دليل مستخدم رقاقة الإضاءة الشريطية LED DMX512 DMX512

DMX512 chip as the core control module of DMX LED strip light, through the decoding of DMX512 protocol commands, precise regulation of LED light brightness, color, and dynamic effects. In building lighting, entertainment lighting, and other scenarios, the chip’s protocol compatibility and expansion capability significantly improve the level of system intelligence and become the key technical support for modern lighting projects.

What are the manufacturers of DMX strip light chips?

DMX512 LED strip light chips are on the market in a variety of types; what performance differences and price advantages do they have? Designers in the chip selection need to know how to choose. By my statistics, DMX LED strip light manufacturers choose their chips from the following companies.

1. Shenzhen Leadcore Technology Co., Ltd. was founded in 2008 and is headquartered in Shanghai Pudong New Area, No. 1258, Mingyue Road. The company is the core enterprise of Datang Telecom Technology & Industry Group in the IC design sector, specializing in the research and development and application of core technologies of 2G, 3G, and 4G mobile Internet terminals, providing 3G/4G mobile terminal chips and solutions.

Its main DMX512 chip models are UCS512C4, UCS512-A, UCS512-B512-CN, UCS512-D, UCS512-E, UCS512-F, UCS512-G-S, UCS512-H, UCS512-H-S, etc.

2. Shenzhen Sunmoon MicroElectronics Co., Ltd. was founded in 2003, headquartered in Shenzhen, focusing on high-performance LED display driver chip design. Products are widely used in LED displays, intelligent lighting, and home appliance control fields and are known for technical innovation and reliability.

Its main DMX512 chip models are SM1651X-3CH, SM1651X-4CH, SM17512, SM1752X, SM17500, SM17500-Self, SM512, SM522, SM18522, etc.

3. Shenzhen Titan Micro Electronics Co., Ltd. was founded in 2003 and is headquartered in the North District of Hi-Tech Industrial Park, Nanshan District, Shenzhen. Its business scope covers IC design, packaging and testing, semiconductor equipment manufacturing, and industrialization marketing.

The main DMX512 chips are TM512AC, TM512ACE, TM512AC0, TM512AC4, TM512AD, TM512AL1, HTM512AB, TM512ADH, etc.

4. Shenzhen Hichips Technology Co., Ltd. founded in 2010, formerly known as the China Electric Power Research Institute of “communications and power technology branch “ The company specializes in high-precision sensor chips. The company specializes in the research and development of high-precision sensor chips, especially in the field of power monitoring and industrial automation, with significant technical advantages.

Its main DMX512 chip models are Hi512A0, Hi512A4, Hi512A6, Hi512D, Hi512A0-Self, etc.

In order to facilitate access, the author of these several chip models did a detailed statistics; see the following table.

IC Chips Suppoted	IC Models
UCS Series	UCS512-A, UCS512-B, UCS512-C4, UCS512-CN, UCS512-D, UCS512-E, UCS512-F, UCS512-G6
SM Series	SM16512PS, SM1651X-4CH, SM17512, SM1752X, SM17500, SM19522(4CH), SM18522, SM522
TM Series	TM512AB, TM512AL, TM512AC(4CH), TM512AD, TM512ACE(3CH), TM512BC(4CH), TM512AB4(4CH)
HI Series	HI512A0, HI512A4, HI512A4L, HI512D5H-5CH

Characteristics of the three commonly used DMX512 chips

How to choose these DMX LED strips for general users? What is the difference between these chips? Currently, the three most commonly used DMX chips are as follows: UCS512C4, SM18522PS, and TM512AC. These chips play an important role in DMX512 strips, with a variety of functions and features. Here we focus on analyzing and comparing the advantages and disadvantages of these chips.

1. UCS512C4 is an LED driver chip based on DMX512 differential parallel protocol with the following application features:

●UCS512C4 can accurately decode DMX512 signals, is compatible with and extends 512 protocol signals, and fully adapts to decoding DMX512 signals with transmission frequency within 200K-750K, without any speed setting, addressing up to 4096 addressable channels.

●High-precision constant-current outputs: The chip provides four high-precision constant-current output channels with a voltage of 30V or more, which can reach 60mA, and the current output size can be set by an external resistor. In addition, the UCS512C4 has a PWM reverse polarity downconversion output function, which is suitable for the application of external transistors, MOS tubes, or high-current constant-current driver ICs.

● Online code writing and parameter setting: UCS512C4 has built-in E2PROM; no need to connect it externally. It adopts AB line to write code and parameters online. The code writing and parameter writing are completely independent. The parameters include 1/2/4 field selection parameters and power-on 4-channel arbitrary light state parameters. The longest distance of writing code is only limited by the AB bus and has nothing to do with the length of the writing address line 12.

● Strong anti-jamming capability: The UCS512C4 has a built-in pull-up resistor in port A, which provides a certain anti-jamming capability in the AB line suspension state. In addition, the AB line online code writing method supports installation before code writing, which is convenient for debugging and maintenance in practical applications.

2. SM18522PS is a parallel LED driver chip specially designed for DMX512 protocol with the following features:

●High-precision grayscale dimming capability: SM18522PS supports 65536 levels of dimming grayscale, which can realize very delicate light changes and meet the lighting needs in different scenes.

●Four-channel output: The chip provides four independent output ports of red (R), green (G), blue (B), and white (W), which is suitable for applications such as full-color LED strips and displays.

●Differential Signal Transmission: Adopting differential signal transmission technology can effectively reduce signal interference during transmission and improve signal integrity and stability, especially suitable for long-distance transmission.

●High PWM refresh rate: The built-in PWM processing module provides a refresh rate of 4 KHz, which helps to improve the smoothness and dynamics of the screen, reduce flickering, and improve the visual experience.

●Adjustable Current Gain: The current of each output port can be set to 32 levels of different gains through the controller parameters to realize fine brightness adjustment.

● Compatible with and extends the DMX512 protocol: The SM18522PS is able to directly receive and parse DMX512 standard signals, supporting seamless integration with existing control systems based on the DMX512 protocol.

● Built-in multiple function modules: The chip integrates multiple modules such as power supply regulator, differential signal reception, signal decoding, and high-precision oscillation, which simplifies the design of peripheral circuits and improves the reliability and stability of the system.

3. TM512AC is also a DMX512 differential parallel protocol driver chip designed for LED lighting systems with the following features:

● Compatible with and extends the DMX512 (1990) signaling protocol.

●Adopts differential parallel control mode, supporting a maximum of 4096 channels addressing.

●Built-in 485 module with high resolution and large differential input impedance for enhanced bandwidth capability.

●Built-in EEPROM, no need for external connection, supports on-line code writing function.

●16-bit grayscale control with gamma correction 2.2 enhancement, which is more suitable for the human eye’s visual perception.

●Output port withstanding voltage greater than 30V, suitable for various high-voltage environments.

●SSOP10 package for easy integration and board layout.

UCS512C4, SM18522PS and TM512AC Comparison

● UCS512C4, SM18522PS, TM512AC They are all 4-channel LED chips with standard DMX512 485 TTL transmission, and they can all control RGB+W (other single color) solutions. They all have an AB in-line write function; they don’t need to connect the address cable (PI) to the DMX address encoder when writing the DMX512 address through the DMX512 address writer.

● Where the UCS512 and TM512 have the same pin definitions. The UCS512C4 has only 8 bits of data per color and a less smooth dimming curve; the SM18522 and TM512AC provide 16 bits of data for each color, making the dimming curve very smooth. The UCS512C4 has a gamma curve of 1.0, which is a linear step between the luminance and the DMX value in any The UCS512C4 has a gamma curve of 1.0, which is a linear step between brightness and DMX value, and is not of any good use in any “screen technology” situation; the SM18522 and the TM512AC have a gamma curve of 2.2 (fixed), which is a curvilinear step between brightness and DMX value, and is more suitable for human visual perception.

● UCS512C4 and SM18522 both have SOP16 packages and 60mA maximum current output; TM512AC has SOP16 and SSOP10 packages, of which SOP16 has 80mA maximum current output and SSOP10 has 18mA fixed current output. The port refresh rate of PWM OUT of UCS512C4 is 3.6 kHz; the port refresh rate of the PWM OUT of the TM512AC is only 2 kHz, and the port refresh rate of the SM18522P is up to 4K for a faster response.

● TM512AC, SM18522PS, and UCS512C4 IC chips are all good DMX512 IC chips. Considering the low price, you can choose UCS512C4. If your project requires high color brightness, then you can choose the more expensive TM512AC or SM18522P. Usually the price difference of 60D/m is about 1.2 USD.

The following table is a comparative list of the differences between the three chips.

البند	UCS512C4	SM18522PS	TM512AC
Color Resolution	8 bits	16 bits	16 bits
Gray Level	256	65536	65536
IC Package	SOP16	SOP16	SOP16, SSOP10
Gama Correction	1.0 fixed	2.0/2.2 fixed	2.2 fixed
الصمام الثنائي الباعث للضوء Strips Voltage	DC5-24 فولت	DC5-40V	DC5-24 فولت
DMX Address Writer	نعم	نعم	نعم
اللون After Finish DMX Address	White	1st is RED, rest are White	1st is RED, rest are White
PWM Rate	3.6KHZ	4KHZ	2.0KHZ
Reverse Polarity Fالتردد	500HZ	250HZ	250HZ
Output Cأورينت	3-60mA/Channel	16-60mA/default16mA	3-80mA/Channel, SSOP is 18mA
Signals With Transmission Rate	200 kbps ~ 750 kbps	200 kbps ~ 700 kbps	200 kbps ~ 1000 kbps
Price（USD）	0.076-0.089	0.095-0.104	0.085-0.096

Why should the chip of the DMX512 LED strip light write code?

Ordinary LED strips, such as TM1934, MT16703, and other signals, are connected in serial mode; each LED (or chip) is connected in turn, and the control signal is passed from one LED to the next LED. This kind of LED (chip) does not need to write code. DMX512 series of LED strips are connected in parallel mode; each LED (or chip) is connected to the controller directly and becomes a separate entity. Each LED (or chip) is directly connected to the controller and becomes a separate entity, which is not affected by the previous LED (or chip).

The main reason why the chips in DMX512 LED strips need to be written is to enable precise and independent control and function configuration. The DMX512 controls the strip by sending 512 channels of data. Each strip needs to know which channels it should respond to. For example, there may be multiple strips connected in series, and each strip needs a different starting address, which is why it needs a write code. Each chip needs to have its own address in order to receive the control signals correctly.

Then if there is no write code, all light strips may default to the same address, resulting in responding to the same commands at the same time and not being able to control them independently. For example, one strip may control the color and another the brightness, which cannot be adjusted individually if the addresses conflict. Each DMX device needs to have a unique starting address so that different functions can be distinguished. For example, the first strip uses addresses 1-3 (the three RGB channels), the second 4-6, and so on. This way the data sent by the controller can be parsed correctly, ensuring that the controller can accurately control each light strip.

In addition, chip write code also involves the configuration of other parameters, such as setting the communication rate (250 kbps), data format (8N2), etc., or some specific function settings, such as dimming curves, group control, etc. If a signal interruption is encountered, the chip can be configured to remain in its final state or shut down. This configuration information needs to be stored in the chip by writing code to ensure compatibility and normal operation with other devices.

In addition, writing code may also involve firmware updates or feature extensions. For example, the protocol support of the chip can be upgraded, or some compatibility issues can be fixed by writing code.

Users may think that as long as the DMX controller is connected, it will work automatically without additional settings, but in reality, each device needs to be explicitly addressed. This is when writing code becomes important. In addition, are there other ways to realize address assignment, such as DIP switches? But in contrast, writing code may be more flexible or suitable for mass production. Uniformly configuring addresses through bulk write code simplifies the installation and debugging process.

In short, DMX512 chip write code is to ensure that the DMX LED strip has independent control, parameter matching, and function expansion of the core steps. It is similar to setting “ID card” and “instruction manual” for each device, avoiding address conflict and compatibility problems, and supporting complex lighting scenarios. If you skip writing code, all the light strips will default to the same address, leading to confusion (such as lighting up at the same time or being unable to distinguish functions).

For large projects, addresses can also be assigned in combination with DIP switches or software. Write codes are the basis for hardware compatibility and stability, such as in stage lighting and architectural lighting, where large-scale installations require each fixture to be controlled independently, so address assignment is critical. If the address of multiple fixtures is duplicated, it will lead to control confusion and failure to achieve the desired effect. Therefore, code writing is a necessary step to ensure that each unit is independently addressed.

