TM1809 Pixel Protocol
Manufacturer: Titan Micro Electronics
The TM1809 is a single-wire, self-clocking RGB pixel driver with 8-bit colour and an integrated per-pixel controller, refreshing at a 400Hz PWM rate.
Specifications
| Clock Type | Data-Only |
| Color Resolution | 8 Bits |
| Physical Package | SOP14 |
| RGB | Yes |
| RGBW | No |
| Output Pixel Voltage | 5 - 24V |
| PWM Rate | 400Hz |
| Suitable Camera | Flickering may be visible |
| Redundant Data Line | No |
Strengths
- Single-wire, self-clocking protocol: only DATA is needed alongside power and ground, so cabling is simpler and uses fewer conductors than a two-wire clocked chip (no separate clock line to route or fault).
- Integrated per-pixel controller with 24-bit RGB (8 bits per channel) gives standard, widely supported colour depth and true individual addressing along the chain.
- Wide 5 to 24V operating range across modules gives flexibility for different strip voltages and helps hold voltage over longer runs.
Limitations
- At 400Hz PWM the refresh is relatively low, and the spec row marks the TM1809 as likely to show visible flicker on camera: expect visible flicker or banding on video, so avoid it for broadcast, film, and other on-camera work. This is a genuine constraint, not a case where a higher number would simply be better; the practical bar is camera-safety at the target frame rate, and 400Hz does not clear it.
- As a data-only single-wire protocol the timing is sensitive: pulse widths must be held precisely, and signal integrity degrades with cable length and poor joints on long runs.
- No redundant or backup data line (Redundant Data Line: No), so a single failed pixel or broken data joint stops every pixel downstream of the fault.
- Colour is 8 bits per channel only, with no extended bit depth for very smooth low-level dimming.
- Manufacturer is attributed by the TM18xx family rather than confirmed on this exact part.
Overview
The TM1809 is a single-wire, individually addressable RGB pixel driver in an SOP14 package, commonly attributed to Titan Micro Electronics. Each IC carries an integrated controller that latches 24-bit colour (8 bits per channel) and forwards the remaining data down a single self-clocking line, so DATA is the only signal conductor alongside power and ground. Pixels operate across a 5 to 24V range depending on the module, and the driver runs at a 400Hz PWM rate. Note that the spec row marks it as likely to show visible flicker on camera. ENTTEC is not affiliated with Titan Micro Electronics.
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.