Projects
An Integrated 350V Dimmer
Participants: Fabian Torres, Joel Gak, Alfredo Arnaud, Matías Míguez
Publication Date: 2020
The design of an almost fully integrated phase-cut dimmer is presented. The circuit was designed on a 1um ultra high voltage (UHV) MOS technology in a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) wafer. The dimmer can operate with a duty cycle of up to 95% power (80%) and a load of up to 100 W which is adequate for modern domestic dimmable LED lights. The total occupied silicon area is 6.5 mm 2 without pads.
Characterization of Flicker in LED Luminaires for Domestic and Commercial Use
Participants: Alfredo Arnaud, Matías Míguez
Duration: /21 to present
Dimmers are devices used primarily to control the intensity of lamps of various types. These are circuits that by means of semiconductors carry out a PWM type modulation on the 220Vrms-50Hz wave (in the case of Uruguay). A problem in the case of LED lamps is that they exhibit intensity fluctuations (flicker) at low frequency when the light intensity is very low, which usually limits the type of intensity ramp to use. It is a difficult problem to model because it depends more than on the dimmer itself, on the driver of the LED lamp itself, on noise present on the network, etc.
This research project proposes to characterize the phenomenon by carrying out measurements experiments on different lamps and operating conditions, and correlating them with the perception by users. Finally, alternatives will be proposed to mitigate the effect.
In-line Power Supply for Electric Controllers
Participants: Alfredo Arnaud, Matías Míguez
Duration: /21 to present
Simple circuits connected to the 220Vrms-50Hz network that control a load such as light and motion sensors, WiFi keys, etc., require 3 connections to the minimum electrical installation to function (common, power, output). However, it would be more economical and simple for an electrical installation, the in-line device with only 2 terminals as in the case of classic dimmers with a triac that triggers but does not requires power supply to work.
With the evolution of modern electronics it is possible with a transistor of only a few mOhm resistance to control the flow of current to implement a very low power but sufficient power supply for example for sensors, dimmers, or perhaps even a WiFi key for home automation.
This project consists of setting up a proof of concept for this type of source, based on a previous design by the research group.