UCS8904 Pixel Protocol
Manufacturer: Shenzhen UcsA single-wire, self-clocking addressable RGBW pixel IC offering 16-bit per-channel colour depth across a wide 5 to 24V range, in two PWM variants.
Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Clock Type | Data-Only |
| Color Resolution | 16 Bits |
| Physical Package | SOP8 |
| RGB | No |
| RGBW | Yes |
| Output Pixel Voltage | 5 - 24V |
| PWM Rate | UCS8904A: 1000Hz UCS8904B: 4000Hz |
| Suitable Camera | UCS8904A: Up to 34fps UCS8904B: Up to 133fps |
| Redundant Data Line | No |
Strengths
- 16-bit resolution per channel is high for a pixel IC, allowing very fine colour steps and smoother low-level dimming than the common 8-bit parts, which helps with subtle gradients and slow fades.
- Native RGBW (four channels including a dedicated white) rather than mixing white from RGB, giving cleaner whites and pastel tones for architectural and stage work.
- Single-wire, self-clocking data with no separate clock conductor keeps wiring simple, and the wide 5 to 24V operating range suits both short low-voltage runs and longer higher-voltage installs.
Limitations
- Being data-only with no redundant data line, a single failed pixel or broken data joint interrupts the chain and blanks every pixel downstream; single-wire timing is also sensitive to cable length and signal integrity on long runs.
- The two variants differ sharply for camera work: the UCS8904A at 1000Hz PWM is only comfortably flicker-free to about 34fps and can beat against higher frame rates or fast shutters, so choose the UCS8904B (4000Hz, to about 133fps) for broadcast and slow-motion capture. Beyond a sensible margin over your target frame rate the higher PWM figure adds little practical benefit.
Overview
The UCS8904 is a single-wire, self-clocking addressable RGBW pixel IC in an SOP8 package. It drives four channels (red, green, blue and a dedicated white) at 16-bit resolution per channel, giving fine gradients and smooth low-end dimming, and operates across a wide 5 to 24V range. It ships in two variants: the UCS8904A (1000Hz PWM, comfortably flicker-free to roughly 34fps) and the UCS8904B (4000Hz PWM, camera-safe to roughly 133fps). ENTTEC pixel controllers such as the OCTO (71521), PIXELATOR MINI and MK2 (70067/70068), DIN PIXIE (73539) and PLINK Injectors drive a wide range of pixel protocols; contact ENTTEC about chips not listed. ENTTEC is not affiliated with Shenzhen Ucs.
Compatible ENTTEC controllers
Mapping an installation? ELM, ENTTEC's free LED pixel mapping software, drives the controllers above over Art-Net and sACN, from a single fixture to building-scale maps.
ENTTEC has been engineering lighting control in Australia since 1999, and shipping LED pixel controllers since the original Pixelator in 2014.