WiFi-Controlled 3×3 LED Matrix PCB Design

This project showcases a WiFi-controlled 3×3 LED matrix implemented on a custom-designed PCB using an ESP8266 (NodeMCU).
The PCB was designed using EasyEDA, fabricated using exported Gerber files, and tested on real hardware.

🔗 Project Files:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1KRZmrC2UXTClxmYjrTLkqFTehNC_myn5?usp=drive_link

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📖 About

This project demonstrates the complete journey of designing, fabricating, and programming a WiFi-controlled 3×3 LED Matrix from scratch. It combines hardware design, PCB fabrication, and IoT programming to create a functional wireless LED control system.

What Makes This Project Unique?

• Custom PCB Design: Designed from ground up using EasyEDA, including schematic creation, component placement, and trace routing
• Real Fabrication: The PCB was professionally manufactured using exported Gerber files, making this a real-world hardware project
• IoT Integration: Leverages the ESP8266's built-in WiFi capabilities for wireless control, eliminating the need for physical connections
• Scalable Architecture: The design principles can be extended to larger LED matrices (8×8, 16×16, etc.)
• Educational Value: Perfect for learning about PCB design workflow, microcontroller programming, and IoT fundamentals

Technical Highlights

• Microcontroller: ESP8266 (NodeMCU) with built-in WiFi module
• Design Tool: EasyEDA for schematic and PCB layout
• Programming: Arduino IDE with ESP8266 core
• Power Supply: USB-powered (5V) for portability
• Control Method: WiFi-based web interface for pattern selection

This project serves as a foundation for understanding how modern IoT devices are built—from circuit design to wireless communication. It's ideal for students, hobbyists, and anyone interested in learning embedded systems and PCB design.

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📁 Project Structure

WiFi-Controlled 3×3 LED Matrix/
│
├── Code/
│   └── main.ino                           # Arduino code for ESP8266 (WiFi AP + Web Server)
│
├── Images/
│   ├── after final connections.jpg        # Final assembled PCB with components
│   ├── pcb after printing .jpg            # Fabricated PCB (bare board)
│   ├── Screenshot 2025-12-15 at 1.21.13 AM.png  # EasyEDA schematic design
│   ├── PCB_Design.png                     # EasyEDA PCB layout view
│   └── PCB_PCB_wled-project_2_2025-12-18.png    # Latest PCB design render
│
├── PCB_PCB_wled-project_2_2025-12-18.json # EasyEDA PCB design (JSON format)
├── PCB_wled-project_2_2025-12-18.dxf      # PCB design (DXF CAD format)
│
└── README.md                               # This file

File Descriptions

Code Files

• main.ino: Complete Arduino sketch with WiFi AP setup, web server, and LED control logic

PCB Design Files

• PCB_PCB_wled-project_2_2025-12-18.json: EasyEDA project file (can be imported back into EasyEDA for editing)
• PCB_wled-project_2_2025-12-18.dxf: DXF CAD file for mechanical integration or PCB outline verification

Images & Documentation

• after final connections.jpg: Completed project with all components soldered
• pcb after printing .jpg: Fresh PCB from fabrication house
• Schematic & Layout PNGs: Design screenshots from EasyEDA
• PCB_PCB_wled-project_2_2025-12-18.png: Latest PCB design visualization

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Features

• Custom PCB design using EasyEDA
• Wireless LED control via ESP8266
• Compact and clean PCB routing
• Real-time LED pattern switching
• Scalable design for larger matrices

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📷 Project Images

PCB After Final Connections View

PCB After Printing View

EasyEDA Schematic Design

PCB Layout Design

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🛠 Hardware Used

• ESP8266 (NodeMCU)
• 9 × LEDs (3×3 Matrix)
• Current limiting resistors
• Custom fabricated PCB
• USB / 5V power supply

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Working Principle

The ESP8266 controls the LED matrix using GPIO pins with multiplexing logic.
LED patterns are updated wirelessly over WiFi using a simple control interface.

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💻 Code Implementation

Circuit Design

This project uses a single-pin control design where all 9 LEDs are connected through current-limiting resistors to a common GPIO pin:

• Control Pin: D13 (GPIO13 on NodeMCU)
• Control Method: PWM-based brightness modulation
• Pattern Simulation: Brightness varies based on number of LEDs in pattern

WiFi Configuration

SSID: LED_Matrix
Password: 12345678
IP Address: 192.168.4.1

The ESP8266 creates a WiFi Access Point that you can connect to from any device (phone, tablet, laptop).

Web Interface Features

• Visual LED Grid: Real-time display of LED states with glowing effects
• Individual Control: Click any LED in the grid to toggle it
• Preset Patterns:
  • Cross Pattern
  • Corners Pattern
  • Border Pattern
  • Diagonal Pattern
• Animation Mode: Sequential LED animation with fade effects
• All ON/OFF: Quick controls for full matrix state
• Auto-Sync: Interface updates every 500ms to show current state

How PWM Control Works

Since all LEDs share a common pin, the code uses PWM to simulate patterns:

• More LEDs in pattern = Higher brightness
• Fewer LEDs in pattern = Lower brightness
• Animations use timing and fade effects for visual appeal

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🚀 Software Setup

Prerequisites

1. Arduino IDE installed (version 1.8.x or newer)
2. ESP8266 Board Support installed
   • Go to: File → Preferences
   • Add to "Additional Board Manager URLs":

     http://arduino.esp8266.com/stable/package_esp8266com_index.json
     

   • Open: Tools → Board → Boards Manager
   • Search for "ESP8266" and install

Upload Instructions

1. Open Code/main.ino in Arduino IDE
2. Select Tools → Board → NodeMCU 1.0 (ESP-12E Module)
3. Select your COM Port (Tools → Port)
4. Click Upload (or press Ctrl+U)
5. Wait for compilation and upload to complete

First Time Setup

1. Power the NodeMCU via USB (5V supply)
2. Open WiFi settings on your phone/laptop
3. Connect to WiFi network: LED_Matrix
4. Enter password: 12345678
5. Open web browser and navigate to: http://192.168.4.1
6. The LED control interface will load automatically

Testing

• Click individual LEDs in the web interface
• Try preset patterns to see brightness variations
• Use "Animate" to see the welcome sequence
• Monitor Serial output (115200 baud) for debugging

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📝 Code Structure

main.ino
├── WiFi Access Point Setup
├── Web Server Configuration
├── HTML/CSS/JS Interface (embedded)
├── Pattern Control Functions
│   ├── Cross, Corners, Border, Diagonal
│   └── Animation sequences
├── PWM Brightness Control
└── Serial Debugging Output

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🔧 Customization

Change WiFi Credentials

const char* ssid = "YOUR_NETWORK_NAME";
const char* password = "YOUR_PASSWORD";

Adjust Control Pin

const int CONTROL_PIN = D13;  // Change if using different GPIO

Modify Patterns

Edit pattern arrays in handleCommand() function:

bool pattern[] = {1, 0, 1, 0, 1, 0, 1, 0, 1};  // Custom pattern

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Future Improvements

• Expansion to 8×8 LED matrix
• Mobile application control
• PWM-based brightness control
• WebSocket-based real-time animations

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Author

Ankit Kumar Tiwari
B.Tech – Electronics & Communication Engineering