Patent ID: 6727662
Filing Date: 2004-04-27
Classification: H05B

Abstract:
An arrangement, comprising:a first circuit having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is coupled to a hot lead of a source of alternating current (AC) voltage, the first circuit being operable to receive a first user command and a second user command, and to provide: (i) in the absence of a user command, a normal operating mode wherein the first end is electrically shorted to the second end; (ii) in response to the first user command, a brighten mode wherein a portion of positive-going current is prevented from flowing from the first end to the second end; and (iii) in response to the second user command, a dim mode wherein a portion of negative-going current is prevented from flowing from the first end to the second end; and a second circuit coupled to the second end of the first circuit and a neutral lead of the source of AC voltage, the second circuit having an output adapted for connection to inverter circuitry within an electronic dimming ballast operable to set an illumination level of a lamp in dependence on a dimming control signal, the second circuit being operable to provide the dimming control signal at its output in dependence on the user commands received by the first circuit.