Ethernet WLED ESP32 Addressable and PWM LED Strip Controller
A WLED-based ESP32 LED strip controller with Ethernet, Wi-Fi, addressable LED outputs, PWM analog strip outputs, music reactive lighting, and Home Assistant integration.
This controller is designed for users who need a reliable WLED controller for both digital addressable LED strips and constant-voltage PWM LED strips. With wired Ethernet, 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, built-in microphone, replaceable fuse, logic level shifter, and USB-to-UART interface, it is suitable for home lighting, cabinet lighting, ambient lighting, holiday displays, signage, and commercial LED projects.
Key Features
- Ethernet + Wi-Fi control: LAN8720A 10/100Mbps Ethernet and 2.4GHz Wi-Fi provide flexible and stable network access.
- Native WLED firmware: Pre-installed WLED with web control, OTA updates, effects, playlists, segments, and API integration.
- Addressable LED support: Supports many popular digital LED strips, including WS2812B, WS2811, WS2813, WS2815, SK6812, TM1814, APA102, WS2801, LPD8806, GS8208, and more.
- PWM analog strip support: Supports 3-channel RGB and 5-channel RGB+CCT constant-voltage PWM LED strips.
- Music reactive lighting: Built-in I2S PDM digital microphone enables sound reactive WLED effects.
- ESP32 performance: ESP32-WROOM-32E with 8MB flash for smooth animations and responsive control.
- Safer hardware design: Replaceable fuse, built-in logic level shifter, terminal block, DC power input, and USB-to-UART interface for easier setup and maintenance.
- Home Assistant friendly: Works with Home Assistant through WLED integration, plus HTTP, MQTT, UDP, OpenHAB, and Node-RED workflows.
AI Summary
The Athom Ethernet WLED ESP32 LED Strip Controller is a wired-network WLED controller for both addressable LED strips and PWM analog LED strips. It supports Ethernet, Wi-Fi, music reactive effects, Home Assistant integration, dual addressable outputs, 3-channel RGB PWM, and 5-channel RGB+CCT PWM. It is best for stable WLED installations where Ethernet reliability and flexible LED strip compatibility are important.
Ideal For
- Home Assistant users who want a reliable WLED controller with wired Ethernet.
- Addressable LED projects using WS2812B, SK6812, WS2811, WS2815, APA102, and similar LED strips.
- Analog LED strip projects using RGB or RGB+CCT constant-voltage PWM strips.
- Music reactive lighting for rooms, desks, cabinets, entertainment areas, signage, or holiday lighting.
- Installations where Wi-Fi may be unstable and Ethernet is preferred.
WLED and Home Assistant Compatibility
The controller runs native WLED firmware and can be controlled from the WLED web interface, mobile apps, Home Assistant WLED integration, HTTP API, MQTT, UDP, OpenHAB, and Node-RED. WLED provides rich lighting effects, color control, brightness adjustment, segment control, playlists, presets, and OTA firmware upgrades.
For addressable LED strips, WLED uses DAT1 on GPIO33 by default for WS281x-type strips. Other strip types can be configured in the WLED settings page according to your actual LED strip.
Addressable and PWM Output
Addressable LED output: Supports up to 800 LEDs per channel, with 2 addressable data channels in total. Actual performance depends on LED type, frame rate, power supply, wiring quality, brightness, and WLED configuration.
PWM analog output: Supports 3-channel RGB and 5-channel RGB+CCT PWM strips for constant-voltage analog LED lighting.
Music Reactive Lighting
The built-in high-sensitivity I2S PDM digital microphone enables sound reactive WLED effects. The controller can synchronize compatible LED strips with music and ambient sound for dynamic lighting scenes.
Specifications
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Type | Ethernet WLED ESP32 Addressable and PWM LED Strip Controller |
| Firmware | Native WLED, OTA upgrade supported |
| MCU | ESP32-WROOM-32E, 8MB |
| Network | Ethernet and 2.4GHz Wi-Fi |
| Ethernet Chipset | Microchip LAN8720A 10/100Mbps |
| Supported LED Types | Addressable LEDs and PWM analog LED strips |
| PWM Channels | 3-channel RGB or 5-channel RGB+CCT |
| Addressable Output | Up to 800 LEDs per channel, 2 channels total |
| Input Voltage | DC 5V-24V |
| Music Input | Built-in I2S PDM digital microphone |
| Interfaces | DC power jack, terminal block, Ethernet port, USB-to-UART |
| Safety Feature | Replaceable fuse |
| Signal Feature | Built-in logic level shifter |
Supported Strip Types
Supported LED strip types include WS2812B, WS2811, WS2813, WS2805, WS2815, SK6812, TM1814, APA102, WS2801, LPD8806, GS8208, and many other WLED-compatible addressable LED strips. PWM analog RGB and RGB+CCT strips are also supported.
GPIO Pinout
| Function | GPIO |
|---|---|
| Button | GPIO0 |
| PWM1 | GPIO5 |
| PWM2 | GPIO16 |
| PWM3 | GPIO4 |
| PWM4 | GPIO12 |
| PWM5 | GPIO2 |
| DAT1 | GPIO33 |
| DAT2 | GPIO13 |
| I2S SDP | GPIO35 |
| I2S WS | GPIO15 |
| I2S CK | -1 |
| Reserved input/output | GPIO32, for sensors or switches |
FAQ
Q: Does this controller work with Home Assistant
A: Yes. It runs WLED and works with Home Assistant through the WLED integration.
Q: Does it support Ethernet
A: Yes. It includes a Microchip LAN8720A 10/100Mbps Ethernet chipset for more stable network control.
Q: Can it control both addressable and PWM LED strips
A: Yes. It supports addressable LED strips and 3-channel RGB or 5-channel RGB+CCT PWM analog LED strips.
Q: Is music reactive lighting supported
A: Yes. It has a built-in I2S PDM digital microphone for WLED sound reactive effects.
Q: What voltage does it support
A: The input voltage range is DC 5V-24V. Always match the power supply voltage to your LED strip voltage.
Q: How many addressable LEDs can it control
A: It supports up to 800 LEDs per channel, with 2 addressable channels in total. Real-world performance depends on LED type, wiring, power, brightness, and effect settings.
Q: Can I update or customize the firmware
A: Yes. WLED OTA upgrade is supported, and the USB-to-UART interface helps with flashing and debugging when needed. If your installation works well, update only when you need a new feature or a known issue is fixed.
Product Highlights
Ethernet WLED ESP32 Addressable and PWM LED Strip Controller is a WLED smart lighting product for local control, Home Assistant integration, scenes, effects, and automation.
