NeoPixel matrices are two-dimensional grids of NeoPixels, all controlled from a single microcontroller pin.

Rigid 8x8 NeoPixel Matrices

Like NeoPixel rings, these 64-pixel matrices are assembled on a rigid printed circuit board and are available in both RGB and RGBW varieties.

NeoPixel Matrix Product Selector

All measure 71 millimeters (2.8 inches) square and about 3.6 mm thick. There are several mounting holes, and the DOUT pin allows multiple matrices to be linked in series.

RGB NeoPixels are the most affordable and can produce millions of color combinations.

RGBW NeoPixels offer an eye-pleasing “true” white in addition to RGB. These are available in three different color temperaures:

  • Cool white: approximately 6000 Kelvin (K).
  • Neutral: approx 4500K.
  • Warm white: approx. 3000K.

RGBW pixels incorporate a translucent diffuser layer to help mix and soften the light output. This makes them appear less intense than RGB pixels (which are “water clear”), but it’s really the same LEDs inside.

Flexible NeoPixel Matrices

Flexible NeoPixel 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; RGBW is not offered.

Finer Details About NeoPixel Matrices

As mentioned on the NeoPixel Strips page, keep power consumption in mind when working with NeoPixel matrices. With so many pixels at your disposal, it’s easy to get carried away.

If you need a size or shape of NeoPixel matrix that’s not offered here, it’s possible to create your own using sections of NeoPixel strip!

NeoPixel 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 NeoMatrix library supports most matrix topologies.

We also have a few special-purpose matrices on the NeoPixel Shields page!

This guide was first published on Aug 30, 2013. It was last updated on Dec 10, 2023.

This page (NeoPixel Matrices) was last updated on Feb 23, 2016.

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