Ethernet WLED ESP32 Addressable and PWM LED Strip Controller
Stable Wired Control for Digital and Analog LED Projects
Control addressable and constant-voltage LED strips with one powerful ESP32 WLED controller.
With 10/100 Mbps Ethernet, 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, two addressable LED outputs, five PWM channels and a built-in digital microphone, this controller is suitable for reliable home lighting, ambient lighting, signage, holiday displays and music-reactive installations.
It comes with native WLED firmware and integrates easily with Home Assistant for local smart lighting control.
Key Features
ESP32-WROOM-32E with 8 MB flash
Microchip LAN8720A 10/100 Mbps Ethernet
2.4 GHz Wi-Fi connectivity
Native WLED firmware
Two addressable LED data outputs
Up to 800 addressable LEDs per channel
Five PWM outputs for analog LED strips
Supports RGB and RGB+CCT configurations
Built-in I2S PDM digital microphone
Music-reactive WLED effects
Home Assistant WLED integration
HTTP, MQTT and UDP control
Built-in logic-level shifter
Replaceable fuse
USB-to-UART flashing and debugging interface
DC 5–24 V input
WLED OTA firmware updates
One Controller for Two Types of LED Strips
Addressable LED Strips
The controller provides two addressable data outputs for individually controlled digital LEDs.
Compatible strip types include:
WS2812B WS2811 WS2813 WS2815 WS2805 SK6812
TM1814 APA102 WS2801 LPD8806 GS8208
Other WLED-compatible digital LED strips
Each channel supports up to 800 LEDs. Actual performance depends on the LED protocol, effect complexity, frame rate, brightness, wiring quality, power supply and WLED configuration.
DAT1 uses GPIO33 by default. Additional outputs and LED types can be configured from the WLED interface.
PWM Analog LED Strips
The five PWM channels can be configured for constant-voltage analog LED strips, including:
Three-channel RGB strips
Five-channel RGB+CCT strips
Other compatible multi-channel PWM lighting configurations
Unlike addressable strips, all LEDs within one analog strip section display the same color and brightness.
Always confirm that the strip voltage matches the controller’s power input voltage.
Ethernet and Wi-Fi Connectivity
Use wired Ethernet when a stable connection is important, or connect through a standard 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network when wireless installation is more convenient.
The Microchip LAN8720A Ethernet chipset provides 10/100 Mbps network connectivity for responsive local control.
The Ethernet port is used for network communication. It does not provide PoE power unless a specific product version explicitly states otherwise.
Music-Reactive Lighting
A built-in high-sensitivity I2S PDM digital microphone allows compatible WLED effects to react to music and ambient sound.
Home Assistant Integration
Add the controller to Home Assistant through the official WLED integration.
Depending on your WLED and Home Assistant configuration, you can:
Control color, brightness and effects
Activate WLED presets
Include lighting in scenes
Create time-based automations
Synchronize lighting with sensors
Control lights from dashboards
Trigger effects from buttons or events
The controller can also be used with HTTP, MQTT, UDP, OpenHAB and Node-RED workflows.
Designed for Reliable Installations
The controller includes several useful hardware features:
Replaceable fuse for easier maintenance
Logic-level shifter for more reliable addressable LED data signals
Screw terminal connections
DC power input
Ethernet network port
USB-to-UART interface
Physical control button
Reserved GPIO for compatible sensors or switches
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Type | Ethernet WLED addressable and PWM LED strip controller |
| Wi-Fi Chip | ESP32-WROOM-32E(8MB Flash) |
| Wi-Fi | 2.4 GHz, IEEE 802.11 b/g/n |
| Ethernet | 10/100 Mbps |
| Ethernet Chipset | Microchip LAN8720A |
| Addressable Outputs | 2 data channels |
| PWM Outputs | 5 channels |
| Input Voltage | DC 5–24 V |
| Audio Input | Built-in I2S PDM digital microphone |
| Signal Feature | Built-in logic-level shifter |
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 | Not used |
| Reserved Input/Output | GPIO32 |
GPIO32 is reserved for compatible external sensors or switches. Custom GPIO configurations require appropriate WLED settings and technical knowledge.
Basic Installation
Confirm the operating voltage of your LED strip.
Select a regulated DC power supply with the same voltage.
Calculate the required power supply capacity for the complete strip.
Connect the power supply, controller and LED strip with the power disconnected.
Connect an Ethernet cable or configure the 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network.
Select the correct LED type, GPIO, color order and LED count.
Test at low brightness before operating the installation at full output.
Power and Wiring Notes
The controller supports DC 5–24 V input.
The power supply voltage must match the LED strip voltage.
Do not connect the controller directly to AC mains power.
Long or high-power LED strips may require power injection at multiple points.
Keep addressable data wiring short where possible.
Do not exceed the terminal, fuse or PCB current rating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a 24 V supply with a 5 V LED strip?
A: No. The power supply voltage must match the LED strip voltage.
