Summary of PROGRAMMABLE LED DIMMER
This article describes a versatile, programmable 4-channel LED dimmer designed for both white and RGB LEDs. Unlike previous custom designs, this version uses an etched PCB for small-series production. It operates on a wide voltage range of 6 to 26 volts, utilizing a regulated 5V logic level to drive MOSFETs instead of the input voltage directly.
Parts used in the Programmable LED Dimmer:
- Etched PCB
- MOSFETs
- Programmable controller (implied by device name)
Around one and a half years ago I’ve designed and built various LED dimmers for both white and RGB LEDs. Then late last year someone approached me asking if I could make an RGB dimmer for him, too. But my designs were really tailored to their specific applications and built with home-made, i.e. milled PCBs which are time-consuming to make. So I decided to make a more universal version based on a proper, etched board which could be built in a small series and used for all kind of applications, both white and RGB. The result is this versatile, programmable 4-channel dimmer.
soldernerd.com is now on YouTube
I’ve just uploaded a short video showing this device in action. Here’s the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ehZybd3Y2kc. This is only my second video so don’t expect miracles but I’d be interested to hear if you would like to see more videos in the future or if you prefer the traditional text and photos format.
Wide voltage range
It now operates from any voltage in the range of 6 to 26 volts as opposed to 12V only. In order to accomodate such a wide range of inupt voltages the regulated logic level voltage of 5V rather than the inupt voltage is now used to drive the mosfets.
for more detail: PROGRAMMABLE LED DIMMER
- What is the main purpose of this new design?
To create a universal, programmable 4-channel dimmer suitable for both white and RGB LEDs using a proper etched board. - Can this dimmer operate with different voltages?
Yes, it operates from any voltage in the range of 6 to 26 volts. - How are the MOSFETs driven in this circuit?
The MOSFETs are driven by a regulated logic level voltage of 5V rather than the input voltage. - Why was the etched PCB chosen over milled boards?
The etched board allows for small-series production and saves time compared to home-made milled PCBs. - Does this device support RGB LEDs?
Yes, the design is tailored for applications involving both white and RGB LEDs. - Is there a video demonstration available?
Yes, a short video showing the device in action has been uploaded to YouTube. - What is the voltage range limitation of the previous designs?
The previous designs were tailored for specific applications and operated at 12V only.
