---
title: "W55RP20-Based WS2811 Addressable RGB LED Controller – SCAN & Artnet Powered"
url: "https://maker.wiznet.io/sophia/projects/w55rp20-based-ws2811-addressable-rgb-led-controller--scan-artnet-powered/"
markdown_url: "https://maker.wiznet.io/sophia/projects/w55rp20-based-ws2811-addressable-rgb-led-controller--scan-artnet-powered/md"
type: "UCC: User Created Content"
author: "Darren Hedlund"
editor: "WIZnet"
editor_url: "https://maker.wiznet.io/"
original_author: "Darren Hedlund"
published: "2025-08-22"
language: "en"
hardware: ["WIZnet W55RP20"]
likes: 0
views: 1158
comments: 0
source: "WIZnet Makers (https://maker.wiznet.io/)"
---

# W55RP20-Based WS2811 Addressable RGB LED Controller – SCAN & Artnet Powered

> W55RP20 drives WS2811 RGB LEDs with SCAN & Artnet, creating dazzling pixel light shows for art, stage, and IoT. Maker: Darren Hedlund.

Original author: Darren Hedlund

## Components

- **WIZnet W55RP20** x 1 ([docs](https://wiznet.io/products/ionic-chips/w55rp20))

## Article

If you are looking for a way to control **addressable RGB LEDs** at scale, this project is for you. Maker **Darren Hedlund** has built a powerful controller using the **WIZnet W55RP20** chip to drive **WS2811 pixel LEDs**. The result is a **dynamic light show system** that supports both **SCAN protocol** and **Artnet protocol**, making it ideal for **art installations, stage lighting, and IoT projects**.

## 🔧 Project Overview

**Project Name**: W55RP20 LED Pixel Controller
**Maker**: Darren Hedlund
**Main Chip**: WIZnet **W55RP20Target Device**: WS2811 addressable RGB LEDs (Pixel LEDs)
**Protocols Supported**: SCAN, Artnet
**Applications**: Stage shows, concerts, smart home lighting, media façades, IoT lighting

The **W55RP20** is not only capable of networking tasks but also has the processing power to handle real-time LED pattern generation across large LED arrays.

## ⚡ How the Project Works

### 1. Hardware Setup

- **WIZnet W55RP20 development board**

- **WS2811 RGB LED strips or arrays**

- Power supply with sufficient current for large LED counts

- Ethernet or network connection for **Artnet data streaming**

### 2. Protocols & Control

- **SCAN Mode**: Cycles through LEDs in sequence to generate smooth light effects.

- **Artnet Mode**: Receives data over Ethernet and maps it directly to LED pixels.

- Both modes enable **large-scale, synchronized lighting patterns**.

### 3. Development Process

- Started with a small LED strip for testing.

- Expanded to larger installations with hundreds of LEDs.

- Verified smooth control using SCAN and high-performance Artnet streaming.

## 💡 Key Features & Benefits

### Features

- High-performance **W55RP20** chip for real-time LED control

- Full support for **WS2811 pixel LEDs**

- Compatible with **SCAN and Artnet protocols**

- Scalable to large LED arrays

### Applications

- **Entertainment**: Stage lighting, live shows, concerts

- **Art**: Interactive light sculptures, architectural façades

- **Smart Home**: IoT lighting systems with network integration

- **Pro Lighting**: Integration with existing Artnet-based lighting software

With **Artnet support**, this project can be directly integrated into **professional DMX/lighting setups**, making it suitable for both hobbyists and professionals.

👏 Special thanks to **Darren Hedlund** for sharing his **W55RP20 + WS2811 LED controller project**. We believe this will inspire more makers to explore **network-based LED control** and creative applications.

🚀 Want to build your own? Try the **WIZnet W55RP20** today and join the growing community of makers pushing the boundaries of IoT and embedded systems.

---

Source: https://maker.wiznet.io/sophia/projects/w55rp20-based-ws2811-addressable-rgb-led-controller--scan-artnet-powered/