P943 Pixel Protocol

P943 is a single-wire, self-clocking 24-bit RGB pixel IC in an SMD5050 package, with a redundant backup data line and a wide 5 to 17V supply range.

Specifications

Clock TypeData-Only
Color Resolution8 Bits
Physical PackageSMD5050 with integrated LEDs
RGBYes
RGBWNo
Output Pixel Voltage5 - 17V
PWM Rate1600Hz
Suitable CameraUp to 53fps
Redundant Data LineYes

Strengths

  • Single-wire wiring: only a data line plus power is needed, with no separate clock conductor to route, terminate, or fault-find, which simplifies cabling and connectors.
  • Redundant data line: a backup data path lets the chain keep running past a single failed data link, a useful reliability margin on long or hard-to-service runs.
  • Wide 5 to 17V supply: the higher end of the range reduces voltage drop across long strings, allowing longer segments or fewer power-injection points than a fixed 5V part.

Limitations

  • As a data-only single-wire protocol it is timing-critical: correct operation depends on strict pulse timing, so it is more sensitive to signal degradation over long cable runs and to noise than a two-wire clocked chip. The redundant data line mitigates single-point data dropouts but does not remove the underlying timing sensitivity.
  • Colour is 8 bits per channel (24-bit) and RGB only, with no white channel. The 1600Hz PWM rate is comfortably flicker-free at the rated 53fps for typical capture, but leaves limited headroom for higher-frame-rate or slow-motion filming.

Overview

P943 is an individually addressable RGB pixel IC that runs on a single self-clocking data line, similar in approach to WS2812 but with its own timing. Each SMD5050 pixel integrates the controller, drives 8 bits per channel (24-bit RGB), and passes data down the chain. A redundant data line adds a backup path so one failed link need not break the run, and a wide 5 to 17V supply helps limit voltage drop over longer strings. ENTTEC pixel controllers (OCTO 71521, PIXELATOR MINI / MK2 70067/70068, DIN PIXIE 73539, PLINK Injectors) drive a wide range of pixel protocols; contact ENTTEC about any chip not listed.

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.