TM1903 Pixel Protocol
Manufacturer: Titan Micro ElectronicsTM1903 is a single-wire, individually addressable 24-bit RGB pixel IC that self-clocks its data line in the style of the WS2812 family.
Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Clock Type | Data-Only |
| Color Resolution | 8 Bits |
| Physical Package | SOP8 |
| RGB | Yes |
| RGBW | No |
| Output Pixel Voltage | 5 - 24V |
| PWM Rate | 666Hz |
| Suitable Camera | Up to 23fps |
| Redundant Data Line | No |
Strengths
- Single-wire, self-clocking control: only data and power are routed, with no clock conductor to run, terminate, or fault, which simplifies cabling and connectors on long pixel runs.
- Integrated per-pixel IC delivering standard 24-bit RGB (8 bits per channel) with full individual addressability for smooth gradients and animation.
- Wide 5 to 24V pixel supply window: driving at a higher voltage reduces voltage drop and colour shift over long runs compared with 5V-only parts.
Limitations
- As a single-wire self-clocking protocol it is timing-sensitive: data-line length and signal integrity matter, and with no redundant data line a single failed pixel or joint drops everything downstream of it.
- 8-bit per-channel depth and a 666Hz PWM rate are adequate and camera-safe up to about 23fps, but leave little margin for high-frame-rate or slow-shutter cinematography, where higher-refresh parts are the better choice.
Overview
The TM1903 is a data-only, single-wire addressable RGB pixel driver in an SOP8 package. Each IC recovers timing from one data line (no separate clock conductor), latches 8 bits per channel for 24-bit colour, and forwards the remaining stream to the next pixel down the chain. It operates across a 5 to 24V pixel supply and runs a 666Hz PWM rate, comfortably flicker-free for the cameras it targets (up to 23fps). It is commonly attributed to Titan Micro Electronics. 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.