Forward Electronics The World s First Home IGBT Dimmer Development

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Kristina Russell
6 years ago
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Forward Electronics The World s First Development Forward Electronics is pleased to announce its new product the world s first home IGBT dimmer for LED lighting.

1 Forward Electronics The World s First Development Forward Electronics is pleased to announce its new product the world s first home IGBT dimmer for LED lighting. The traditional home dimmer controls alternating current(ac110v/ac220v)in a load based on phase-controlled TRIAC technique. During the incandescent bulb age, the TRIAC dimming method makes the illuminance unstable and flickering at low dimming levels. However, this had not become a significant issue since the incandescent bulb has a slow response to light and cannot trace the brightness accurately based on the electric waves. On the contrary, LED bulb has prompt response and accurate reaction to electric waves. When TRIAC dimmer working with LED bulb, this makes the illuminance unstable and flickering.

2 Meanwhile, brings pressures to users. The main problem that occurs when LED lights are used with a conventional TRIAC dimmer is a significant visible flicker, especially during lower dimming levels (0~20%). The real dimming percentage is only 20%~95%. Today, by adopting the IGBT component that mainly used for electric cars or various power controls to home dimming system, Forward s IGBT dimming method presents a fine and maximum adjustment of lighting levels from 0~100%. Specification Size : 7 x 12 cm Voltage : AC110 / AC220 Ampacity (Current-Carrying Capacity) : Max. 3A Wattage : 600W Control Method : AC Dimming Range : 0 ~ 100% 1. IGBT Dimmer provides accurate and smooth performance even at low dimming levels; the dimming circuit also has stable power supply. (TRIAC makes the dimming results unstable at low levels) 2. With IGBT component, the dimming characteristics could be nearly linear with smooth dimming function. (TRIAC dimmer shows some instability problems at low levels)

3 3. The dimming current starts from zero. Besides the fact that it dims smoothly, it also prevents audible noise from happening (TRIAC dimmer starts with large voltage with audible noise, this may damage the dimmer itself) 4. The two-wire circuit is the same as traditional types. Compared to other digital dimming method four-wire circuits (power + signal cables), it is economical and increase the availability of users installation. As introduced above, compared to conventional TRIAC dimmer, IGBT dimmer has advanced features and dramatically improved functions. It is the latest and the most suitable dimmer for dimmable LED bulbs. <The issue of typical TRIAC dimmer> 1. The dimming curve is fluctuating (no linearity, see figure 1) 2. Instability is prominent at low dimming levels and consequently dimming is unavailable under 20% (see figure 1) 3. Although the brightness remains at the same level, the illuminance still changes slightly (unstable dimming characteristics) 4. The dimming characteristics change if the illuminance starts from zero and 100. Forward Electronics has been the manufacturer of LED lighting since early times, but only market in the specific areas. Forward is proud to be among the first to have its home IGBT dimmer. Meanwhile, LED bulb series with variety of features are also being developed now to expand U.S. and Europe markets.

4 The Prolight + Sound trade fair will be held in Frankfurt, Germany from 5 April to Friday 8 April These products will be shown by then. The governments in the world have decided to phase out incandescent and fluorescent Lights by 2020 as a strategy to tackle Global warming. To satisfy and meet American and European lighting culture that closely connects to their lives, Forward considers cooperating with local lighting manufacturers and building business relationships.

5 <References> 1. Installation Two-wire circuit installation, similar to TRIAC 2. Characteristics The difference between TRIAC and IGBT characteristics can be seen clearly from figure 1. IGBT technique shows a smooth and stable dimming performance. Figure 1 IGBT Dimmer Characteristics 3. Dimming Method TRIAC technique: The current flows from the maximum to the bulb (see figure 2) IGBT technique: The current always starts from the zero point. Therefore, the dimming effect is stable with low inrush current. For dimmer itself, it has high reliability; for external, it also prevents audible noise from happening. Figure 2 IGBT and TRIAC have different control

6 4. IGBT Component IGBT is the abbreviation of Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor. This component can pass large current and is controlled by electric power. The application will increase in the coming future. Due to the capability to control large current, it has a wide variety of applications to control cars, trains, electric vehicles, motors, as well as be used in air conditioner, refrigerator, washing machine, microwaves.

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