Timer-based switching circuit synchronization in an electrical dimmer
US8664886B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 22, 2011 |
| Grant date | Mar 4, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 3, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02B20/30
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Timer-based switching circuit synchronization in an electrical dimmer is provided. The energizing of a switching circuit in a dimmer is synchronized with an AC wave to facilitate providing by the dimmer electrical power to a load. The synchronizing includes starting a timer having a predetermined timeout, responsive to receipt of a zero-crossing signal. Responsive to receipt of a subsequent zero-crossing signal prior to reaching the timeout, the timer is restarted, and responsive to expiration of the timeout, a switching circuit is energized at a predetermined firing angle with respect to the zero-crossing signal to supply electrical power to the load.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.