SparkFun LuMini LED Ring - 2 Inch (40 x APA102-2020)

The SparkFun LuMini LED Ring, with a diameter of 2 inches (approximately 5.08 cm), is a compact yet powerful lighting solution, packed with 40 APA102-2020 LEDs. Each of these LEDs is capable of displaying 16 million colors, providing a vibrant and versatile lighting option for various applications. The LuMini series is a miniaturized version of the Lumenati LED line, but instead of using 5mm x 5mm APA102 LEDs, it uses smaller 2mm x 2mm packages, allowing for higher pixel densities and thus a more seamless array of colors.

The SparkFun LuMini LED Ring is powered and controlled via several solder pads on the back of the board. These pads include connections for power (5V and ground), data and clock input, and data and clock output. The design of the ring is akin to a string of LEDs, with each LED numbered on the back of the board. Additionally, the LuMini LED Ring features eight detachable mounting points (four inside the ring and four outside) that can be used to attach the ring to a surface or project, or can be removed to create more intricate designs.

It's important to note that for larger installations, a decoupling capacitor may be required between power and ground to prevent voltage dips when many LEDs are turned on simultaneously. A 4.7µF capacitor is recommended for this purpose.

The SparkFun LuMini LED Ring is not only high in functionality but also in flexibility. It's daisy-chainable, allowing for the creation of larger and more complex lighting displays. Additionally, there is optional space for a capacitor, providing further customization options.

For ease of use and setup, SparkFun provides a range of supporting documents including a schematic, Eagle files, a hookup guide, a datasheet for the APA102-2020 LEDs, SMD soldering tips and tricks, the FastLED library, example code, and a GitHub repository.