{"title":"Adafruit NeoPXL8 Friend - 8 x Strands NeoPixel Level Shifter","handle":"adafruit-neopxl8-friend-8-x-strands-neopixel-level-shifter","url":"/products/adafruit-neopxl8-friend-8-x-strands-neopixel-level-shifter","description":"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.\n\nUnlike 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.\n\nKey Features\n\n\n8-Channel Level Shifter – Converts 3.3 V logic to clean 5 V NeoPixel signals\n\nSwitch-Cap Converter – Generates a clean 5 V supply for the level shifters (~10 mA draw)\n\n100 Ω Series Resistors – Reduces signal ringing on long wiring runs\n\nBreadboard Friendly – Plugs into a breadboard or perfboard for easy prototyping\n\nDMA Support – Works with the NeoPXL8 library for non-blocking pixel output on SAMD21/SAMD51 boards\n\nUp to 2,000 Pixels – 250 per strand on M0 (theoretical max 340); significantly more on M4\n\n\nConnection Options\nComes as a kit — solder in the connectors you prefer:\n\n\n2×8 Header – Ground and 5 V-logic signal pairs for each strand\n\n2× RJ-45 Jacks – Ethernet-style connectors with ground and signal per twisted pair (OctoWS2811-compatible pinout)\n\n\nRecommended Pin Configuration\n\n\nArduino Zero / Metro M0 Express: Pins 0–7 (best supported)\n\nFeather M4: Pins 2–7, 10, and 11\n\nItsyBitsy M0/M4: See library examples for pin configurations\n\n\n\nTip: If you're using a Feather M0 or M4, the dedicated NeoPXL8 FeatherWing is more compact and handles pin mapping automatically.\n\n\nPower\nNeoPixel 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.\n\nIdeal For\n\nLarge-scale NeoPixel installations with non-Feather boards\nBreadboard prototyping of multi-strand LED projects\nLevel shifting 8 NeoPixel data lines from 3.3 V to 5 V\nArt exhibits, stage lighting, and DJ installations\nMulti-strand costume and wearable projects\n\n\nPackage Contents\n\n1× Adafruit NeoPXL8 Friend PCB (connectors not soldered — kit assembly required)\n\n\nResources\n\n\nNeoPXL8 Arduino Library – Library and example code on GitHub\n\nNeoPixel Uberguide – General NeoPixel wiring and usage guide\n","vendor":"Adafruit","product_type":"physical","in_stock":true,"options":[],"variants":[{"id":6269,"title":"Default Title","sku":"AF-3975","price":11.6,"on_sale":false,"in_stock":true,"available_quantity":41,"option1":"Default Title"}]}