RGB pixel LED strips work based on the principles of LED technology and digital control. Here's an overview of how they work:

1. LED Technology: RGB pixel LED strips consist of individual light-emitting diodes (LEDs) that are capable of emitting red, green, and blue light. These LEDs are typically arranged in a linear configuration along a flexible strip.

2. RGB Color Mixing: Each LED on the strip contains three separate LED chips: one for red light, one for green light, and one for blue light. By varying the intensity of each of these three colors, a wide range of colors can be produced. By mixing different intensities of red, green, and blue light, the strip can produce millions of different colors.

3. Individually Addressable Pixels: In RGB pixel LED strips, each LED or group of LEDs is individually addressable. This means that you can control the color and brightness of each LED independently of the others. This is usually achieved through a control chip embedded in the LED strip.

4. Control Chips: RGB pixel LED strips typically contain control chips such as WS2812B (NeoPixel) or APA102 (DotStar), which are integrated into each LED. These chips have built-in control circuitry that allows them to receive digital signals and adjust the color and brightness of the LEDs accordingly.

5. Digital Control Signals: To control the RGB pixel LED strip, you send digital control signals to the control chips embedded in the strip. These signals typically consist of a series of pulses or commands that specify the desired color and brightness for each LED.

6. Microcontroller or Controller: To generate these control signals, you typically use a microcontroller (such as an Arduino or Raspberry Pi) or a dedicated LED controller. The microcontroller or controller sends the control signals to the RGB pixel LED strip based on the desired lighting effects or patterns.

7. Power Supply: RGB pixel LED strips require a power supply to provide the necessary voltage and current to illuminate the LEDs. The power requirements depend on the number of LEDs and their brightness levels. It's important to use a power supply that can supply sufficient power for the entire strip.

8. Data Transmission: Control signals are transmitted along the strip using a serial communication protocol, such as SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface) or a proprietary protocol specific to the control chip used in the LED strip.

By combining these elements, RGB pixel LED strips can create dynamic and customizable lighting effects, making them popular for applications such as decorative lighting, signage, art installations, and ambient lighting in homes and businesses.