UCS5603 Pixel Protocol
Manufacturer: Shenzhen Ucs
The UCS5603 is a single-wire, self-clocking RGB pixel driver with 12-bit-per-channel PWM, a redundant data line, and a wide 5 to 30V supply range.
Specifications
| Clock Type | Data-Only |
| Color Resolution | 12 Bits |
| Physical Package | SOP8 |
| RGB | Yes |
| RGBW | No |
| Output Pixel Voltage | 5 - 30V |
| PWM Rate | 1000Hz |
| Suitable Camera | Up to 34fps |
| Redundant Data Line | Yes |
Strengths
- 12-bit-per-channel resolution (4096 levels each) gives finer low-end dimming and smoother gradients than typical 8-bit pixels.
- Wide 5 to 30V operating range lets installers run higher supply voltages to reduce voltage drop and colour shift across long runs.
- A redundant (backup) data line keeps the downstream chain lit if a single pixel's primary data path fails, improving reliability on long strings.
Limitations
- As a single-wire, self-clocking part it is timing-sensitive: signal integrity depends on clean cabling, controlled run lengths, and good grounding, since there is no separate clock line to lock timing.
- The 1000Hz PWM rate is comfortably camera-safe for the stated 34fps target with sensible margin, but it is a modest figure; very high-speed or slow-motion capture leaves less headroom than chips built specifically for high-frame-rate broadcast.
Overview
The UCS5603 is a data-only, single-wire RGB pixel driver in an SOP8 package. One self-clocking data line carries 12-bit-per-channel RGB (4096 levels each) to every integrated IC, which regenerates and forwards the signal down the chain. It runs a 1000Hz PWM output, comfortably flicker-free for camera work up to about 34fps, and operates across a wide 5 to 30V range that helps limit voltage drop on longer runs. A redundant data line lets the string survive a single failed pixel. It is commonly attributed to Shenzhen Ucs. ENTTEC is not affiliated with Shenzhen Ucs.
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.