NeoPXL8 Friend - 8 x Strands NeoPixel Level Shifter

Level-shifter breakout that drives up to 8 independent NeoPixel strands simultaneously, converting 3.3 V microcontroller data lines to 5 V NeoPixel-compatible levels. Designed to pair with SAMD or similar microcontrollers running parallel DMA output.

V+ / boost input
3V to 5V supply input for the NeoPXL8 Friend level-shifter boost circuit; Adafruit states 10 mA max draw for the level-shifter supply, not NeoPixel strip power
Type · powerVoltage · 3V to 5V input for level shifter boost; NeoPixel loads need separate chunky 5V power
GND
Common ground line for the controller, level shifter, and external NeoPixel strip power wiring
Type · groundVoltage · 0V reference
D0
3.3V controller data input for NeoPXL8 strand 0; shifted by the Friend to a 5V NeoPixel-compatible output
Type · signalVoltage · 3.3V logic input, shifted to 5V logic output
D1
3.3V controller data input for NeoPXL8 strand 1; shifted by the Friend to a 5V NeoPixel-compatible output
Type · signalVoltage · 3.3V logic input, shifted to 5V logic output
D2
3.3V controller data input for NeoPXL8 strand 2; shifted by the Friend to a 5V NeoPixel-compatible output

LED pixels

175 other options

WS2812/SK6812 NeoPixel strips, rings and Jewels, APA102 DotStar pixels, and plain analog RGB strips — each matched to its protocol and host, not just its connector.

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Flora RGB Smart NeoPixel version 2 - Pack of 4 visual preview

Related groups

4 groups

Bare ICs

74HC logic gates, MCP3008/MCP23017 ADCs and expanders, 24LC256 EEPROM, 4N25-series optocouplers and ULN2803A drivers — bare DIP chips with no breakout-board conveniences like pull-ups or level shifting.

Components · Integrated circuits · 68 parts

Converters

ADS1115/MCP3421 ADCs, MCP4725 and GP8413 DACs, CP2102 USB-UART boards, and I2C plumbing like the LTC4316 address shifter — matched to bus, resolution and signal range.

Components · Interface converters · 115 parts

Memory

24LC32/25LC256 EEPROM, I2C FRAM, 64Mbit PSRAM, and microSD breakouts up to 64GB — matched to write frequency and data volume, not just interface.

Components · Memory & storage · 39 parts

Passives

E12 resistor kits, ceramic and electrolytic capacitor sets, 1N4148/1N4007 diodes, TIP120 Darlingtons, IRLZ44N MOSFETs and 100F supercapacitors — bench stock in kit quantities.

Components · Passives · 56 parts

Pin	Type	Function	Voltage
V+ / boost input	power	3V to 5V supply input for the NeoPXL8 Friend level-shifter boost circuit; Adafruit states 10 mA max draw for the level-shifter supply, not NeoPixel strip power	3V to 5V input for level shifter boost; NeoPixel loads need separate chunky 5V power
GND	ground	Common ground line for the controller, level shifter, and external NeoPixel strip power wiring	0V reference
D0	signal	3.3V controller data input for NeoPXL8 strand 0; shifted by the Friend to a 5V NeoPixel-compatible output	3.3V logic input, shifted to 5V logic output
D1	signal	3.3V controller data input for NeoPXL8 strand 1; shifted by the Friend to a 5V NeoPixel-compatible output	3.3V logic input, shifted to 5V logic output
D2	signal	3.3V controller data input for NeoPXL8 strand 2; shifted by the Friend to a 5V NeoPixel-compatible output	3.3V logic input, shifted to 5V logic output
D3	signal	3.3V controller data input for NeoPXL8 strand 3; shifted by the Friend to a 5V NeoPixel-compatible output	3.3V logic input, shifted to 5V logic output
D4	signal	3.3V controller data input for NeoPXL8 strand 4; shifted by the Friend to a 5V NeoPixel-compatible output	3.3V logic input, shifted to 5V logic output
D5	signal	3.3V controller data input for NeoPXL8 strand 5; shifted by the Friend to a 5V NeoPixel-compatible output	3.3V logic input, shifted to 5V logic output
D6	signal	3.3V controller data input for NeoPXL8 strand 6; shifted by the Friend to a 5V NeoPixel-compatible output	3.3V logic input, shifted to 5V logic output
D7	signal	3.3V controller data input for NeoPXL8 strand 7; shifted by the Friend to a 5V NeoPixel-compatible output	3.3V logic input, shifted to 5V logic output
8x2 Fadecandy-style header	connector	Sixteen-pin NeoPixel output header with ground and 5V-logic signal in pairs for up to eight strands	5V logic signal outputs; strip power is supplied separately
RJ45 OctoWS2811-style connectors	connector	Two RJ45 NeoPixel output connectors with ground and 5V-logic signal per twisted pair, matching OctoWS2811-style wiring	5V logic signal outputs; strip power is supplied separately

Pinout

Bare ICs

Converters

Memory

Passives