What does that mean?

This is one of the first and simplest protocols for controlling luminaire brightness, originally used to control fluorescent light sources, where a voltage of 10 V indicated full power (100% brightness), a voltage of 1 V corresponded to the minimum brightness at which the connected light source could operate effectively, and at 0 V, the source was turned off. In LED sources, the full 0–10 V range is used, where a change of 0.1 V typically corresponds to a resolution of 1%.

1-10 V/ 0-10 V

What's in it for me?

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  • a proven solution
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  • simplicity of the solution
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  • a wide range of applications
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  • reliability

1-10V/ 0-10V

I need more!

As we mentioned earlier, this is one of the first and simplest protocols for controlling luminaire brightness, which makes it a proven and reliable solution for many applications. However, if you’d like to explore modern solutions or expand your product’s capabilities, please check out our other solutions.

1-10V/ 0-10V

CASE STUDY

Sterownik do LED z analogowymi wejściem 1-10V

Client: Manufacturer of control systems for LED lighting fixtures

Services provided:
Solutions used:
Problem:

A control system with precise mapping of the input voltage, converting the signal to digital PWM for controlling LED fixtures. No interference or flickering at low brightness levels. Mass production capability and project scalability – a well-optimized BOM in terms of component availability.

Solution:

We used a buffered and filtered input circuit to make it immune to bus interference. By using a microcontroller, we implemented a feature allowing selection of a dimming curve to align linear control signals with the logarithmic psychophysiology of human vision. PWM, depending on the refresh rate, has a maximum resolution of 16 bits. The design was optimized for mass production, utilizing components with short lead times and availability for the next 5 years.

Main description:

Our task was to design a control module for LED fixtures to enable the integration of light sources with the building automation system, based on PLCs with 0–10 V outputs. Eliminating interference, especially when control data is transmitted over long distances, is a significant challenge. This protocol uses an analog signal, and voltage drops are a natural physical phenomenon. The PWM output has high resolution and an adjustable refresh rate, allowing the system to be configured while eliminating flicker even at very low brightness levels (< 1%). Our team of engineers conducted simulations and tests in an electromagnetic compatibility chamber—the system complies with EN 61000-6-1/3 and EN 55015 standards. The design also addressed thermal management at the PCB level: optimizing ground paths and component placement reduced power losses.

Interesting fact:

We have included an auto-calibration function, via input voltage offset, for installations using longer cables. The circuit also allows for programming the response to the absence of a control signal, which is a critical requirement for BMS systems.

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