Patent ID: 8339062
Filing Date: 2012-12-25
Classification: H05B

Abstract:
1. An universal dimmer for adjusting an output from a load regardless of whether the load is a linear type load or a non-linear type load using an AC power control method incorporating phase angle control comprising: a switching element to effect switching of AC line power on and off delivered to the load; a load current measurement element for measuring a current passing through the load; means for evaluating parameters of current passing through the load; and, a firing angle adjustment element, which is a regulator, wherein the firing angle adjustment element is responsive to the measured current and evaluated parameters of the load current for determining at which phase angle in an AC period the load is connected to AC power and at which phase angle the load is disconnected from AC power, and adjusting firing angles of the switching element in such way that a load RMS current is adapted to be proportional to an input signal, regardless of the type of load being controlled.