SK6818 Pixel Protocol
Manufacturer: Opsco Optoelectronics
A single-wire, self-clocking RGBW pixel with an integrated driver IC in a 5050 package, running 8-bit-per-channel colour at 5V.
Specifications
| Clock Type | Data-Only |
| Color Resolution | 8 Bits |
| Physical Package | SMD5050 with integrated LEDs |
| RGB | No |
| RGBW | Yes |
| Output Pixel Voltage | 5V |
| PWM Rate | 1200Hz |
| Suitable Camera | Up to 40fps |
| Redundant Data Line | No |
Strengths
- Single-wire self-clocking design: only one data conductor is needed alongside power and ground, so cabling and installation are simpler and cheaper than two-wire clocked chips such as APA102 or HD108.
- RGBW output: a dedicated white channel joins red, green and blue at 8 bits (256 levels) per channel, giving cleaner whites and pastels than RGB-only mixing.
- The 1200Hz PWM rate is comfortably flicker-free at the rated 40fps, so it captures cleanly on camera in typical event, stage and broadcast use.
Limitations
- No redundant data line: a single dead pixel or broken solder joint halts all data downstream, so longer runs need careful joint quality, injection and repair planning.
- Being data-only and self-clocking, the protocol is timing-sensitive, so long or noisy data leads and marginal level-shifting can corrupt the signal; the 1200Hz PWM also leaves less headroom than higher-rate parts for very high-shutter-speed cinematography beyond the rated 40fps.
Overview
The SK6818 is a single-wire, individually addressable RGBW pixel with the driver IC built into an SMD5050 package. Data and its self-clocking timing share one line, so each pixel latches its own 8-bit-per-channel value (256 levels each) and forwards the remainder downstream. It runs at 5V with a 1200Hz PWM rate, comfortably flicker-free for camera work up to the rated 40fps. There is no redundant data line, so one failed pixel interrupts everything after it. ENTTEC pixel controllers (OCTO 71521, PIXELATOR MINI and MK2 70067/70068, DIN PIXIE 73539 and the PLINK Injectors) drive a wide range of pixel protocols; contact ENTTEC about chips not listed. SK68xx parts are commonly attributed to Opsco Optoelectronics. ENTTEC is not affiliated with Opsco Optoelectronics.
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.