Welcome at the dimmable electronic transformers pages of MULTIPOINT

First issue: Trailing and Leading-Edge dimmers, how do they work?

Trailing edge dimmers (as opposed to leading edge, or triac, dimmers) turn off the electrical load at the end (trailing edge) of the AC input waveform. They control the power to the load by varying the duty cycle (the ratio of on time to on+off time) of the voltage to the load, the same as leading edge or triac dimmers.

Cutting off the trailing edge of the waveform allows compatibility with electric loads that are either resistive or capacitive in nature (as opposed to leading edge dimmers which are compatible with resistive and inductive loads).

Trailing edge dimmers are more complex than other dimmers, and are usually implemented using back-to-back power FETs (n-channel enhancement-mode MOSFETS with their source terminals connected together, the gates connected together, and the drain terminals acting as the two power terminals). The FETs have an intrinsic body diode which means they always conduct in one direction. Putting two FETs together as described allows current flow to be controlled in either direction (with no gate signal, both FETs are off, and the body diodes allow no current flow either. If one FET is gated on, the current can flow through that FET and the body diode of the other FET)

Introduction to Dimming Methods

Basically there are two main dimming methods today. Each of these is suitable for different types of loads.

1. Leading Edge Dimming - the early part of each sine half wave is chopped off.

Leading Edge dimmers are most Suitable for:

All resistive loads (ordinary incandescent lamps, high voltage Halogen, etc.), marked with "R"

All inductive loads (Coils, low voltage halogen with conventional transformer, etc.), marked with "L"

So a marking "RL" indicates the suitability of a dimmer for resistive and inductive loads. Not allowed on these dimmers are capacitive loads

2. Trailing Edge Dimming - the latter part of each sine half wave is chopped off.

Trailing Edge Dimmers are most Suitable for:

All resistive loads

All capacitive loads such as Low-Voltage Halogen transformers or primary dimming electronic ballasts. Indicated by a "C").

Do not operate inductive loads on this kind of dimmers - this will usually destroy the dimmer. Resistive loads are suitable for both dimming methods. However, Trailing Edge Dimming offers a softer mode of operation for the lamps and will extend lamp life.

Please note that some of the cheaper trailing edge dimmers in the market are only suitable for resistive loads.

What is a transformer?

A transformer is a device that changes voltage. A low voltage halogen transformer is an electrical device that transforms the primairy line voltage to 12 volts or 24 volts (the low voltage or secondary side). Usually, transformers are made by winding two sets of copper wires around an iron core with one set connected to the primary side and the second connected to the secondary side.

Most countries in North America and some in South-America use the primary voltage of 110V/120V-60Hz. Most European countries have the primairy voltage of 220V/240V-50Hz.

What is a conventional low voltage transformer?

A conventional transformer is also known as an electromagnetic transformer.
They are heavy and consist of an iron core and two sets of copper wires.

What is a MULTIPOINT electronic transformer?

A MULTIPOINT electronic transformer is smaller in size and consists of an inverter and other electronic components that regulate the reduction of the secondairy tension. Beside smaller in size, MULTIPOINT electronic transformers are also lighter and easier to install, compared with the heavy conventional type.

What is the economical difference between conventional & electronic transformers?

MULTIPOINT electronic transformers are much more energy efficient. MULTIPOINT electronic transformers have an energy efficiency of 98% and above compared to conventional transformers who use only about 55% for the lamps and the rest is transferred to heat. The primairy line filters in the MULTIPOINT electronic transformers reduces most power-line sparks to practical zero and that extend the lamp life with at least 20%.

Can all MULTIPOINT transformers work with all types of dimmers?

Several types of MULTIPOINT electronic transformers are compatible with both trailing edge and leading edge dimmers. For MULTIPOINT electronic transformers with regular dimming function, when used with a trailing edge dimmer, MULTIPOINT electronic transformers are dimmable from low to full load. When used with a leading edge dimmer, MULTIPOINT electronic transformers are dimmable at full load only. On the other hand, customers could choose for MULTIPOINT electronic transformers with a more advance dimming function. This means that these transformers are dimmable from low to full transformer load with trailing edge and leading edge dimmers.

To be short: MULTIPOINT offers electronic transformers for three different dimming options:

1. Leading Edge dimmers,
2. Trailing Edge dimmers and
3. Switch-Dim or Puls-Dim dimmers.

MULTIPOINT electronic transformers are tailor made for track light and wire system with output wire up to 20 meters without power loss / voltage drop and EMC interference. These MULTIPOINT electronic transformers are ideal for down light installations in big connected series.

MULTIPOINT electronic transformers are available in 50, 105, 150, 210 and 300 Watt versions.

Do you need more information about the MULTIPOINT products, please, send us an

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OUR ADDRESS:

TUEX CV
Post Office Box 1
3360 AA SLIEDRECHT
The Netherlands
Manager: Mr. H.P.M. Mul
TEL: +31 78 617 40 88
FAX: +31 78 654 3 123
info@tuex.com