When we delve into the world of lighting, particularly LED drivers and dimming systems, the term "dimming curve" often emerges. This concept is crucial as it governs how the brightness of a light changes in response to an input signal, whether it is dimming from bright to dark or vice versa. The dimming curve directly impacts the overall dimming experience and performance.
What is a dimming curve?
A dimming curve is essentially the pre-determined function that dictates how a dimming device translates an input signal into a corresponding level of light output. It serves as the blueprint for how brightness adjusts based on the control signal provided.
There are several types of dimming curves, each with its own unique characteristics and applications. The most commonly encountered ones include linear, logarithmic, gamma, and exponential dimming curves. Let's explore each of these in detail.
Linear dimming curve The linear dimming curve is perhaps the simplest and most straightforward. In this scenario, the dimming signal is directly proportional to the change in light brightness. For instance, if the dimming signal increases by 10%, the light brightness will also increase by 10%, and the same applies in reverse. This type of dimming curve is often preferred in settings where precise control over brightness is essential, such as in exhibition halls or studios.
Linear dimming curve
While the linear dimming curve is easy to understand and control, it may not always align with the way the human eye perceives light. The human eye is highly sensitive to changes in brightness at low light levels, detecting even minor increases or decreases. However, at higher brightness levels, the eye becomes less sensitive to these changes.
Logarithmic dimming curve To better match the visual characteristics of the human eye, the logarithmic dimming curve was developed. Unlike the linear curve, the logarithmic dimming curve allows for a gradual change in brightness at low levels, resulting in a more natural transition. At higher brightness levels, the change in brightness is more rapid, which is less noticeable to the human eye. This curve is particularly effective in lighting design, especially in scenarios where enhancing the dimming effect and aligning with human visual perception are crucial.
Logarithmic dimming curve
Gamma dimming curve
The gamma dimming curve describes the nonlinear relationship between the brightness signal and the actual perceived brightness by the human eye. By adjusting the gamma value, the distribution of brightness across the illuminated area can be optimized. This results in a more uniform and softer light, reducing glare and shadow effects.
It is important to note that the gamma dimming curve is not a single curve but rather a family of curves. When the gamma value is set to 1.0, the curve becomes a straight line at a 45° angle to the coordinate axis, essentially resembling the linear dimming curve. Observations show that the gamma value affects the dimming curve in the following way: in the darker regions (where the horizontal coordinate is less than 30%), a higher gamma value leads to smoother changes, while a lower gamma value results in steeper changes.
Gamma2.2曲线图
After observing the different effects of different Gamma values on the dimming curve, we will find such a feature: assuming that the part of the curve with a horizontal coordinate less than 30% is the dark area, the larger the Gamma value, the smoother the change of the dark area, and the smaller the Gamma value, the steeper the change of the dark area.
The larger the Gamma valuethe smoother the change in the dark area
The smaller the Gamma value,
the steeper the change in the dark area
Exponential dimming curveIn the exponential dimming curve, the light brightness is exponentially related to the input signal. As the input signal increases, the light brightness increases more slowly in the low power area and faster in the high power area.
The exponential curve is also a dimming curve that conforms to the perception characteristics of the human eye, because it lights up slowly at low brightness, brightens suddenly in the latter part, and changes rapidly in the high brightness area, which is not easily detected by the human eye and conforms to the perception characteristics of the human eye.
Comparison of four dimming curves
Why do we need to apply different dimming curves?
Meet the more delicate dimming needs of different dark areas
By applying different dimming curves, the special requirements of dark area lighting can be better met. For example, in specific places such as museums, dark areas often require more delicate lighting control, which can ensure that visitors can see the details of the exhibits more clearly without damaging the exhibits due to excessive light.
Match different dimmers
When the dimming stroke of the dimmer is not linear with the output brightness signal, if you want the light output to change linearly, a different dimming curve is required.
Through the above explanation, I believe everyone has a preliminary understanding of dimming curves. Now, let's return the theory to practical application. With the continuous advancement of technology, users have put forward higher requirements for the convenience of dimming curve application.
As a professional Chinese manufacturer of intelligent dimming drivers, SCPOWER/Suretron has achieved customization of dimming curves through technological innovation, effectively meeting users' application needs for dimming curves.
High-Power Constant Current Dimmable LED Driver
Allows users to customize dimming curves
Taking SCPOWER/Suretron constant current high-power series intelligent dimming driver as an example, this series can select linear, logarithmic or gamma dimming curve through the NFC function, allowing users to flexibly select the most suitable dimming curve according to the specific application environment, lighting requirements or personal preferences. ill carefully preset a variety of dimming curve schemes based on the actual application scenarios, lighting needs or personal preferences of different customers, saving customers the tedious self-debugging steps, effectively saving users' time and energy, and ensuring the accuracy of dimming, effectively improving lighting effects. Product Selection TableIf necessary, please leave your contact information in the message box and we will contact you within 24 hours.圣昌产品：DALI-2 | 可控硅 | 0/1-10V | DMX512 | 无线（蓝牙/ZigBee/Wi-Fi）| 户外大功率 | CASAMBI圣昌展会： 2024香港秋灯展 | 2024广州光亚展 | 2024法兰克福照明展| 2024香港春灯展| 2023云知光论坛| 2023光亚展 | 2023广州设计周X云知光| 2022光亚展 | 2022法兰克福照明展
