APA102C Pixel Protocol
Manufacturer: APA Electronic (also known as Shiji Lighting)
The APA102C is a two-wire clocked RGB pixel with separate DATA and CLOCK lines, giving stable timing when driven at high data rates.
Specifications
| Clock Type | Clocked |
| Color Resolution | 8 Bits |
| Physical Package | SMD5050 with integrated LEDs |
| RGB | Yes |
| RGBW | No |
| Output Pixel Voltage | 5V |
| PWM Rate | 1920Hz |
| Suitable Camera | Up to 67fps |
| Redundant Data Line | No |
Strengths
- Two-wire clocked interface: a dedicated CLOCK line means the pixels do not rely on precise self-clocked pulse timing, so the chain tolerates variation in data rate and cabling and can be pushed to high SPI clock speeds.
- 8-bit-per-channel (24-bit RGB) colour from an integrated driver IC, suited to smooth gradients and precise animation along the string.
- 1920Hz PWM is comfortably above the flicker threshold for the rated camera safety of up to 67fps, so it reads clean on typical broadcast and cinema frame rates.
Limitations
- Being clocked, it needs a second (CLOCK) conductor: that adds wiring and cost and another point of failure, and a high-frequency clock line radiates EMI that can interfere in sensitive installations. The timing tolerance is genuine, but the market is trending toward data-only single-wire chips to avoid both drawbacks, so clocked is a tradeoff rather than simply better.
- 5V pixel voltage means noticeable voltage drop over longer runs; power injection is usually required to hold colour consistency along a long string.
- RGB only (no white channel) and no redundant data line, so a single failed pixel breaks the signal to everything downstream of it.
- The 1920Hz PWM rate is fine for the rated 67fps but leaves limited headroom for very high-speed cinematography beyond that; it is adequate, not exceptional.
Overview
The APA102C is a clocked, individually addressable RGB pixel built on an SMD5050 package with an integrated driver IC. Unlike self-clocked parts, it uses two signal lines, separate DATA and CLOCK, so refresh timing does not depend on tight single-wire pulse widths and the chain can be driven reliably at high data rates. Each pixel runs at 5V with 8-bit-per-channel (24-bit) colour and a 1920Hz PWM rate that is comfortably flicker-free for camera work up to 67fps. ENTTEC is not affiliated with APA Electronic.
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.