2026-02-14

Details

status
Active
notes
Fast refresh, fast PWM, except extra 5 bits PWM at 400Hz
backup data line
No
brightness bits
8+5
brightness control method
pwm
brightness control notes
Extra 5-bit brightness control by overlaying 400Hz PWM on LEDs
channel current
22mA
channel current notes
19-22mA in 5050 package, 10mA for 2020 package; extra 5 bits control PWM, not current
clocked
Yes
color order
BGR
data bitrate
30MHz
data type
APA102
gpio max
5V
gpio min
3.5V
led voltage
5V
led voltage notes
Datasheet claims "26V Vds, Max" but LEDs are built-in and share power with 5V VDD
max pixels notes
Clock pulse gets shorter by a few ns every pixel. After ~250 pixels, the clock signal can no longer be reliably retrieved.
max pixels per string
250
other links
APA102 Pixel Protocol Overview | Advatek Lighting
package size
5050 & 2020
package sizes
5050, 2020
pin count
6
pixel data size
32 Bits/Pixel
pixel rate max
0.94 M Pixel / s
pwm frequency
19.2kHz
quiescent current
1.0mA
release year
2014
technical notes
Clock signal degrades with each pixel - see https://www.pjrc.com/why-apa102-leds-have-trouble-at-24-mhz/, Extra 5-bit brightness control is PWM-based, not current control, 19-22mA per channel in 5050 package, 10mA for 2020 package
third party testing
http://neon-world.com/en/product_detail.php?cid=59&id=167
vcc voltage
5V
wattage
110mW