Dimmer detection

摘要

In at least one embodiment, a lighting system receives an input signal, such as a supply voltage, that can be affected by a dimmer. The supply voltage can be affected by a dimmer when, for example, a dimmer phase cut (i.e. chopped) the supply voltage. A dimmer detection system of the lighting system determines if a dimmer is affecting the supply voltage. In at least one embodiment, the dimmer detection system also determines a type of the dimmer, such as detecting if the dimmer is a leading edge or trailing edge dimmer. In at least one embodiment, the dimmer detection system provides dimmer type data to one or more other circuits such as a switching power converter controller. The one or more other circuits utilize the dimmer type data to affect their operation.

主权项

1. A method comprising:
receiving an input signal representing a supply voltage signal; detecting a dimmer affecting the supply voltage signal; and generating a dimmer detection signal representing detection of the dimmer; wherein detecting a dimmer affecting the supply voltage comprises:
generating a glue signal when the input signal is below a minimum threshold value; anddetermining when a duration of the glue signal indicates that the dimmer is affecting the supply voltage signal.