US Patent 8018172 Method and apparatus for LED dimming

A dimmable LED driver provides accurate full range dimming for LED lighting. The driver utilizes the timing of an AC signal rather than its power output or other characteristics to accurately determine the level of light a user desires. In this manner, the driver provides accurate full range dimming without the need for calibration to specific AC power levels. The driver may detect the period of an AC signal allowing the driver to be used with various frequencies without the need for calibration. In one or more embodiments, the driver compares the pulse widths of a dimmed AC signal to the period of the AC signal to determine the desired light level. The driver may comprise a signal processor and controller in one or more embodiments.