This video demonstrates different approaches to wiring microcontrollers to common "clockless" LED strips (i.e. "Neopixel" WS2811, WS2812, WS2813, WS2815) which all use the same protocol transmitted at 800kHz on a single 5V data line.
For simple circuits and only a short length of LEDs, it may be ok to take the data signal directly from the GPIO pin of an Arduino/ESP8266/ESP32. But for a more robust approach, I'll explain why you should add a series resistor to condition the data signal and protect the GPIO pin, a capacitor to smooth out power fluctuations, and a logic level convertor to step up the output from a 3.3V microcontroller to the 5V logic required by the WS28xx specification.
To carry the data over a greater distance, you could also consider using differential signalling, as demonstrated using a pair of RS485 transceivers. This is much more tolerant of noise, and allows you to transmit a signal 10 metres or more - ideal if your LED strips are located some distance away from your controller, or if you need to introduce a space between consecutive LEDs in the middle of the strip.
Timings
00:00:00 - 00:01:20 Introduction
00:01:21 - 00:02:46 Direct connection
00:02:47 - 00:06:30 A more robust circuit
00:06:31 - 00:10:24 Differential signalling for long distance
00:10:25 - 00:12:14 Backup data line
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