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FAQ
Technical insights and answers to the most frequent questions regarding LED dimming, control protocols, and system integration for yacht lighting projects.
Dimming Methods
Do LEDs only work with PWM dimming?
No. The brightness of an LED depends on the current passing through the diode, which can be regulated using different methods. PWM is very widespread because it allows for good light stability and maintains color better, but it is not the only possible solution.
The three main dimming methods are: • Analog dimming (current reduction) • PWM – Pulse Width Modulation • Hybrid dimming (a combination of the two)
What dimming methods exist for an LED?
Analog Dimming
Analog Dimming Reduces the current passing through the LED. The LED remains always on, but with less current, it produces less light.
- 500 mA -> 100% light level
- 250 mA -> 50% light level
- 50 mA -> 10% light level
Possible disadvantages: color variation, instability at very low levels.
PWM – Pulse Width Modulation
PWM dims the LED by turning it on and off very quickly. The brightness depends on the ratio between “on” time and “off” time. The frequency is very high, so the human eye perceives only a variation in intensity.
- 100% light level -> Always on
- 50% light level -> On half of the time
- 10% light level -> On for short pulses
Main advantages: light stability, more constant color.
Hybrid Dimming
Many modern drivers combine the two methods. Typically: from 100% to 30%, analog dimming is used; from 30% to 0%, PWM is used. This approach guarantees stability, flicker reduction, and better performance in video recordings.
Protocols and Control Systems
What are DALI, KNX, DMX, and similar?
DALI, KNX, and DMX are not LED dimming methods. They are communication protocols used by control systems to send commands to the lights: switching on/off, brightness adjustment, activating lighting scenes.
- DALI: Architectural lighting
- KNX: Home automation
- DMX: Entertainment / Scenography
- Crestron / Lutron: Integrated control systems
Is PWM a protocol like DALI?
No. PWM is not a communication protocol, but an electrical method for dimming the LED. The difference is fundamental:
- DALI / KNX / DMX: Send commands to the system
- LED Driver: Interprets the commands received
- PWM or current control: Physically regulates the LED
Control flow diagram:
Control System (Yacht) → Protocol (DALI / KNX / DMX) → LED Driver → Dimming Method (PWM or current control) →LED
Who decides the protocol and the dimming method?
The choice of protocol is not made by the lighting manufacturer. It is defined by:
- AV/IT/control system integrator
- Shipyard’s electrical designer
- The shipyard itself
The protocol is part of the plant architecture, not the lights themselves. The lights must be compatible with the driver and the chosen control system.
What is meant by 'third wire' in LED dimming?
In a simple connection, a lamp uses two wires: positive and negative (power supply). In some systems, a third wire dedicated to the dimming signal is added, separating control from power.
Three-wire configuration:
- Wire 1 — Positive (power)
- Wire 2 — Negative (power)
- Wire 3 — Dimming signal
In modern yacht systems, dimming is often managed directly by the driver via protocols such as DALI, KNX, or DMX.
Why can PWM cause problems on long lines?
Driver → LED (short):
The signal travels a very short distance.
Risk: Low.
Dimmer line LED (long):
The signal travels through long cables.
Risk: High.
On long lines, the PWM signal can be affected by: cable length, voltage drops, electromagnetic interference, and driver characteristics. In complex systems like those on superyachts, it is preferable for the PWM to be generated by the driver near the LED, rather than transmitted along the power line.
LED Drivers and Power Supply
What is the difference between an LED driver and a dimmer?
LED Driver The LED driver is an electronic power supply designed for LEDs. It transforms the system voltage (e.g., 230V AC or 24V DC), provides stabilized current to the LED, and often manages dimming. An LED cannot be connected directly to the mains: it requires stabilized current.
Dimmer The dimmer is a device for controlling brightness. It does not power the lamp; it sends the regulation command to the driver via signals such as DALI, 0–10V, PWM, KNX, or DMX.
In short: the driver powers and stabilizes. The dimmer commands.
Do all LED lights need a driver?
Yes. LEDs must always be powered through an electronic driver that regulates current and protects the LED. The driver can be: • Integrated into the lighting fixture • Remote (separate, near the spotlight) • Installed in the electrical panel
In yacht projects, it is very common to use remote drivers because they facilitate maintenance and integration with control systems.
Where is the driver normally located on a yacht?
- Integrated Driver: Inside the lighting fixture (decorative fixtures or very compact ones).
- Remote Driver near the spotlight: Separate, in proximity to the light point (max 50 cm). This is the most common configuration on yachts.
- Driver in the technical panel: Centralized with power and control. (Centralized systems with high integration).
The choice depends on: system architecture, accessibility for maintenance, and thermal management.
What is the difference between constant current and constant voltage?
- Constant Current: The driver maintains a constant current (e.g., 350 mA, 500 mA, 700 mA). Used for: LED spotlights, spots.
- Constant Voltage: The driver maintains a constant voltage (e.g., 24V DC). Used for: LED strips, linear lighting, indirect lighting.
Integration in Yacht Projects
Why can integration between lighting and control systems become complex?
Because in yacht projects, several actors with different responsibilities are involved: lighting manufacturer, system integrator, electrical designer, and shipyard.
If the system architecture is not clearly defined at the beginning of the project, the following may emerge: • Incompatibility between drivers and protocols • Dimming problems • Maintenance difficulties on board
Why is it important to coordinate lighting and AVL systems from the early stages?
In superyachts, lighting, audio-video, and control are often integrated into the same system. If technical decisions are made separately, it can lead to: • Complex and non-optimized cabling • Technical incompatibilities between components • Costly modifications during the advanced construction phase.
It is advisable to define the system architecture during the concept phase. Beyond Illumination operates as the governance level of the architecture, ensuring consistency between lighting, AVL, and control systems.