Advanced phase control

Advanced phase control (APC) creates a new generation of dimmers with high rise time (that is, extremely good filtering) but with low heat loss compared with other dimmers. APC also greatly increases the range of switchable loads that may be controlled by the dimmer channels.

Key benefits

Cost saving “green” technology — Increased efficiency gives the State Automation dimmers (Solution Cool) the status of “green and clean” as it dissipates up to 50% less heat than competition product. Air conditioning costs are lower and the previously wasted voltage/power is now delivered to the load.

Flexible channel usage — When used with the special “relay curve”, APC allows the dimmer channels to be utilised as a pure switching element. This allows non-dimmable loads such as motors and HID lamps to be powered from standard dimmer circuits without the need for additional special relay modules.

Brighter lamps — At 100% output, the voltage drop across the APC dimmer is very low. This allows the lamp to work to provide its full lumen output.

Correct colour temperature lamps — APC allows the lamp to operate very close to the full mains voltage. The lamp then provides the correct colour temperature as specified by the manufacturer.

Switching power to moving lights and other devices — When used with the special State Automation relay curve, APC provides a pure electronic switching function with no dimming and no large inductors in series with the load. Switching is only performed at the “zero crossing” of the waveform so loads are guaranteed to be switched on without large inrush currents.

Variable sinewave technology

A dimmer incorporating variable sinewave technology (VST) is almost an “ideal dimmer”. Dimmers employing VST technology produce essentially zero electrical noise pollution. Specifically, power factor, input harmonics and output harmonics are all dramatically reduced when compared with phase control dimmers.

Traditional thyristor dimmers, using silicon controlled rectifiers (SCRs), Triacs and in some cases, transistors, coarsely chop or slice the input power waveform using a technique known as “phase control”. Nearly all dimmers manufactured in the world today, from the most humble domestic unit to the most sophisticated theatrical units, utilise phase control. Whilst economical and functional, such technology produces significant electrical and acoustic noise pollution.

VST is a new type of dimming technology, using modern insulated gate bipolar transistors (transistors) and pulse width modulation (PWM). This enables an AC input voltage to be regulated to produce a variable amplitude sinusoidal output, with virtually no change in frequency or wave-shape. Thus the term “VST”, meaning “variable sinewave technology”.

Key benefits

Cost savings on installation — In larger dimmer installations the size of cabling and transformers is typically doubled to allow for higher neutral currents and increased losses in the supply transformers. VST greatly reduces the harmonic content and associated electromagnetic interference, allowing normal rated wiring and transformers to be used.

Cost savings on lamp replacement — Lamp manufacturers have proven that lamp life is decreased when dimmed with phase controlled dimmers due to work hardening of filaments. Many installations worldwide are now benefiting from the extended lamp-life offered by sinewave dimming.

Elimination of lamp filament sing — No more noisy lights or buzzing transformers.

Virtually indestructible — Trouble free dimming with both electronic overload protection and short circuit protection. These features shut down the dimmer well before any damage can be done to itself, the wiring or the load.

Flexible load compatible — No special setting or models are required. One dimmer dims all load types. Compatible with all lamp types, including discharge lamps (metal halide, fluorescent, mercury/sodium vapour).

Operates under the harshest of conditions — VST dimmers operate under harsh mains supply conditions (generators).

Substantially improved power factor — No need for expensive power factor correction equipment as the power factor is maintained at an acceptable level for most load types.

Reverse Phase Control Technology

The commercially-practical implementation of reverse phase dimming uses IGBTs or power MOSFETs. They are essentially very high-powered transistors. Unlike Triacs and SCRs, the transistor can be switched on and off easily. These devices could potentially be used as phase control switches to make a dimmer that doesn’t need an inductor.

A transistor differs from an SCR in that it can be controlled to gradually vary the current, not just to switch it on. By gradually turning off the current rather than turning it on, a reverse phase angle dimmer reduces the filament noise in a similar fashion as a forward phase SCR dimmer without the need of a choke. However, the heat dissipated in the switching devices of these dimmers is fierce, necessitating very active thermal control measures, such as large heatsinks and often noisy fans. Although it may be possible to make a more compact dimmer without a big inductor, the need for heat dissipation prevents the dimmers from shrinking very much in size.

The Solution Q produces a Reverse Phase Control waveform. Unlike other Reverse Phase Control dimmer, Solution Q uses a innovative approach way to create a slower turn off edge without a big choke. Therefore it has a slim case without using a chunky heatsink. It equips a discrimination circuit to protect dimmer from both overload and short circuit. When an overload happens, it reduces the output voltage gradually until a rated current is reached. If a short circuit appears, it shuts down the circuit after confirming a short circuit by sending a series pulses output. This means your dimmer will recover by itself once you have removed the offending fault “no need to lower that bar or spend time the circuit breaker”. Also Solution Q has a load type detection circuit which will sense the load condition and shut down its output should a heavier inductive load be connected.

The solution Q is the ideal choice for dimming incandescent and capacitive loads. With the introduction electronic transformers on LV light fittings, dimmer systems today need to be tailored to best suit the load types. The gentle rising waveform of the Solution Q dimmer ensures the capacitors in the loads are not overstressed with the high rate of rise experienced with a standard phase control dimmers. Dimmer electronics are also not stressed, therefore ensuring a long life for both the dimmer and the load. Silent electronics (no buzzing rise time controlled chokes) gives the Solution Q dimmer the edge for installing within the studios or on-stage where annoying buzzes are not welcomed.

Air Technology Adaptive Resolution

AIR is a new technology developed by State Automation to ensure smooth responsive dimming performance when using the latest high intensity LED ’s.

AIR technology provides intimate and accurate control of the light output from you LED’s thus ensuring perfectly smooth dimming performance over the whole dimming range. SA utilises a morphing microprocessor to make decisions and change in form based on the configuration selected. AIR reacts dynamically to the rate of change of levels input from the user allowing your LED luminaire to respond in the most professional manner to 8 bit control data, converting this “steppy” 8 bit signal into a control signal that ensures smooth dimming, precise levels and the responsive performance that you expect from a professional automated lighting control system or a manual slider on a lighting desk

Key Benefits

Ultra High Speed Pulsed Dimming – Allows dimming with absolutely no visible flicker. With the added advantage of complete compatibility with HD Video filming. At the same time maintaining the correct operating current to the LED arrays at all dimmed levels. This guarantees uniform brightness and colour consis-tency at all dimmed levels, across the entire project.

Intelligent Thermal Protection – AirLED constantly monitors the operating temperature of every connected LED. This active thermal monitoring and control guarantees that the performance and reliability of each and every LED in the product.

Supports DMX512 and DMX RDM Control Analogue 0-10V or Potentiometer Control CE and C-Tick Compliant Dali and KNX control Architectural Building Automation System and Fire Systems ,Force ON, Force OFF… allowing for use in Architectural applications.