LED Driver Board for XIAO Supports 5V and 12V LED Strips -Seeed Studio
The LED Driver Board for XIAO by Seeed Studio is a versatile and compact solution designed for driving 5V and 12V LED strips, including popular addressable RGB LEDs like NeoPixel WS2812, WS2813, and WS2815.
This LED driver board seamlessly integrates with all XIAO boards, providing smart lighting control and automation when paired with XIAO ESP32 Series using WLED and Home Assistant.
It offers flexible power supply options, making it ideal for a wide range of lighting projects.
Additionally, the board comes with comprehensive protection features, ensuring safe and reliable operation in home automation and creative lighting setups.
Features:
Wide LED Compatibility:
The driver is versatile and can support both 5V/3A and 12V/2A LED strips. It also has integrated power regulation.
Compatible with single-color and addressable RGB LEDs, including NeoPixel WS2811, WS2812(B), WS2813, WS2815, SK6812, and other 1-wire protocol LEDs, giving a wide range of lighting options.
XIAO Compatibility for Smart Control:
Designed to fit all Seeed Studio XIAO boards. When linked with the XIAO ESP32 Series (ESP32-C3/S3/C6), unlock smart features via
WLED app support - Control colors, effects, brightness, and create creative animations (XIAO ESP32C3 comes strongly recommended).
Home Assistant connection with ESP Home enables remote control, automation, and smart home scenarios.
Grove Ecosystem Compatibility:
The onboard Grove interface is compatible with over 400 Seeed Studio modules, such as infrared sensors, temperature sensors, accelerometers, and others, allowing you to easily improve lighting interactivity with the surroundings and motion for smarter, more personalized effects.
Flexible Power Input:
Supports 12V/2A power via a normal DC adapter (EU/US plugs) or direct DC wiring, with a universal 5.5mm x 2.1mm DC Barrel Jack connector. Suitable for temporary and permanent installations.
Compact form factor:
The space-efficient design enables for inconspicuous installation alongside LED strips or in tight places, making it appropriate for a variety of lighting applications while preserving full functioning.
Comprehensive Protection:
Overcurrent, overvoltage, overtemperature, and short-circuit protection are integrated to ensure reliable operation and component longevity.
Hardware Overview:
Applications:
Home Lighting & Decoration: RGB strip lights, wall lights, and holiday decorations
Educational and Science Experiments: Coding and Microcontroller Education, LED Light Design, Physical Data Visualization
Gaming and interactive installations: PC case illumination, around-screen LED effects, interactive LED floor or wall.
DIY Projects and Fun Uses: LED name boards, LED clocks, DJ disco lights, RGB mood lighting.
Power Adapter, 12V/2A/24W, European Standard Plug, DC Output
Power Adapter, 12V/2A/24W, American Standard Plug, DC Output
Other DC 12V Power Adapter with 5.5mm x 2.1mm x 10±0.3mm Plug
DC 12V Wire
LED Power Support
DC 12V / DC 5V
Operating Current
12V / 2A, 5V / 3A
Onboard Features
Power Switch x1
Grove I²C Connector x1
User Button (D3) x1
Power LED x1
1. How to connect the LED Driver Board for XIAO to 5V or 12V LED strips?
Plug the LED Driver Board for XIAO directly onto your XIAO microcontroller and connect your 5V or 12V LED strips to the screw terminals, matching polarity carefully. The board supports both voltage types, enabling control of a wide range of addressable or analog strips. Use separate power for longer strips to avoid overloading the XIAO.
2. How to control LED lighting effects using the XIAO LED Driver Board?
Program the XIAO LED driver board using Arduino IDE to create dynamic lighting effects like fades, chases, or color wipes. The board works with libraries such as FastLED or Adafruit NeoPixel to control brightness, color, and animation timing. This gives you full flexibility over 5V and 12V LED strips in both ambient and functional lighting setups.
3. How to power the LED Driver Board for XIAO safely?
For short LED runs, power the LED Driver Board for XIAO through the XIAO’s USB connection. For longer or brighter 5V and 12V LED strips, use an external power supply connected to the board’s power input terminal. Always match the supply voltage to your LED strip’s rating and ensure common ground between the XIAO and external power to prevent signal issues.
4. How to use the LED Driver Board for XIAO in DIY lighting projects?
This XIAO LED driver board is perfect for compact DIY lighting projects like under-cabinet lighting, wearable tech, or desk lamps. Its small size and direct XIAO integration allow for portable, programmable designs. Use it to build responsive lighting that reacts to sensors, sound, or timers for interactive installations.
5. How to interface the LED Driver Board for XIAO with Arduino code?
Use Arduino code with libraries like FastLED or NeoPixel to send control signals through the XIAO to the XIAO LED driver board. Define the data pin, LED count, and type in your sketch to enable full RGB or white-level control. Upload the code to create custom animations, brightness levels, or synchronized patterns across your LED strip.
6. How to choose between 5V and 12V LED strips for the XIAO LED Driver Board?
Use 5V LED strips for shorter runs and low-power applications like wearables or small displays, where voltage drop is minimal. Choose 12V LED strips for longer installations such as room lighting or signage, as they suffer less voltage drop over distance. The LED Driver Board for XIAO supports both, so select based on your project’s length, brightness, and power needs.
7. How to expand LED lighting projects using multiple XIAO LED Driver Boards?
Connect multiple LED Driver Boards for XIAO to separate XIAO boards or use I2C-enabled addressable setup
1. What is the LED Driver Board for XIAO used for?
The LED Driver Board for XIAO lets you control both 5V and 12V LED strips directly from your XIAO microcontroller, eliminating the need for external level shifting or power regulation. You can use it for RGB lighting, addressable LEDs, or ambient lighting projects. Its compact design makes it perfect for space-constrained LED lighting applications.
2. Can I use this driver board with NeoPixel or WS2812 LED strips?
Yes, this NeoPixel driver board for XIAO is fully compatible with WS2812 and similar addressable LED strips, providing clean signal delivery and stable power. You can drive smooth color transitions and dynamic lighting effects without signal degradation. It’s ideal for projects requiring precise control over individual LEDs.
3. Is the LED Driver Board compatible with WLED or smart lighting projects?
Absolutely, the XIAO-compatible LED controller works seamlessly with WLED firmware and other smart lighting platforms. You can integrate it into home automation systems for synchronized, network-controlled lighting. This makes it a powerful choice for DIY smart lighting and IoT-based visual feedback systems.
4. What voltage and current ratings does this LED driver board support?
The board supports 5V LED strips up to 3A and 12V LED strips up to 2A, offering flexible power options for various LED types. You can connect longer or denser strips while maintaining reliable operation. Its robust current handling ensures stable performance in continuous-use compact LED lighting applications.
This product comes with a 1-year manufacturer warranty from the date of purchase, covering manufacturing defects only.
Warranty Void If:
The product shows signs of physical damage, mishandling, exposure to water/moisture, fire, natural calamities, unauthorized repairs, improper storage near heat or direct sunlight, or alteration in any way.