SK6812 Pixel Protocol
Manufacturer: Opsco Optoelectronics (SK68xx family)
A single-wire, individually addressable 5V pixel with an integrated 8-bit controller, available in both RGB and RGBW packages.
Specifications
| Clock Type | Data-Only |
| Color Resolution | 8 Bits |
| Physical Package | SMD5050 with integrated LEDs |
| RGB | Yes |
| RGBW | Yes |
| Output Pixel Voltage | 5V |
| PWM Rate | 1200Hz |
| Suitable Camera | Up to 40fps |
| Redundant Data Line | No |
Strengths
- Single data wire keeps runs simple: no separate clock conductor to route, terminate, or shield, which reduces cabling and one class of failure point compared with clocked (two-wire) chips.
- RGBW option adds a dedicated white channel on the same protocol, giving cleaner whites and pastels than mixing RGB alone, useful for architectural and broadcast looks.
- 1200Hz PWM is comfortably flicker-free at the rated 40fps, so it captures cleanly on camera at typical frame rates without visible banding.
Limitations
- As a data-only chip with no redundant data line, the stream depends on every pixel reclocking correctly: a single failed IC breaks all pixels downstream of it, and the tight self-clocking timing leaves less margin than a separately clocked signal.
- 8 bits per channel is standard-depth: adequate for most work but visibly steppy in very slow, deep fades at low output, where higher bit-depth parts hold a smoother gradient.
Overview
The SK6812 is a data-only, single-wire addressable pixel: each 5V LED integrates its controller inside an SMD5050 package and reclocks the self-clocking serial stream before passing it down the chain. It carries 8 bits per channel and ships in both RGB and RGBW variants, the latter adding a dedicated white die for cleaner pastels and tunable whites. Its 1200Hz PWM is comfortably flicker-free for camera work up to 40fps. Behaviour closely mirrors the WS2812 family, so most controllers treat the two interchangeably. 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.