You can control your LED Strips in various ways using control gear such as LED drivers and dimmers. As a rule, LED Strips are dimmed by pulse width modulation (PWM), and there are ballasts with different communication interfaces for this purpose. The sensor and actuator communicate via a communication interface - this is the "language", so to speak, in which the devices talk to each other. We would like to introduce you to the most important interfaces offered by our LED driver and dimmer portfolio:

   

   

Analog dimming methods

1. Phasecut dimming
   Phase dimming is a method of brightness control that was used for incandescent lamps in the old times. The ballast is connected to a dimmer (leading-edge or trailing-edge phase dimmer) via the mains voltage cable; separate control cables are not required. With alternating current, the current is switched off briefly to regulate the brightness. To control LED strips with phase dimming, the ballast converts this input into PWM dimming. This allows LED lighting systems to use phase dimming without needing additional cables. Depending on the voltage applied to the ballast's signal interface, it gives a corresponding dimming value as its output.
   
   

         

   

Wired analog dimming method

2. 0-10V / 1-10V
   0-10V or 1-10V is a two-wire bus system that is an analog method for controlling the brightness of lighting systems. The control signal is a voltage in the range of 0 or 1 to 10 volts. Depending on the voltage or resistance, the ballast outputs a different dimming level.

   

   

Wired digital dimming methods

3. DALI control
   DALI (Digital Addressable Lighting Interface), the digital communication protocol most commonly used in lighting control, is a two-wire bus system. It is used in lighting technology to enable the individual control of luminaires over long distances using just a few wires. The software determines which dimming value is output by the ballast.

      

3. DMX control
   DMX (Digital Multiplex) is widely used in entertainment and stage lighting. DMX systems are extremely demanding to program. By precisely controlling complex lighting units, individual channels can be defined for brightness, colors and effects. The color and dimming value output by the ballast is determined by the software.

    

Wireless digital dimming methods

5. Bluetooth Mesh control (e.g. Casambi)
   A widely used Bluetooth mesh control is the Casambi solution. The Casambi control system is based on wireless Bluetooth technology and enables lighting systems to be operated via mobile apps. After installation via the Casambi app, the light can be controlled as desired via smartphone, tablet or a conventional wall switch. Users can adjust the brightness and color of LED lights, save individual scenes and thus implement simple and flexible lighting control. The software determines which dimming value is output by the ballast.
   Further information can also be found at www.radium.de/smartlighting.

      

     

6. RF (Radio Frequency)
   RF signals enable wireless remote control of LED lighting.
   Functions such as dimming the LEDs and switching them on and off can be controlled remotely without being physically connected to the luminaires.
   This solution is a stand-alone solution and is therefore more suitable for small installations.

      

      

7. Zigbee
   Zigbee is a wireless standard that is often used in home automation systems, e.g. to control lighting, room temperature or shutters. You can conveniently control the lighting with the most common voice assistants such as Alexa and Google, as well as via universal Zigbee gateway and hub products.

      

      

Are you also looking for fitting accessories? Switches, remote controls and InProfile sensors make switching, dimming and control even easier and more flexible.

Would you like to find out more? Then arrange a consultation with our service team online.

      

    

   

   

You might be also interested in:

• Switching and dimming via Bluetooth – without any power connection. With the wireless Bluetooth wall switch
• Control LED Strips conveniently by remote control: Radium RF dimmers and remote controls for white and colored LED Strips
• Dim and switch lamps via app. Quickly and conveniently with the TED phase cut dimmer
• Switch and dim 24V LED strips by sensor: With the almost invisible InProfil sensors from Radium