Calculate the Power Supply for WS2811 RGB LED Pixels Module

So I wanted to build a LED matrix wall using the WS2811 2811 IC RGB LED Pixels Module String Light. Each lots had 50 pieces and I bought 4 lots and so I got 200 pieces WS2811 2811 IC RGB LED Pixels Module String that operates on 5V. I have plan to add more lots to build a led wall. Now I wanted to know what rated power supply is needed to power these leds. For example can I use the typical 12V S360-12 power supply that is used to power 3D printer? So in this tutorial we will calculate the Power Supply for WS2811 RGB LED Pixels Module.

Using a 12V S360-12 power supply directly with your 5V WS2811 RGB LED Pixel Modules is not recommended because these LEDs are designed to operate at 5V. Supplying 12V directly to them could damage the LEDs. However, you can use the 12V power supply with the appropriate voltage regulation or conversion.

Options to Use a 12V Power Supply with 5V WS2811 LEDs:

Use a 5V Voltage Regulator:
- You can use a DC-DC buck converter to step down the voltage from 12V to 5V. This will allow you to power your 5V LEDs from the 12V power supply.
- Ensure that the buck converter can handle the total current required by the LEDs.
Use a 5V Power Supply:
- If you have or can get a 5V power supply with sufficient current capacity, you can power the LEDs directly from it.

Calculating Current Requirements

The WS2811 RGB LEDs typically require about 60 mA per LED at full brightness (20 mA per color channel). Here's how you can calculate the total current requirement:

200 LEDs:
$200 \, \text{LEDs} \times 60 \, \text{mA/LED} = 12,000 \, \text{mA} = 12 \, \text{A}$
Power Requirements:
- For 200 LEDs at full brightness, you would need a 5V, 12A power supply.
- The power in watts: $P = V \times I = 5 \, \text{V} \times 12 \, \text{A} = 60 \, \text{W}$

Using S360-12 Power Supply

The S360-12 is a 12V power supply rated for 360W. You will need to use a DC-DC converter to step down from 12V to 5V. Here’s what you need:

DC-DC Buck Converter:
- Select a buck converter that can handle at least 12A output at 5V.
- Make sure the converter is rated for continuous operation at the required current.
Wiring Setup:
- Connect the output of the S360-12 to the input of the buck converter.
- Set the output voltage of the buck converter to 5V using the adjustable potentiometer (if applicable).
- Connect the output of the buck converter to your WS2811 LED modules.

Example Buck Converter

Model: LM2596 DC-DC Step Down Converter
Input Voltage: 4V-40V
Output Voltage: 1.25V-37V (Adjustable)
Output Current: 3A (5A with heat sink)

For higher current applications, you might consider using a more powerful converter like:

Model: DROK 12A DC-DC Buck Converter
Input Voltage: 5V-36V
Output Voltage: 1.25V-32V
Output Current: Up to 12A

Adding More LEDs

If you plan to expand your LED wall with more LEDs, make sure to calculate the total power and current requirements:

Total LEDs: Let's assume $N$ LEDs.
Current: $N \times 60 \, \text{mA}$
Power: $5 \, \text{V} \times (N \times 0.06) \, \text{A}$

Example for 400 LEDs:

Current: $400 \times 60 \, \text{mA} = 24,000 \, \text{mA} = 24 \, \text{A}$
Power: $5 \, \text{V} \times 24 \, \text{A} = 120 \, \text{W}$

In this case, you might need multiple buck converters or a more powerful one that can handle the load.

Wiring Tips

Power Injection: For large numbers of LEDs, consider injecting power at multiple points along the strip to prevent voltage drop and ensure even brightness.
Wire Gauge: Use sufficiently thick wires to handle the current, especially if running long distances between the power supply and LEDs.
Cooling: Ensure adequate cooling for both the buck converter and power supply to prevent overheating.

Summary

Do not connect 12V directly to your 5V WS2811 LEDs.
Use a buck converter to step down from 12V to 5V.
Calculate the total current and power needs for your LED setup.
Ensure proper wiring, cooling, and power distribution to handle the increased load if expanding the LED wall.