MBI6020 Pixel Protocol
Manufacturer: Macroblock
A two-wire clocked RGB LED driver with 10-bit per-channel PWM, a wide 5-12V pixel supply, and a cascadable SOP16 package.
Specifications
| Clock Type | Clocked |
| Color Resolution | 10 Bits |
| Physical Package | SOP16 |
| RGB | Yes |
| RGBW | No |
| Output Pixel Voltage | 5 - 12V |
| PWM Rate | 9766Hz |
| Suitable Camera | Up to 326fps |
| Redundant Data Line | No |
Strengths
- 10-bit per-channel PWM (1024 levels) gives fine tonal gradation for smooth fades and gradients, more headroom than 8-bit parts at low intensities.
- The separate clock line makes bit timing tolerant of cable length and edge-rate variation, which can help maintain reliable data over longer runs than tightly timed single-wire chips.
- Wide 5-12V pixel voltage supports 12V string designs, reducing voltage drop and the number of power-injection points on long installs.
- A ~9.77kHz PWM rate is comfortably flicker-free and camera-safe for typical broadcast and film capture, rated here up to 326fps.
Limitations
- Being clocked, it needs a second (clock) conductor: extra wiring and connector cost, another point of failure, and a high-frequency clock line that radiates EMI and can cause interference in sensitive installations. The timing tolerance is genuine but comes at that cost, and the market is trending toward data-only single-wire chips to avoid both.
- RGB only, with no dedicated white channel, so it is not suited to installs that need a discrete or high-quality white.
- No redundant data line: a single break or failed pixel stops all data to the rest of the chain, with no automatic bypass.
- The 9766Hz PWM rate is more than adequate for camera-safety at the rated 326fps, but treat it as 'comfortably flicker-free' rather than a headline figure; pushing refresh higher typically trades away usable bit depth and adds little real-world benefit past a sensible margin.
Overview
The MBI6020 is a clocked RGB pixel driver that uses two signal lines, separate DATA and CLOCK, rather than a self-clocking single-wire scheme. Each SOP16 device drives three constant-current channels with 10-bit (1024-level) PWM per channel, cascading data down the chain for individually addressable control. It accepts a wide 5-12V pixel supply, letting integrators build 12V strings with fewer power-injection points. It is RGB only (no white channel) and carries no redundant data line. ENTTEC is not affiliated with Macroblock.
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.