SM16704 Pixel Protocol

The SM16704 is a single-wire RGBW pixel IC running 8-bit-per-channel PWM at 1200Hz across a wide 5 to 24V supply range.

Specifications

Clock TypeData-Only
Color Resolution8 Bits
Physical PackageSOP8
RGBNo
RGBWYes
Output Pixel Voltage5 - 24V
PWM Rate1200Hz
Suitable CameraUp to 40fps
Redundant Data LineNo

Strengths

  • Single-wire, self-clocking wiring: one data conductor per segment with no clock line to route, terminate, or fail, keeping harnesses and connectors simple.
  • 8-bit-per-channel RGBW control with a dedicated white channel, giving cleaner whites and pastels than RGB-only mixing while retaining full colour.
  • Wide 5 to 24V pixel supply range provides headroom for longer runs and eases voltage-drop planning compared with fixed low-voltage parts.

Limitations

  • As a timing-sensitive single-wire protocol it depends on precise pulse widths; long leader cables or marginal level-shifting can corrupt data, and with no redundant data line a single failed IC drops every pixel downstream.
  • The 1200Hz PWM rate is adequate rather than exceptional: comfortably camera-safe to the rated 40fps, but with less refresh headroom than higher-rate parts for very high-speed cinematography.

Overview

The SM16704 is a data-only, single-wire addressable pixel driver: each IC regenerates and forwards the data stream down the chain with no separate clock line, so timing is self-clocked and cabling stays simple. Every IC drives an RGBW LED at 8 bits per channel and refreshes at 1200Hz, which is comfortably flicker-free at the 40fps this part is rated for. Housed in a SOP8 package, it accepts a wide 5 to 24V pixel supply, giving useful headroom for voltage-drop planning on longer runs. The manufacturer is not firmly established.

Compatible ENTTEC controllers

OCTO
OCTO

Sku: 71521

DIN PIXIE
DIN PIXIE

Sku: 73539

PIXELATOR MINI
PIXELATOR MINI

Sku: 70067

PLink Injector
PLink Injector

Sku: 73-545

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