Datasheet

Can NeoPixels be powered directly from the Arduino’s 5V pin?

Sometimes. The Arduino can continuously supply only about 500 milliamps to the 5V pin. Each NeoPixel can draw

up to 60 milliamps at full brightness. So yes, you can skip the separate DC supply and power directly off the

Arduino

as long as just a few pixels are used,

more if the colors and overall brightness are low. When in doubt, give

the pixels a separate power supply.

When using a DC power supply, or an especially large battery, we recommend adding a large capacitor

(1000 µF, 6.3V or higher) across the + and – terminals. This prevents the initial onrush of current from

damaging the pixels. See the photo on the next page for an example.

With through-hole NeoPixels (5mm or 8mm), add a 0.1 µF capacitor between the + and – pins of EACH PIXEL.

Individual pixels may misbehave without this “decoupling cap.”

Adding a ~470 ohm resistor between your microcontroller's data pin and the data input on the NeoPixels can

help prevent spikes on the data line that can damage your first pixel. Please add one between your micro

and NeoPixels! Our NeoPixel rings already have this resistor on there