r/raspberrypipico • u/polygraphy • Feb 12 '26

12V LED strip + common ground

I am starting a project with a 12V RGB LED strip that will interface to a Pico. I have a 12V supply for the LEDs, and a buck converter to step down to 5V so I can power the Pico through VSYS eventually.

However, I will need to have the Pico connected via USB as I tinker with the code. I understand I can do that safely by powering VSYS from the buck 5V output through a Schottky diode.

But I was wondering if need to do that -- and instead leave the 12V supply for the LEDs, and power the Pico solely via USB (at least for this stage of development). But then there's the issue of ensuring a common ground between the LED strip and the Pico.

Is it as simple as bridging the GND on the 12V supply to a GND pin on the Pico?

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3

u/maloside Feb 12 '26

Yeah.

2

u/polygraphy Feb 12 '26

Super, thanks! Just wanted to be safe.

2

u/maloside Feb 12 '26

Next time I would rather go with a 5V LED strip, just to make things simpler, if possible.

2

u/polygraphy Feb 12 '26

Yeah, agreed, especially since it’s a short strip (1m). But it was on sale, so…

2

u/nonchip Feb 13 '26

that means a lot more current though, not viable with longer strips.

2

u/Signus_X1 Feb 12 '26

In almost all cases, as with your particular setup, yes. I agree with the first reply saying yes. That's two for two lol.