Pixel Protocol Overview: TM1914

This pixel protocol was designed by Titan Micro Electronics in China. It is an improved design of its previous version, TM1804, but offers a redundant data line to allow a continuous data path even if a single pixel fails. The control circuit comes in a SOP10 package, allowing for more flexibility with LED choice.

TM1914 Advantages

Up to 24V, allowing for very long cable lengths

Redundant data line reduces chance of entire strip failure

TM1914 Disadvantages

Data-only restricts refresh rates to be limited by the speed of the protocol, which will generally be slow

Low PWM rate only allows for filming these pixels with cameras up to 23fps

Only 8 bits of data for each color makes dimming curves less smooth