ring is perfect for adding vibrant color and bright white light to your projects.

• 12 Ultra-bright LEDs: The ring features 12 high-quality NeoPixels arranged in a circle with a 1.45″ (37mm) outer diameter.
• Chainable Design: Easily link multiple rings together by connecting the output pin of one to the input pin of another, all controlled by a single microcontroller pin.
• Individually Addressable LEDs: Each LED has an embedded driver chip, allowing you to control the color and brightness of every LED independently.
• Constant Current Drive: Each LED has a ~18mA constant current driver, ensuring consistent color even when voltage fluctuates. No external choke resistors are needed, keeping the design slim and compact.
• Power Requirements: The entire ring operates on 5VDC, making it easy to power and integrate into your projects.
• RGBW Split LEDs: Half of the ring contains RGB LEDs, and the other half features a white LED with a yellow phosphor. When unlit, the white LEDs look like egg yolks, but once illuminated, they produce extremely bright light.
• 32-bit Color Control: With 8-bit PWM per channel (8 x 4 channels), you have full control over 32-bit color per pixel, perfect for adding both colorful and white lighting effects to your project.
• PWM and Timing: NeoPixel LEDs use an 800 KHz protocol and have a PWM rate of ~400 Hz. This works well, but pixelation may be noticeable when the LEDs are in motion. For smoother blending during movement, DotStars (with a 20 KHz PWM rate) are recommended.
• 5050-sized LEDs with Embedded Microcontroller: The NeoPixel LEDs are 5050-sized with an integrated microcontroller, offering precise control over brightness and color.
• Single Pin Control: Control the entire ring with just one digital output pin. Once the color is set, the built-in PWM will continue without further communication.
• Library and Code Support: You’ll need a NeoPixel library that supports RGBW LEDs. The Adafruit NeoPixel library is recommended, but other libraries may require adjustments.
• Tutorial and Guide: Detailed tutorials, wiring diagrams, power usage calculations, and example code are available for easy setup. The NeoPixel Uberguide provides everything you need for use with various Arduino boards (UNO, Due, Mega, etc.).
• Pre-assembled and Tested: The NeoPixel ring comes fully assembled, tested, and ready to use with 12 individually addressable RGBW LEDs.

Technical Details:

• Outer Diameter: 36.8mm (1.45″)
• Inner Diameter: 23.3mm (0.92″)
• Thickness: 3.25mm (0.13″)
• Weight: 3.3g
• LED Types: Ships with either WS2812B or SK6812-based LEDs, both offering the same brightness, color, and protocol.
• Updated PCB: The PCB has been updated as of November 1, 2023, with a new silkscreen design for better legibility. Both the new and older versions are functionally identical.

Add this versatile 12 LED RGBW NeoPixel Ring to your project to create stunning, colorful displays and bright white lighting effects!