TM1804 Pixel Protocol
Manufacturer: Titan Micro Electronics
A single-wire, individually addressable RGB pixel driver with an integrated 8-bit-per-channel controller that regenerates data along the chain.
Specifications
| Clock Type | Data-Only |
| Color Resolution | 8 Bits |
| Physical Package | SOP8 |
| 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 wiring: only power, ground and one data line per run, with each IC reshaping and forwarding the signal so pixel count is not limited by a shared clock line.
- Standard 24-bit RGB colour (8 bits per channel) with a per-pixel integrated controller, giving straightforward addressing for gradients and chase effects.
- Wide 5 to 24V pixel supply range (per the spec row), which can reduce voltage drop and injection frequency on longer runs compared with 5V-only parts.
Limitations
- The 400Hz PWM rate is low and the spec marks the chip likely to show visible flicker on camera: expect visible flicker and banding under video, slow-motion or broadcast, so it suits architectural or direct-view use rather than on-camera work.
- As a single-wire, self-clocking protocol its timing is tolerance-sensitive, and with no redundant data line one failed pixel breaks every downstream pixel in the chain.
Overview
The TM1804 is a data-only, self-clocking RGB pixel chip in an SOP8 package. A single data line carries 24-bit colour (8 bits per channel) to each IC, which latches its slice and regenerates the signal to the next pixel, so no separate clock conductor is run. The row specifies a 5 to 24V pixel supply and RGB output (no white channel). Its 400Hz PWM refresh is modest and, per the spec, the chip is unsuitable for on-camera work. It is commonly attributed to Titan Micro Electronics. 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.