TM1814 Pixel Protocol
Manufacturer: Titan Micro ElectronicsA single-wire, self-clocking RGBW pixel protocol with per-channel constant-current drive and a wide 5 to 32V operating range.
Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Clock Type | Data-Only |
| Color Resolution | 8 Bits |
| Physical Package | SOP8 |
| RGB | No |
| RGBW | Yes |
| Output Pixel Voltage | 5 - 32V |
| PWM Rate | 1000Hz |
| Suitable Camera | Up to 34fps |
| Redundant Data Line | No |
Strengths
- RGBW output with a dedicated white channel, controlled at 8 bits (256 levels) per channel across all four channels for accurate whites, pastels and tints that a three-channel RGB chip cannot mix directly.
- Wide 5 to 32V output pixel voltage lets integrators run higher-voltage strings, reducing voltage drop and colour shift over longer cable runs, all on a single self-clocking data line with no separate clock conductor.
- Per-channel constant-current drive (a well-established TM1814 feature) holds brightness consistent from pixel to pixel and helps protect the LEDs against supply variation.
Limitations
- Single-wire, self-clocking data is timing-sensitive (WS2812-style), and with no redundant data line a single failed pixel or broken data joint drops every pixel downstream of the fault.
- 1000Hz PWM is comfortably flicker-free to the eye and camera-safe up to about 34fps, but it is a modest refresh rate: it is not intended for very high-speed cinematography beyond that margin, and higher numbers would add little practical benefit here anyway.
- 8-bit per-channel resolution limits fine low-end gradient smoothness compared with higher-bit-depth chips, which can show as banding in slow, very dark fades.
Overview
The TM1814 is a single-wire, self-clocking addressable pixel protocol from Titan Micro Electronics. Unlike RGB-only chips, it drives four channels (RGBW) at 8 bits each, adding a dedicated white output for cleaner pastels and tints. Its wide 5 to 32V output pixel voltage suits higher-voltage strings over longer runs with less voltage drop, and each channel uses constant-current drive for even brightness across a string. At 1000Hz PWM it is comfortably flicker-free to the eye and camera-safe up to about 34fps for typical use. ENTTEC is not affiliated with Titan Micro Electronics.
Mapping an installation? ELM, ENTTEC's free LED pixel mapping software, drives the controllers above over Art-Net and sACN, from a single fixture to building-scale maps.
ENTTEC has been engineering lighting control in Australia since 1999, and shipping LED pixel controllers since the original Pixelator in 2014.