Adafruit NeoPXL8 Friend - 8 Strands NeoPixel Level Shifter

Since we first started carrying NeoPixels back in 2012, the chainable RGB LEDs have taken over the world due to their simplicity of wiring — just one data wire, no matter how many pixels you've got. However, the constraint of a single data wire limits the number of pixels and effects achievable.

The Adafruit NeoPXL8 Friend addresses this by using Timer 0 waveform mode and DMA to handle up to 8 strands of NeoPixels concurrently. Each strand can be up to 250 pixels long, allowing up to 2000 pixels total. It comes with a level shifter that converts 3.3V logic to 5V for NeoPixel compatibility, and includes a switch-cap converter generating clean 5V power supply and a 100 ohm resistor to reduce signal ringing.

The breadboard-friendly design plugs into perf boards or breadboards; wire the 8 data lines, ground, and a 3-5V power supply for the level shifter. Two connector options are provided: pairs of 8-pin headers or RJ-45 Ethernet jacks, compatible with OctWS2811 wiring standards.

This kit requires soldering the headers or jacks as preferred. Use a separate robust 5V power supply for powering the NeoPixels as the board does not supply the main power to the LEDs.

Recommended for use with Arduino Zero, Metro M0 Express, ItsyBitsy M0 or M4 with specified pins. The NeoPXL8 Arduino library supports these platforms and enables advanced lighting effects with minimal CPU overhead.

• Supports 8 NeoPixel strands concurrently via DMA
• Level shifting from 3.3V to 5V logic
• Provides clean 5V power supply with switch-cap converter
• Two connection options: 2x8 headers or 2x RJ-45 Ethernet jacks
• Breadboard friendly, easy to integrate with perf boards
• Compact dimensions: 32.3mm x 28.5mm x 2.5mm
• Weight: 3.0 grams

For detailed usage, check out the NeoPXL8 Arduino library and the NeoPXL8 guide.