Amber Solutions says that its new solid-state two-wire LED dimmer solution will provide flicker-free performance with a wider range of LED bulbs and fixtures.
The dimmer, which works without a neutral wire, is compatible with most types of LED lighting, providing smooth, precise dimming from zero percent to max power, according to the company.
Amber Founder and CEO Thar Casey says that Amber’s two-wire LED dimmer architecture enables even older buildings and electrical infrastructures to provide wirelessly controlled dimming without any new wiring or construction.
“Amber’s newest solution underscores how its core technologies enable a fundamental restructuring of common electrical product architecture, significantly transforming their capabilities, reducing returns/support requirements and enhancing value,” Casey said.
“Our solid-state redesign embeds intelligence that enables a substantially better quality, flickerless dimming experience in a form factor that is slimmer for easier install and is fully compatible both with existing building infrastructure and a substantially broader range of LED bulbs,” Casey added.
The Tech Behind the Two-Wire LED Dimmer
Combining Amber’s patented solid-state AC/DC Enabler and AC Switch for digital control of electricity enables the Amber two-wire dimmer to intelligently monitor and control the flow of electricity, eliminating all mechanical pieces used in existing solutions.
The results include the ability to deliver dimming without flicker or drop-off and a low minimum wattage range to eliminate most ghosting.
These patented technologies are designed to provide much more accurate control of electricity, resulting in the lowest rate of heat dissipation and energy waste.
Also, Amber’s 100-percent digital surge protection is non-sacrificial, so there is no degradation of components no matter how many times a surge necessitates power interruption.
A single Amber two-wire dimmer can dynamically support leading edge or trailing edge dimming, or both, in a single SKU.
“Our two-wire dimmer solution brings new technologies and functions to buildings’ previously outdated infrastructure that has been problematic for installation of smart lighting systems,” Casey noted.
Replacing TRIACs with MOSFETs
The company’s major development in two-wire dimming is replacing TRIACs, which have traditionally been used to enable two-way current control. Amber replaces this TRIACs with MOSFETs, based upon Amber’s core technologies with integrated microcontroller intelligence, that the company says outperforms all the functions of a TRIAC.
The digital design of Amber’s solution enables a dimmer switch that is faster, safer, more efficient, and physically smaller than competitors. And, it’s only three-quarters of an inch deep, enabling use in nearly any type of gang box of any age in any building worldwide.
With such a small footprint, there is also ample room for Amber or third-party manufacturers to add sensors and other smart functions.
Input Voltage Independent
The two-wire dimmer can handle up to 1000 watts of current and is input voltage independent, so a single dimmer architecture is compatible with every electrical grid on earth, another benefit of Amber’s intelligent solid-state technologies.
“Looking forward, our two-wire dimmer architecture will enable three-way dimming using only a traveler wire, offer intelligent auto-detection of load types and birth a premium ‘C-wireless’ architecture that will eliminate the need for C-wires or batteries in devices such as smart thermostats and smart doorbell cameras,” Casey added. “As Amber continues to develop advances for LED lighting fixtures and power control, the benefits and functionality will grow exponentially as users find just how powerful a true 21st-century light switch can be.”
Amber’s two-wire dimmer solution follows the recent introduction of the company’s first LED lighting fixture architecture, intended for commercial projects that demand high lumen solutions – or reduced energy usage.
