8 open source boards using the APA102
Real designs built with the APA102, from public GitHub projects: a quick way to see how others power, decouple and connect it. Each board comes with its KiCad files, full parts list and a render — and you can simulate its firmware on HardLabs.
STM32Micropad
blakesmith
45.1 × 76.5 mm27 parts2LNo license7
ESP32KlokTHREEjr
wyolum
162.6 × 194.3 mm273 parts2LNo license5
ESP32ClockIOT
162.6 × 194.3 mm282 parts2LMIT4
Microchip SAMDc25badge
Matir
126.8 × 48.3 mm96 parts2LApache-2.01
Ultim8x64
487.7 × 61 mm556 partsNo license0
Ultim8x8
53.3 × 53.3 mm74 partsNo license13
Microchip SAMProtospin
57.3 × 38.1 mm32 parts2LApache-2.01
STM32Ww
31 × 38 mm45 parts2LNo license167
The APA102 in open source designs
The gallery holds 8 open source boards using the APA102 from 7 GitHub repositories; a typical one measures about 92 × 57.1 mm and carries around 85 components.
100% are two-layer designs, the rest use four layers or more, and 38% carry an open source license.
The most starred is Ww by blakesmith.
Parts used alongside the APA102
Microcontrollers on boards using the APA102
What boards using the APA102 are built for
APA102: common questions
Where can I find a APA102 reference design?
Each of the 8 boards on this page is a real design using the APA102. Open one to see how it is wired up, with the full BOM, a render of the layout and links to its KiCad files.
What parts are used alongside the APA102?
The 1117-33, CP2102N-A01-GQFN28, DS3231N and ESP-WROOM-32 appear in the most repositories here.
Which microcontrollers do boards using the APA102 use?
Most are built on ESP32 (2), Microchip SAM (2) and STM32 (2).
How big is a typical board using the APA102?
The median is 92 × 57.1 mm, and 100% are two-layer designs.
What is the most popular open source board using the APA102?
By GitHub stars, Ww by blakesmith, with 167 stars.
Can I simulate one of these boards using the APA102 before building it?
Yes. HardLabs turns a board's netlist and BOM into a working simulation, so you can boot and test firmware against it with no hardware on your desk.