Microchip Technology DM160214 Data Sheet

Irrespective of the lighting technology, the 

ability to effectively control the light source 

is essential. Beyond a simple on/off switch, 

advanced lighting control provides the 

opportunity to provide additional intelligence 

and increased energy savings.
The ability to dim any light source is the most common 

requirement of a light controller—but is a potential obstacle. 

Most legacy dimmers are simple triac dimmers that can 

vary the light output of an incandescent light source from 

0–100%. These vary the brightness by “chopping” the AC 

line voltage and controlling the effective power to the lamp, 

thereby varying the light output. These methods function 

well with incandescent sources, as well as some specially 

designed CFL ballasts, but do not function properly with 

most existing drivers or ballasts. In order to effectively dim 

LED and fluorescent, specialized methods such as varying 

PWM frequency or variable current is required—this is easily 

implemented with electronic dimming controllers.
Functions such as dimming and timers are common, but 

intelligent control provides opportunities to enrich the 

user experience and increase value. Incremental energy 

savings can be provided by potentially integrating elements 

such as energy management and harvesting (ie. solar), 

ambient light compensation (reducing light output based 

on other localized light sources), and occupancy or motion 

sensing. Further intelligence includes the ability to create 

lighting networks that communicate both locally, as well as 

to remote locations. This allows for the ability to increase 

energy savings further and reduce maintenance cost 

via items such as fixed light output in lighting arrays (ie. 

street lamps, large rooms, etc.), monitoring light output, 

and providing real-time operating issues. Additionally, this 

offers the ability to integrate lighting into other system 

topologies such as security systems or automation & 

control. Aesthetically, lighting control offers the ability to 

support custom mood lighting by varying brightness, color, 

and color temperature—across large lighting arrays.

The Lighting Communications Development Platform 

provides a universal lighting development platform for the 

creation of communications enabled lighting applications.
The Lighting Communications Development Platform 

consists of:

   

■

Main communications board

   

■

Prototyping board

   

■

Communications interface adapters 

(DALI, DMX512A, future protocol support (eg. RF))

The following is required:

   

■

Minimum of (2) main or (2) prototyping boards

   

■

Minimum (2) adapters
•    Connected via appropriate cabling

•    RJ45 patch cable
•    DMX512A 5-pin barrel cable
•    DALI 2-wire

The communication platform is compatible with 

commercially available DALI/DMX512A products and 

can be integrated into existing lighting networks during 

development or utilized with multiple communication 

platforms to simulate large lighting networks.
To further ease in development, code libraries for both 

DMX512A and DALI are available as a FREE download. Go 

to

 www.microchip.com/lightingcomms

 to get started.

Learn more about Intelligent Lighting and Control 

Solutions from Microchip at 

www.microchip.com/lighting

. 

Main/Prototyping

Board

DALI/DMX512A

Adapter

Main/Prototyping

Board

DALI/DMX512A

Adapter

Existing

DALI/DMX

Network

Main/Prototyping

Board

DALI/DMX512A

Adapter

Main/Prototyping

Board

DALI/DMX512A

Adapter