Adafruit NeoPXL8 Friend - 8 x Strands NeoPixel Level Shifter
32 units available with a short lead time.
Drive up to 8 strands of NeoPixels simultaneously with DMA — no more blocking your code to push pixel data. The NeoPXL8 Friend is a standalone level-shifting breakout board that converts 3.3 V logic to 5 V for 8 independent NeoPixel outputs, with a breadboard-friendly form factor that works with any SAMD21 (M0) or SAMD51 (M4) board.
Unlike the FeatherWing versions (Feather M0 and Feather M4), the Friend is board-agnostic — it works with Arduino Zero, Metro M0 Express, ItsyBitsy M0/M4, and other compatible boards. You can even use it with ESP32, Teensy, or STM32 for the level-shifting capabilities alone.
Key Features
- 8-Channel Level Shifter – Converts 3.3 V logic to clean 5 V NeoPixel signals
- Switch-Cap Converter – Generates a clean 5 V supply for the level shifters (~10 mA draw)
- 100 Ω Series Resistors – Reduces signal ringing on long wiring runs
- Breadboard Friendly – Plugs into a breadboard or perfboard for easy prototyping
- DMA Support – Works with the NeoPXL8 library for non-blocking pixel output on SAMD21/SAMD51 boards
- Up to 2,000 Pixels – 250 per strand on M0 (theoretical max 340); significantly more on M4
Connection Options
Comes as a kit — solder in the connectors you prefer:
- 2×8 Header – Ground and 5 V-logic signal pairs for each strand
- 2× RJ-45 Jacks – Ethernet-style connectors with ground and signal per twisted pair (OctoWS2811-compatible pinout)
Recommended Pin Configuration
- Arduino Zero / Metro M0 Express: Pins 0–7 (best supported)
- Feather M4: Pins 2–7, 10, and 11
- ItsyBitsy M0/M4: See library examples for pin configurations
Power
NeoPixel power is not routed through the Friend — the PCB copper would be too limiting for the currents involved. Provide 5 V power directly to your NeoPixel strips using terminal blocks or bus bars connected to a dedicated 5 V supply. The Friend itself draws only ~10 mA from a 3–5 V source for the level-shifting circuitry.
Ideal For
- Large-scale NeoPixel installations with non-Feather boards
- Breadboard prototyping of multi-strand LED projects
- Level shifting 8 NeoPixel data lines from 3.3 V to 5 V
- Art exhibits, stage lighting, and DJ installations
- Multi-strand costume and wearable projects
Package Contents
- 1× Adafruit NeoPXL8 Friend PCB (connectors not soldered — kit assembly required)
Resources
- NeoPXL8 Arduino Library – Library and example code on GitHub
- NeoPixel Uberguide – General NeoPixel wiring and usage guide
The Adafruit NeoPXL8 Friend - 8 x Strands NeoPixel Level Shifter appears in the following collections:
