Pixel Protocol Overview: APA107
This pixel protocol was designed by Newstar LED in China, who use the 107 chip by Newstar. Very similar to the APA range, APA107 boasts everything APA102 brings, with 9Khz PWM rate and brighter LEDs. The control circuit and LEDs are integrated in a 5050 SMD package, which provides a small physical footprint for each pixel. the upgrade type named HD107S, produced by Hida, used Newstar’s 107S IC.
PixLite Support
Are you looking for HD107S pixel drivers that work with Art-Net or sACN? All PixLite Mk1 and Mk2 products support HD107S 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.
Note: when you used APA107 LEDs, select ‘APA102’ as your Pixel IC Type. This is the equivalent protocol that will allow you to use APA107 pixels.
Technical Specifications
| Clock Type | Clocked |
| Color Resolution | 8 bits |
| Physical Package | SMD5050 with integrated LEDs |
| RGB | Yes |
| Output Pixel Voltage | 5V |
| PWM Rate | 9KHz |
| Suitable Camera | Up to 87fps, see Refresh Rate and PWM Rate |
| Redundant Data Line | No |
Color Specifications
| Color | Brightness | Wavelength |
| Red | 400 – 700 mcd | 620 – 630 nm |
| Green | 1000 – 1500 mcd | 515 – 530 nm |
| Blue | 300 – 500 mcd | 460 – 475 nm |
APA107 Advantages
- Presence of a clock allows for faster refresh rates
- High PWM rate allows for filming these pixels with cameras up to 87fps
APA107 Disadvantages
- Only 8 bits of data for each color makes dimming curves less smooth
- Limited to 5V, causing short cable lengths
- No redundancy in data
