ESP32 BLE + LED Matrix

[evagreen4021-hash]

Hi all.. new here… i’m making small esp32 project with led matrix 8x8 and ble controller… code works ok but sometimes led matrix flicker when i send data via ble fast.. i tried changing update rate, added 100nF cap near esp32, still flicker.. maybe timing issue?
Prototype is on breadboard with wires everywhere… want to make PCB… how to route led matrix data lines.. separate from power? and caps placement.. anyone done matrix pcb before?

[Josverl]

Hello @evagreen4021-hash , welcome :-)

It would be easier to help if you add some details or link to code you are running,
and to clarify what hardware is connected, and how.

• what esp32 board or MCU are you using ( there are a lot of different ones)
• the 8x8 led matrix , is that an 8x8 NeoPixel ( aka WS2812) , and how is that connected
• how are the board and the led matrix powered.
  Power sources are be important , as the ESP32 BLE/WIFI stack can take quite some power, as will a 8x8 matrix if you turn on all pixels to white
• is WiFi connected as well ?

As I have not done any PCB design ill leave others to comment on those aspects.

[sosi-deadeye]

Is the LED Matrix a WS28xx LED stripe? Maybe you try to use asyncio and limit the response time. I guess BLE fires interrupts, which may conflict with NeoPixel. It's just an assumption.

Another possible problems, but do not fit the description of your problem:

• different timings of WS28xx
• signal voltage is too low (24V LED stripes often require a signal level converter).