2025: The Ultimate Guide to Professional LED Pixel Controllers

Pixel printed circuit boards remain a key element in LED control technologies and continue to evolve at a rapid pace. In 2025, the trend towards miniaturization of components and implementation of higher pixel density, increased microcontroller operating frequencies, and improved control algorithms continues. WS2812 and APA102 pixel printed circuit boards are becoming increasingly powerful and compact, opening up new possibilities for their application. By 2030, leading electronics manufacturers predict a complete transition from soldering to internal mounting technologies.

The Evolution of Pixel Control Systems

The first LEDs were controlled in large groups through microchips, which was not suitable for individual control. This was done in an analog way by applying 1-10 volts, with a cable stretched to each device. It was impossible to control a large number of strips through a dimmer. As the number of components increased, difficulties arose with system design, configuration, and maintenance.

Subsequently, drivers began to be integrated into LED strips, which simplified their use. However, each manufacturer developed their own protocol based on SPI, making it difficult to create universal control systems. They often used proprietary interfaces, making it impossible to combine equipment from different brands.

In the professional lighting control sphere, specialized programs and consoles are used that generate Art-Net and sACN protocols over Ethernet. This allows combining equipment from various manufacturers into a single system. Sundrax offers a wide selection of devices that convert various protocols to the standard DMX512, simplifying the integration process.

LED drivers in the PixelGate family convert ArtNet to the SPI protocol, which most addressable LEDs understand. LED strips and modules with the SPI protocol use serial data transmission. Information formed by the controller is transmitted along the pixel chain. Each pixel "reads" only its part of the data and passes the remaining part to the next. The absence of the need to address each pixel simplifies the connection process and allows arbitrary rearrangement of modules without disrupting operation. SPI allows connecting a large number of pixels, making it a popular choice for creating large-scale light installations.

How Pixels Work

LEDs do not light up by themselves, like a light bulb. They need a special "controller" or driver. Inexpensive drivers and homemade solutions often cause problems with LED strips, causing flickering, uneven illumination, and quick failure. The cause is usually in the driver, not in the LEDs themselves.

An LED pixel consists of a cluster of three RGB LEDs. By additively mixing the light of these LEDs, a wide color range is achieved. Addressable LED lighting allows independent control of each pixel. This opens up broad possibilities for creating dynamic visual effects. Pixels can be organized in various configurations, such as flexible strips or rigid pixel panels.

Communication Protocols: Art-Net, sACN, and DMX

DMX512 is a universal serial protocol designed for lighting control. It uses 8-bit addresses to identify each device and 8-bit data to control brightness, color, and other parameters. Devices are connected serially along the RS485 line, forming a chain. No more than 32 devices are recommended to be connected to one DMX 512 line. Fundamentally, this protocol requires specially developed data transmission cables, is susceptible to interference, and has low fault tolerance.

ArtNet is an evolution of DMX512. It is an implementation of DMX512 over UDP, allowing channel control data to be transmitted in IP packets over a local Ethernet network. ArtNet supports a feedback mechanism with devices and has greater reliability and relatively low cost. In the ArtNet protocol, each set of 512 DMX channels is called a Universe.

sACN is another network protocol from a different manufacturer for lighting control, based on DMX512 and using Ethernet.

PixelGate contains 2 Ethernet ports. One for connecting to a computer or control console, and the second for connecting another PixelGate using RJ45, avoiding the need to lay an additional network cable from the computer.

The PixelGate technology converts 16 DMX universes into SPI format. The driver has 8 SPI outputs, each of which can address up to 1024 LEDs. LED groups have their own IP addresses and web interfaces for individual configuration. All devices are connected to the Ethernet network and are accessible from a computer.

PixelGate can control thousands of pixels, creating complex light effects:

• If the strips are monochrome and all outputs are used, you can control 8192 pixels, setting timings, dimming, blinking, and other effects;
• When using RGB and RGBW LEDs, the number of addressable pixels is 2730 and 2048 respectively;
• LEDs can be configured both individually and in groups.

