WS2816A Pixel Protocol
Manufacturer: WorldsemiA single-wire, self-clocking RGB pixel protocol distinguished by 16-bit-per-channel colour depth for smoother low-level dimming and gradients than 8-bit parts.
Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Clock Type | Data-Only |
| Color Resolution | 16 Bits |
| Physical Package | SMD5050 with integrated LEDs |
| RGB | Yes |
| RGBW | No |
| Output Pixel Voltage | 5V |
| PWM Rate | 10,000Hz |
| Suitable Camera | Up to 333fps |
| Redundant Data Line | Yes |
Strengths
- 16-bit-per-channel colour resolution delivers noticeably smoother gradients and low-level dimming than 8-bit WS2812-class chips, which matters most for slow fades and dark scenes where 8-bit banding shows.
- Data-only single-wire signalling needs just one data conductor per run: simpler and cheaper to cable than clocked two-wire chips, with no clock line to route or fail.
- A redundant (backup) data line lets the chain keep running past a single failed pixel, improving reliability on longer runs, and the 10,000Hz PWM rate is comfortably flicker-free for camera work up to 333fps.
Limitations
- As a data-only, self-clocking protocol the timing is tight and unforgiving: line length, connector quality and signal integrity all matter, and there is no clock line to relax the timing tolerance, so long or noisy runs need careful data injection.
- 16-bit colour means roughly twice the data per pixel of an 8-bit chip, so at a given data rate the practical pixel count per line and the achievable refresh are lower than a comparable 8-bit part; budget your data channels accordingly.
Overview
Single-wire, data-only pixels: each SMD5050 package integrates its controller IC and self-clocks from the incoming data stream, so no separate clock conductor is run. The standout feature is 16-bit-per-channel colour resolution, well beyond the 8-bit of WS2812-class parts, giving smoother fades and finer control at the bottom of the dimming curve. At 5V with a 10,000Hz PWM rate they stay comfortably flicker-free for cameras up to 333fps, and a redundant data line lets the chain continue past a failed pixel. ENTTEC pixel controllers drive a wide range of pixel protocols; contact ENTTEC about chips not listed. ENTTEC is not affiliated with Worldsemi.
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.