Dimming Techniques for Switched-Mode LED Drivers

The exponential growth of LED lighting has ushered in a vast selection of  integrated circuit devices to provide controlled power to LEDs. No longer  acceptable to an energy-conscious world, switched-mode LED drivers have  long since replaced power-hungry linear current sources as the standard.  Applications from fl ashlights to stadium scoreboards all require precise  control of regulated currents. In many instances, real-time changes in LED  output intensity are required. h is function is commonly referred to as  dimming control. This article describes some basic LED theory and several  techniques used to provide dimming control to switched-mode LED driver.