DotStar matrices are two-dimensional grids of DotStar LEDs, all controlled from two microcontroller pins.
Flexible DotStar matrices are available in three different sizes:
Size |
Dimensions |
Total # of LEDs |
Max Power Draw (approx) |
8x8 |
80 mm / 3.15" square |
64 |
19 Watts (3.8 Amps at 5 Volts) |
16x16 |
160 mm / 6.3" square |
256 |
77 Watts (15 Amps at 5 Volts) |
8x32 |
320 mm x 80 mm / 12.6" x 3" |
256 |
77 Watts (15 Amps at 5 Volts) |
Flex matrices are about 2 millimeters (0.08 inches) thick.
Though called “flexible,” these matrices do not tolerate continuous and repeated bending. “Formable” might be a better word — they can be bent around a rigid or semi-rigid shape, like a hat. Repeated flexing (as on costumes) will soon crack the solder connections. (The videos on the product pages are to highlight just how flexible these matrices are, but this really is a “don’t try this at home” thing.)
Flex matrices are available with RGB pixels only; pure white is not offered.
Adafruit DotStar High Density 8x8 Grid
This is the tiniest little LED grid we could make, with 64 full RGB color pixels in a square that is only 1" by 1" square (25.4mm x 25.4mm). Best of all, these are little DotStar LEDs, with built in PWM drivers, so you only need two digital I/O pins to get a-glowin'.
Stacks atop any of our Feather microcontroller boards. Arranged in a 6x12 matrix, each 2mm by 2mm sized RGB pixel is individually addressable. Only two pins are required to control all the LEDs.
Finer Details About DotStar Matrices
As mentioned on the DotStar Strips page, keep power consumption in mind when working with DotStar matrices. With so many pixels at your disposal, it’s easy to get carried away.
If you need a size or shape of DotStar matrix that’s not offered here, it’s possible to create your own using sections of DotStar strip!
DotStar matrices don’t enforce any particular “topology” — some may have rows of pixels arranged left-to-right, others may alternate left-to-right and right-to-left rows, or they could be installed in vertical columns instead. This will require some planning in your code. Our DotStarMatrix library supports most matrix topologies.
Page last edited March 08, 2024
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