LPD6803 Pixel Protocol
The LPD6803 is an early two-wire clocked RGB pixel driver with 5-bit-per-channel PWM, largely superseded by modern data-only single-wire chips.
Specifications
| Clock Type | Clocked |
| Color Resolution | 5 Bits |
| Physical Package | SOP16 |
| RGB | Yes |
| RGBW | No |
| Output Pixel Voltage | 5 - 12V |
| PWM Rate | 1000Hz |
| Suitable Camera | Up to 34fps |
| Redundant Data Line | No |
Strengths
- Separate clock line gives relaxed, tolerant data timing: unlike self-clocked parts such as WS2812, the LPD6803 does not depend on tight per-bit timing and works across a range of clock rates.
- Flexible supply: the row specifies a 5 to 12V pixel voltage, so it suits both 5V and 12V pixel builds.
- 1000Hz PWM is comfortably flicker-free for the stated camera safety of up to 34fps, which covers typical broadcast and video capture at standard frame rates.
Limitations
- Colour depth is only 5 bits per channel (about 32 levels per colour, 15-bit total), so gradients are coarse and low-level banding is visible compared with modern 8-bit-per-channel chips.
- Being clocked, it needs a second clock conductor: that adds wiring and cost, introduces another point of failure, and the high-frequency clock line radiates EMI that can interfere in sensitive installations. The market is trending toward data-only single-wire chips to avoid both, so the timing tolerance comes at a real cost rather than being a clear win.
- No redundant data line (per the row): a single break stops all downstream pixels. The 1000Hz PWM and 34fps camera rating are adequate for typical use but modest, and not aimed at high-speed cinema capture.
Overview
The LPD6803 is one of the older clocked pixel driver ICs, using an SPI-style scheme with separate DATA and CLOCK lines rather than a single self-clocking wire. Each SOP16 chip drives one RGB pixel at 5 bits per channel, giving roughly 15-bit colour (about 32,768 shades). It accepts a 5 to 12V pixel supply and runs a 1000Hz PWM output that is comfortably flicker-free for camera work up to around 34fps. There is no redundant data line. The manufacturer is not firmly established. ENTTEC pixel controllers (OCTO 71521, PIXELATOR MINI 70067 and MK2 70068, DIN PIXIE 73539, and the PLINK Injectors) drive a wide range of pixel protocols; contact ENTTEC about chips not listed.
Compatible ENTTEC controllers
Sku: 71521
Sku: 73539
Sku: 70067
Sku: 70068
Sku: 73-545
Sku: 73924
ENTTEC has been engineering lighting control in Australia since 1999, and shipping LED pixel controllers since the original Pixelator in 2014.