Summary of The SK6812 – another intelligent RGB LED
The SK6812 is a new WS2812B alternative featuring a redesigned, smaller controller IC and LED die to reduce costs. Available in standard 5.0×5.0mm² packages and a compact 3.5×3.5mm² "mini" version for denser matrices, it functions as a direct clone while offering improved space efficiency. Although vendors often rebrand data sheets, Opsco Optoelectronics and Shenzhen Sikewei Electronics are potential manufacturers behind the device.
Parts used in the SK6812 Project:
- SK6812 LED
- WS2812S LED
- SK6812mini LED
- Controller IC
- LED dies
- Opsco Optoelectronics chip
- Shenzhen Sikewei Electronics chip
During the last months, a new WS2812 alternative appeared on the market: The SK6812. I finally managed to get my hands on some of them to take a closer look. In most aspects these devices are basically clones of the WS2812. What is interesting however, is that the manufacturer came up with a couple of new variations of the stock 5050 RGB LED.
As with many components from mainland china, it seems very difficult to identify the actual manufacturer of these devices, as vendors tend to rebrand data sheets. It appears that at least one of the original manufacturers is Opsco Optoelectronics. However, it is likely that there is more than one manufacturer is using the SK6812 brand, which does possibly only refer to the controller chip itself. The “SK” prefix, on the other hand, is normally used by Shenzhen Sikewei Electronics, which seems to specialize on speech ICs and similar low-cost applications. Are they connected? No idea…
The image above compares the “grandfather”, the WS2812S, with two new devices based on the SK6812 controller. The SK6812 is a direct clone of the WS2812B, while the SK6812mini comes in a smaller package with a 3.5×3.5mm² footprint. This is quite useful, since it allows more dense matrix displays than with the normal 5.0×5.0mm² packages.
Another, less obvious, difference is in the size of the controller IC and LED dies. The SK6812 is actually a bit smaller than the WS2812: Based on a rough measurement, the WS2812 is approximately 0.8×1.05=0.84 mm² while the SK6812 measures 0.6×0.8=0.5 mm². This suggests that the SK6812 is indeed a complete redesign. The smaller chip size should, in principle, also lead to lower cost. Although this depends on the manufacturing technology as well. In the same vein, the SK6812 also uses slighly smaller LED dies. This is most likely another measure to reduce cost.
For more detail: The SK6812 – another intelligent RGB LED
- What is the main difference between the SK6812 and the WS2812?
The SK6812 features a smaller controller IC and LED die compared to the WS2812. - Can the SK6812 be used for dense matrix displays?
Yes, the SK6812mini variant has a 3.5×3.5mm² footprint allowing for more dense displays. - Does the SK6812 function like the WS2812B?
Yes, the SK6812 is described as a direct clone of the WS2812B. - How does the size of the SK6812 compare to the WS2812?
The SK6812 measures approximately 0.5 mm² while the WS2812 is about 0.84 mm². - Who manufactures the SK6812 devices?
Vendors tend to rebrand data sheets, but Opsco Optoelectronics and Shenzhen Sikewei Electronics are likely manufacturers. - Is the SK6812 designed to reduce costs?
Yes, the smaller chip and LED die sizes suggest a measure to reduce manufacturing costs. - What is the footprint size of the SK6812mini package?
The SK6812mini comes in a 3.5×3.5mm² package. - Does the SK prefix indicate a specific manufacturer?
The SK prefix is normally used by Shenzhen Sikewei Electronics which specializes in speech ICs.
