Phase-Cut AC Lighting Control for Independent CCT and Dimming

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for controlling lighting intensity and correlated color temperature (CCT) in LED lighting fixtures require additional installation of wires and wireless communication systems, increasing complexity and cost, which many users find undesirable.

Innovation Solution

Utilizing conventional AC wiring to convey both CCT and intensity control information through modified phase-cut AC waveforms, allowing independent control of these parameters without additional infrastructure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If additional wires and wireless communication systems are installed to control lighting intensity and CCT, then control functionality is improved, but device complexity and installation cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol functionalityVSAvoidinstallation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling the existing AC wiring to serve dual purposes: both power delivery and communication of control information. The phase-cut AC waveform simultaneously carries power to the lighting fixture and encodes control data for intensity and CCT adjustment, eliminating the need for separate control wires or wireless systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the power transmission function and communication function into a single AC wiring infrastructure. By modulating the phase-cut waveform to encode control information, the system combines what were previously separate functions (power delivery and control signaling) into one integrated system, reducing installation complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of operation

If conventional phase-control dimming is used to control lighting intensity, then ease of operation is improved, but adaptability to control additional parameters like CCT is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of controlVSAvoidcontrol parameter flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the AC waveform characteristics variable and adaptable. Instead of using a fixed phase-cut pattern for intensity control only, the system dynamically modulates the waveform to encode multiple types of control information (intensity and CCT) that can be independently adjusted, allowing the same infrastructure to adapt to different control needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adds another dimension to the AC waveform modulation. Beyond the traditional single-dimensional intensity control, the system encodes additional control parameters (CCT) by varying other aspects of the phase-cut waveform, such as the timing or pattern of phase cuts, thereby expanding control capability without adding physical infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS20260059625A1Apparatus and methods for communicating information and power via phase-cut ac waveforms

Publication Date: 2026.02.26 DMF INC

AI summary

Apparatus and methods for controlling correlated color temperature (CCT) and lighting intensity in lighting fixtures are described. The CCT and intensity may be controlled independently over conventional AC wiring using a conventional dimmer. A lighting controller that resembles a conventional dimmer and that can be installed in place of a dimmer may be used instead of a conventional dimmer to access more control functionalities, still using conventional AC wiring. Wireless communication with the lighting fixture and/or lighting controller are possible.