To control Addressable Pixels, they need a data signal with instructions on what color to light up with, this is done with a pixel controller. The controller sends out data packets with instructions many times a second.
Data packages
The WS2811 pixel itself does not need to be programmed, it is dumb and constantly listens for data packets. When a signal arrives, the pixel takes the first data packet and sends the rest on. Pixel number two takes the first packet it receives and sends the rest on. This continues until there are no more data packets or pixels.
A data pack contains 3 values, one for each color (Red, Green and Blue). The values are between 0 and 255, indicating the brightness the individual LED should light up with.
If all values are 255, the LED will turn 100% white.
