0-10V Dimming: This type of dimming control is the most popular and newest style for compatible dimmable power supplies. It works by varying the voltage from 0 to 10 VDC. A 10-volt signal on the dimming wire will allow maximum current flow to the LEDs for maximum intensity. A 0.6-volt signal on the dimming wires allows 6% of the current to flow from the power supply, dimming the LEDs to approximately 6% of full intensity.
1-10V Dimming: This type of dimming control is an older style that is being replaced with 0-10V dimming control. It works by varying the voltage from 1-10 VDC. A 10-volt signal on the dimming wire will allow maximum current flow to the LEDs for maximum intensity. A 1-volt signal on the dimming wire allows 10% of the current to flow from the power supply, which generates approximately 10% of the maximum intensity for the LEDs.
TRIAC Dimming: TRIAC dimmers are typical household dimmers sold in hardware stores by brands like Lutron and Leviton. They rely on a semiconductor device called a TRIAC (Triode for Alternating Current). Adjusting the dimmer switch alters the timing at which the TRIAC conducts electricity in each AC cycle, modulating the energy delivered to the light bulb and resulting in adjustable brightness levels.
Pulse-Width Modulation Dimming: This type of dimming control adjusts the output current based on the duty cycle. As the duty cycle increases, the current will increase, and the LEDs will be brighter. Conversely, if the duty cycle decreases, the current will decrease, and the LEDs will be dimmer.
Resistive Dimming: Resistive dimming can be fixed or variable. If a fixed dimming level is required, a simple resistor is needed to dim the LEDs to a particular level. A potentiometer can serve this purpose if a varying dimmable level is desired. By changing the resistance value of the potentiometer, the output current of the power supply changes, and the LED intensity changes. Controlling a single power supply will require a 100K ohm potentiometer for 100% intensity (100K ohm) to approximately 10% intensity (10K ohm) based on the wiper position.
