Overview
This pixel protocol was designed by APA Electronic Co. in Taiwan. Also known as “Superled”, APA104 is one of the most common protocols for pixel lighting displays. The control circuit and LEDs are integrated in a 5050 SMD package, which provides a small physical footprint for each pixel.
APA104 graphic
Specifications
PixLite Mk1 | |
PixLite Mk2 | |
PixLite Mk3 | |
Clock Type | Data-Only |
Color Resolution | 8 Bits |
Current Control | |
Physical Package | SMD5050 with integrated LEDs |
RGB | |
RBGW | |
Input Voltage | 5V |
Output Pixel Voltage | 5 - 12V |
PWM Rate | 400Hz |
Suitable Camera | Unsuitable for cameras |
Data Transfer Rate | 800kbps |
Redundant Data Line |
Colors
Color | Brightness | Wavelength |
|---|---|---|
Red | 390 – 420 mcd | 620 – 625 nm |
Green | 660 – 720 mcd | 522 – 525 nm |
Blue | 180 – 200 mcd | 465 – 467 nm |
Considerations for Use
Advantages
- Up to 12V, allowing for long cable lengths
Disadvantages
- Low PWM rate makes theses pixels unsuitable for cameras
- Data-only restricts refresh rates to be limited by the speed of the protocol, which can be slow
- Only 8 bits of data for each color makes dimming curves less smooth
- No redundancy in data
PixLite Support
Are you looking for APA104 pixel drivers that work with Art-Net or sACN?
All PixLite Mk2 and Mk3 products support APA104 as an available Pixel IC type, so get in touch with us to find out how the lighting specialists at Advatek can support you in your pixel lighting project.
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