Introduction
Dimming is one of the most important features of modern LED lighting. The right dimming method allows full control over brightness and atmosphere, while poor dimming can lead to flicker and discomfort. In this article we explain the most common dimming techniques for LED drivers and when to use them.
Triac Dimming
Triac dimming, also called phase-cut dimming, is one of the oldest methods. It works well with traditional wall dimmers and is still popular in residential applications. However, it may cause flicker with LEDs if the driver is not specifically designed for it.
Check all Triac / ELV products
0–10V Dimming
The 0–10V method uses a simple analog signal to adjust brightness. It is easy to implement and widely supported by commercial dimmers. The light output is smooth, but the control is less precise compared to digital systems.
Check all 0–10V products
PWM Dimming
Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) switches the LED on and off at very high frequency. By changing the duty cycle, the driver adjusts the brightness. High-quality drivers use T-PWM to ensure flicker free dimming all the way down to 0.01%.
DALI Dimming
DALI (Digital Addressable Lighting Interface) is the professional standard for buildings and large installations. It provides two-way communication, allowing not only dimming but also grouping, scene control and system feedback.
DMX Dimming
DMX is the global standard for entertainment and architectural lighting. It is especially popular in theaters, concerts and large-scale architectural projects. LTECH has developed one of the most complete ranges of DMX drivers and decoders in the industry, providing reliable and precise control for RGB, RGBW and tunable white installations.
Check all DMX products
Bluetooth Mesh Dimming
Smart home lighting is rapidly growing, and Bluetooth 5.0 Mesh is one of the leading technologies for wireless control. Under the Xiaolei brand, LTECH offers a complete line of Bluetooth Mesh drivers and controllers. These products integrate seamlessly with smartphones, voice assistants and other IoT platforms, making professional dimming technology accessible for the consumer and residential market.
Conclusion
Choosing the right dimming method depends on the application. For residential spaces Triac may be sufficient, while offices and schools benefit from DALI. Entertainment projects and architectural highlights often rely on DMX, while Bluetooth Mesh offers the flexibility of wireless control in smart homes. For high-end architectural projects PWM ensures the smoothest and most comfortable light.