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Dimmer detection

  • US 8,536,799 B1
  • Filed: 03/31/2011
  • Issued: 09/17/2013
  • Est. Priority Date: 07/30/2010
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A method comprising:

  • receiving an input signal representing a supply voltage signal;

    detecting a dimmer affecting the supply voltage signal;

    generating a dimmer detection signal representing detection of the dimmer;

    determining a type of the dimmer affecting the supply voltage; and

    generating a dimmer type detection signal;

    wherein determining a type of the dimmer affecting the supply voltage comprises at least one of (A) and (B);

    (A) comparing the input signal with a first threshold value;

    comparing the input signal with a second threshold value;

    determining a time between when the input signal reaches the first threshold value and the input signal reaches the second threshold value;

    comparing the determined time with a time threshold value; and

    indicating that the dimmer is a first type of dimmer if the determined time is above the time threshold value and indicating the dimmer is a second type of dimmer if the determined time is below the time threshold value;

    (B) determining a voltage difference in the input signal that occurs during a fixed amount of time;

    comparing the voltage difference in the input signal to a voltage difference threshold value; and

    indicating that the dimmer is a first type of dimmer if the voltage difference is greater than the voltage difference threshold value and indicating the dimmer is a second type of dimmer if the voltage difference is greater than the voltage difference threshold value.

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