PixelGate controllers are suitable for mapping projects.

Mapping on PixelGate is a visual process of matching each individual LED to a specific point on a digital image. Each LED receives a unique address, allowing independent control. This opens up wide possibilities for creating complex and dynamic light installations – such as an LED video wall.

Special software products allow visual design and programming of light shows. You can create scene sequences, configure effect timings, and synchronize light with music or other external devices. For example, MIDI allows precise control of every nuance of a light show.

PixelGate supports a wide range of LED strips with power supply voltages from 5 to 48V and various control protocols (2 or 3-wire). For flexible management of different types of LEDs, the device allows selecting the appropriate protocol and updating the firmware.

Supported Chipsets: WS2812B, WS2811, APA102, LPD8806, WS2818, WS2812S, UCS1903B, UCS1909, UCS1909B, UCS1912, UCS1912B, UCS2903, UCS2903S, UCS2909, UCS2912, INK1002, INK1003, LX1003, SM16703, WS2813, WS2813A, WS2813B, WS2813C, WS2813D, TM1803, TM1804, TM1812, TM1814, TM1829, WS2803, DM413, LPD8803, LPD6803, LPD6813, LPD1101, UCS5903, UCS6909, UCS6912, UCS7009, D705, D707, D708.

If your required format is not in the list, please contact us – we will discuss your project and offer the best solution. 
For non-addressable strips, we recommend using the LEDGate controller.

PixelGate DIN

PixelGate DIN is mounted in two steps onto a DIN rail without requiring any additional tools. The device is installed in a cabinet on a standard mounting rail, occupying 4 modules. Its aluminum housing ensures durability combined with lightness. Laser engraving on the housing does not wear off over time, keeping the labeling visible even during prolonged use. 

PixelGate Arma is a driver housed in a reinforced casing that protects the board from any external impacts. Arma is ready for wall mounting both indoors and outdoors, regardless of temperature or precipitation intensity. Its sealed metal housing, weighing 0.85 kg and devoid of ventilation holes, provides reliable IP65-rated protection against dust and water jets from any direction. It continues to operate in 100% humidity. The design of the housing prevents stage smoke from entering. It also features an LED activity indicator.

The DIN and Arma implementations operate in a temperature range from -40°C to +70°C, making them suitable for any location—from the coldest regions of Canada to the hottest countries of Africa. 

PixelGate Board is a casing-free board designed for use in positive temperatures and indoor environments. It is ideal for installation in niches or the housings of other equipment. The operating temperature range is from 0°C to +60°C. 

All LED drivers in the PixelGate family:

• Start within 3 seconds after being connected to the network;
• Have a simple and understandable, yet truly functional web interface;
• Are easily configurable and can be supplemented with other PixelGates, branched with splitters, and support modularity.

Thanks to extensible addressing, Sundrax equipment easily adapts to any scale of temporary installations – from small events to large festivals.

Our LED controllers offer solutions for any task. For outdoor use, such as in advertising installations or architectural lighting, the protected Arma housing controller is ideal.

For creating large-scale light scenes in concert halls, clubs, commercial spaces, and galleries, we recommend the DIN model.

If you need to integrate the controller into existing equipment, the board version will be the optimal choice.

Budget Considerations

PixelGate offers an advantageous solution for those who want to reduce expenses on professional lighting equipment while improving its performance. Thanks to its architecture with 8 ports, PixelGate allows creating complex light systems at a more affordable price. On average, such systems cost 5 times less than similar DMX-based systems.

Maintenance and Longevity

PixelGate LED controllers are designed using high-quality components and materials, ensuring exceptionally reliable, uninterrupted operation. Printed circuit boards are developed by Sundrax specifically for these devices, guaranteeing optimal compatibility and stability over an extended period.