TM1814 Pixel Protocol

Manufacturer: Titan Micro Electronics

A single-wire, self-clocking RGBW pixel protocol with per-channel constant-current drive and a wide 5 to 32V operating range.

Specifications

Clock TypeData-Only
Color Resolution8 Bits
Physical PackageSOP8
RGBNo
RGBWYes
Output Pixel Voltage5 - 32V
PWM Rate1000Hz
Suitable CameraUp to 34fps
Redundant Data LineNo

Strengths

  • RGBW output with a dedicated white channel, controlled at 8 bits (256 levels) per channel across all four channels for accurate whites, pastels and tints that a three-channel RGB chip cannot mix directly.
  • Wide 5 to 32V output pixel voltage lets integrators run higher-voltage strings, reducing voltage drop and colour shift over longer cable runs, all on a single self-clocking data line with no separate clock conductor.
  • Per-channel constant-current drive (a well-established TM1814 feature) holds brightness consistent from pixel to pixel and helps protect the LEDs against supply variation.

Limitations

  • Single-wire, self-clocking data is timing-sensitive (WS2812-style), and with no redundant data line a single failed pixel or broken data joint drops every pixel downstream of the fault.
  • 1000Hz PWM is comfortably flicker-free to the eye and camera-safe up to about 34fps, but it is a modest refresh rate: it is not intended for very high-speed cinematography beyond that margin, and higher numbers would add little practical benefit here anyway.
  • 8-bit per-channel resolution limits fine low-end gradient smoothness compared with higher-bit-depth chips, which can show as banding in slow, very dark fades.

Overview

The TM1814 is a single-wire, self-clocking addressable pixel protocol from Titan Micro Electronics. Unlike RGB-only chips, it drives four channels (RGBW) at 8 bits each, adding a dedicated white output for cleaner pastels and tints. Its wide 5 to 32V output pixel voltage suits higher-voltage strings over longer runs with less voltage drop, and each channel uses constant-current drive for even brightness across a string. At 1000Hz PWM it is comfortably flicker-free to the eye and camera-safe up to about 34fps for typical use. ENTTEC is not affiliated with Titan Micro Electronics.

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.