Is GS8516 a clocked or single-wire pixel protocol?

GS8516 is a single-wire, self-clocking protocol, with one data line and no separate clock.

Is GS8516 suitable for use on camera?

Rated camera suitability: Suitable for typical broadcast/cinema frame rates (at a 17kHz PWM rate). Confirm it is comfortably flicker-free at your target frame rate.

Does GS8516 support RGBW?

Yes, GS8516 supports RGBW (a dedicated white channel alongside red, green and blue).

Who makes the GS8516 pixel chip?

GS8516 is commonly attributed to Genesis-Systech. ENTTEC is not affiliated with Genesis-Systech.

GS8516 Pixel Protocol

Manufacturer: Genesis-Systech

The GS8516 is a Genesis-Systech DMX512 LED driver IC that decodes standard DMX512 to drive a 4-channel RGBW pixel with 16-bit grayscale per channel at a 17kHz PWM refresh rate.

Specifications

Specification	Detail
Clock Type	DMX512
Color Resolution	16 Bits
Physical Package	SOP16 / SSOP10
RGB	No
RGBW	Yes
Output Pixel Voltage	7 to 36V
PWM Rate	17kHz
Suitable Camera	Suitable for typical broadcast/cinema frame rates
Redundant Data Line	No (DMX bus)

Strengths

16-bit (65536-level) grayscale per channel for smooth, high-resolution colour and dimming
Full RGBW output (4 channels), adding a dedicated white channel alongside red, green and blue
Wide 7 to 36V operating range plus a 17kHz refresh rate that is suitable for typical broadcast and cinema frame rates

Limitations

As a DMX512 decoder it sits on the differential DMX bus and does not provide a single-wire pixel-cascade or redundant backup data line at the chip level
Little English-language datasheet presence, so integration details are primarily documented by the manufacturer in Chinese

Overview

The GS8516 is a DMX512 LED driver IC from Genesis-Systech (Shenzhen Junlue Technology). Rather than a single-wire self-clocked pixel protocol, it receives and decodes the standard DMX512 differential bus and drives four output channels (RGBW) at 16-bit grayscale per channel, delivering fine colour and dimming resolution. It runs from a wide 7 to 36V supply and refreshes at 17kHz, which places it comfortably within typical broadcast and cinema frame rates for on-camera use. The part ships in SOP16 and SSOP10 packages. ENTTEC is not affiliated with Genesis-Systech.

Buying pixel chips? The label is not a guarantee of what is inside. Supplier reliability and batch consistency matter more than the chip on paper.

Real vs rebranded pixel chips

Compatible ENTTEC controllers

Storm10 - 10-universe Ethernet to DMX gatewaySKU 70057

DIN Ethergate Mk2SKU 71031

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.

Download ELM free

ENTTEC has been engineering lighting control in Australia since 1999, and shipping LED pixel controllers since the original Pixelator in 2014.