Circuit for connecting a low current lighting circuit to a dimmer
A circuit for connecting to a dimmer, the circuit configured to receive an input signal from the dimmer. The circuit comprises a first load and a switch. The switch is operable to automatically engage the first load at a predetermined time from a zero-crossing of the input signal and automatically disengage the first load at other times.
1. A circuit for a dimmer, the circuit configured to receive an input signal from the dimmer, the circuit comprising:
a first load; and
a switch;
wherein the switch is operable to automatically engage the first load when the input signal drops below a first threshold voltage and automatically disengage the first load when the input signal reaches zero.
2. The circuit of claim 1 , wherein the input signal is derived from a generally sinusoidal mains supply signal.
3. The circuit of claim 1 , wherein the first load is a resistive load.
4. The circuit of claim 1 , wherein the dimmer is a trailing edge dimmer.
5. The circuit of claim 1 , wherein the dimmer is a transistor dimmer.
6. The circuit of claim 1 , wherein the first threshold voltage is adjustable in accordance with a dimming level of the dimmer.
7. A circuit for a dimmer, the circuit configured to receive an input signal from the dimmer, the circuit comprising:
a first load; and
a switch;
wherein the switch is operable to automatically engage the first load at a predetermined time from a zero-crossing of the input signal and automatically disengage the first load at other times; and
wherein the predetermined time is adjustable in accordance with a dimming level of the dimmer.
8. The circuit of claim 7 , further comprising an in-rush current limiter being provided as a damper for the dimmer, wherein the in-rush current limiter has a limit level that is controllable in accordance with a dimming level of the dimmer.
9. A circuit for a dimmer, the circuit configured to receive an input signal from the dimmer, the circuit comprising:
a first load; and
a switch;
wherein the switch is operable to automatically engage the first load at a predetermined time from a zero-crossing of the input signal and automatically disengage the first load at other times;
a second load; and
a second switch;
wherein the second switch is operable to automatically engage the second load at a second predetermined time from a zero-crossing of the input signal, and automatically disengage the second load at other times.
10. The circuit of claim 9 , wherein the second predetermined time is different from the first predetermined time.
11. The circuit of claim 9 , wherein the second switch is configured to disengage the second load when the first switch engages the first load.
12. A method of operating a circuit for a dimmer, the circuit comprising a first load, the method comprising:
receiving an input signal from a dimmer;
automatically engaging the first load when the input signal drops below a first threshold voltage; and
automatically disengaging the first load when the input signal reaches zero.
13. A circuit for a dimmer, the circuit configured to receive an input signal from the dimmer, the circuit comprising:
a first load; and
a switch;
wherein the switch is operable to automatically engage the first load at a predetermined time from a zero-crossing of the input signal and automatically disengage the first load at other times; and
an in-rush current limiter being provided as a damper for the dimmer, and
wherein the in-rush current limiter has a limit level that is controllable in accordance with a dimming level of the dimmer.