UCS9812 Pixel Protocol

Manufacturer: Shenzhen Ucs

The UCS9812 is a single-wire, self-clocking RGB pixel IC offering 16-bit per-channel colour depth and a wide 5 to 24V supply range.

Specifications

Clock TypeData-Only
Color Resolution16 Bits
Physical PackageSOP16
RGBYes
RGBWNo
Output Pixel Voltage5 - 24V
PWM Rate1024Hz
Suitable CameraUp to 35fps
Redundant Data LineNo

Strengths

  • 16-bit per-channel colour resolution (65,536 levels) supports smooth gradients and clean low-intensity dimming without the visible stepping seen on 8-bit chips.
  • Wide 5 to 24V pixel voltage lets integrators run higher-voltage strings to reduce voltage drop and cut the number of power-injection points on long runs.
  • Single-wire, self-clocking design keeps cabling to power plus one data conductor, with no separate clock line to route or terminate.

Limitations

  • As a data-only, self-clocking protocol the timing is tight and sensitive to cable length, connector quality and correct 5V level-shifting; with no redundant data line, a single failed IC blanks every pixel downstream of it.
  • The 1024Hz PWM rate is comfortably flicker-free at the rated 35fps but leaves limited headroom for higher-speed or slow-motion cinematography, and the usable colour depth at full refresh depends on the driver's real behaviour rather than the nominal 16-bit figure.

Overview

The UCS9812 is a single-wire, self-clocking RGB pixel driver in the WS2812 addressing family: one data line carries 24-bit colour down the chain, each IC latching its own slot and forwarding the remainder. It stands out for 16-bit per-channel resolution (65,536 levels), which supports smooth gradients and clean low-end dimming, and for a wide 5 to 24V supply that eases voltage drop on longer runs. PWM runs at 1024Hz and the part is rated camera-safe up to 35fps. The prefix is commonly attributed to Shenzhen Ucs. ENTTEC is not affiliated with Shenzhen Ucs.

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ENTTEC has been engineering lighting control in Australia since 1999, and shipping LED pixel controllers since the original Pixelator in 2014.