Dimming

Abstract

Dimming is critical to delivering the promise of solid-state lighting, but it needs to be implemented properly per the requirements of the application. Basic types of dimming, both analog and PWM, and their effect on LED characteristics are covered. Various methods of implementing fast and accurate PWM dimming are described. Phase-based dimming and the inherent complications associated with it are given some treatment, given its prominence in the market today, as is the 0-10 V dimming standard. The chapter then looks to the future and proposes various system-level architectures that support optimal intelligent lighting solutions. Trade-offs and considerations when selecting a communications infrastructure, including the physical layer, protocol, and application layer, are detailed.