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The Adafruit DotStar 8×8 Matrix gives you 64 individually addressable RGB LEDs with 24-bit colour and a less timing-sensitive 2-wire protocol. Draws up to 4A at full white, can’t be cut, and isn’t designed for repeated flexing — advanced users only.
Put on your sunglasses before wiring this up — the Adafruit DotStar Matrix packs 64 eye-blistering RGB LEDs into a bright, compact 8×8 grid, with every pixel individually addressable. You only need one microcontroller pin to control the whole matrix, and each LED supports full 24-bit colour for smooth, detailed animations.
Power is the main thing to plan for. With 64 LEDs, current draw can reach up to 4A if everything is set to bright white. You can power it using a 5V 4A, 5V 2A, or even a 5V 10A supply. For portable builds, if your project stays under 3A, a 5V @ 3A UBEC is a good option.
These are the same integrated LEDs used in DotStar strips, based on a compact 5050 (5mm × 5mm) SMD LED design. Unlike NeoPixels, DotStar LEDs use a 2-wire protocol that’s less timing-sensitive, and they include high-frequency PWM for smoother colour blending.
Each DotStar LED has a tiny microcontroller built in. You can set brightness and colour per pixel using 24-bit RGB (8 bits each for red, green, and blue). Every LED behaves like a shift register, reading new colour data on its input pins and passing the previous data along to the next LED. This means you can control long chains of LEDs by sending one continuous stream of data. Once the colours are set, the PWM runs inside each LED, so the matrix keeps displaying without constant updates from your microcontroller.
There’s also a full tutorial available covering wiring, power calculations, and example code.
Please note: flexible PCBs are not designed for repeated flexing. While this matrix may work for wearables or curved installs, there are no guarantees or refunds if LEDs or traces crack from bending. This is for advanced users only, who are comfortable with DotStar LEDs, high current requirements, and protecting the matrix from damage. There are no returns, refunds, or replacements for damaged product, and the panel cannot be cut into custom shapes because the data and power lines run through the entire PCB.
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