DMX512 chip common controller write code method

Step 1: Select the last option of the controller: Addressing menu (Addressing), select the last option of the controller: Addressing menu (Addressing).

Step 2: Press OK to enter the selection of DMX chip type (DMX IC Type), and press + or – to select the IC model used in the LED strip. For example, UCS512C.

Step 3: Select the number of light strip channels (LightChannel) and set the number of channels occupied by a light strip or transcoding board.

RGB select 1:3

RGBW selects 1:4

RGBWW select 1:5; if it is a point light source, this value is the same as the number of color components.

Step 4: Some DMX chips need to set the color values when powering up, including red, green, and blue (PowerOn R, PowerOn G, PowerOn B), and some chips do not need to be set.

Step 5: Some DMX chips need to set the current gain, ranging from 1 to 64.

Step 6: Some DMX chips need to set the output format (Output: RZ or Output: DMX512).

If there is no special requirement, steps 4-6 can be ignored; from step 3, directly press OK to step 7.

Step 7: Start channel (address). Input the start channel and press OK. Please wait for a few seconds to complete the encoding.

Why use a DMX512 LED strip for large projects?

The DMX512 LED strip is widely used in large-scale projects that require complex dynamic lighting effects due to its high-precision control, synchronization, and scalability. The following is a summary of its typical application scenarios and cases.

1. Stage performances and performing arts activities

Concerts, theaters, and TV shows often use DMX512 LED strips to create immersive visual effects. For example, concerts are programmed to synchronize the LED strip with the music rhythm to enhance the audience’s experience; large-scale evening parties such as the Spring Festival Gala use it to control the gradient light effect of the stage background, shaping the spatial sense of hierarchy.

2. Architectural landscape lighting

City landmarks (such as the Bund in Shanghai) and bridges (such as the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge) use DMX512 LED strips to achieve dynamic façade light shows. Through centralized control of thousands of LEDs, it can present gradient, flowing water, pattern change, and other effects to match the theme of the festival or the needs of city publicity.

3. Theme parks and cultural tourism projects

The night light parade in Disneyland and the theme area of Universal Studios create a fantastic light and shadow atmosphere through DMX512 light strips. Such as the Avatar theme area combined with lighting and scene narrative, enhance the sense of immersion of tourists; cultural tourism scenic spots of large-scale water curtain shows also rely on its precise control of lighting and water curtain synergistic interpretation.

4. Exhibition and commercial space 

Museums (such as the Forbidden City digital exhibition) use DMX light strips to build interactive light and shadow installations, and shopping malls use atriums to attract traffic through dynamic lighting installations, such as customized lighting themes during the holiday season and real-time adjustment of color and dynamic effects.

5. Large-scale celebrations and events

In the opening and closing ceremonies of the Olympic Games, holiday parties, and other activities, DMX512 strip lights are used to create iconic lighting matrices to achieve precise synchronization with fireworks and projections, presenting a grand visual narrative.

The DMX512 protocol supports 512 channel/line control, which can be connected to hundreds of meters of LED light strips to meet the needs of large-scale projects; its low-latency feature ensures synchronized response of multiple devices, which is suitable for real-time interactive scenarios; and its strong compatibility makes it easy to be integrated with sound control and central control systems, which reduces the complexity of operation and maintenance. Such projects rely on their technical characteristics to achieve a balance between artistic creativity and engineering reliability.

الخاتمة

The DMX chip is the core component of the professional lighting control field, which can realize multi-channel dimming and dynamic scene adjustment. When using it, you need to pay attention to three main points: 1. Channel configuration and lamp parameters should be strictly corresponding to ensure that the brightness, color, and other control commands are accurate. 2. The wiring needs to follow the “one in, one out” mode and install terminal resistors to prevent interference with signal reflection. 3. The protocol compatibility of the equipment needs to be confirmed to support the DMX-RDM bi-directional communication standards. Mastering these core technical points can effectively enhance the reliability and control accuracy of large-scale lighting systems.

SignliteLED is a professional manufacturer of DMX LED strips و شرائط نيون LED. If you need to buy DMX LED strips or need technical support, you are welcome to contact our sales or technical staff, where we will provide you with comprehensive help and support.