Systems and methods for determining a type of transformer to which a load is coupled

A method for providing compatibility between a load and a secondary winding of a transformer driven at its primary winding by a dimmer comprising:

• determining from a transformer secondary signal whether the transformer comprises a magnetic transformer or an electronic transformer;
• and
• selecting a compatibility mode of operation from a plurality of modes of operation based on the determination of whether the transformer comprises a magnetic transformer or an electronic transformer, wherein the plurality of modes of operation comprise at least:
• a magnetic transformer compatibility mode, wherein the method further comprises:
• determining from a magnetic transformer secondary signal a period of a half-line cycle of an output signal of the dimmer;
• determining from the magnetic transformer secondary signal an estimated occurrence of an end of a phase-cut angle of the dimmer;
• and
• generating a driving signal to the load based on the period and the estimated occurrence of the end of the phase-cut angle;
• and
• an electronic transformer compatibility mode.

An apparatus comprising:

• a controller to provide compatibility between a load and a secondary winding of a transformer driven at its primary winding by a dimmer, wherein the controller is configured to:
• determine from a signal indicative of a transformer secondary signal whether the transformer comprises a magnetic transformer or an electronic transformer;
• and
• select a compatibility mode of operation from a plurality of modes of operation based on the determination of whether the transformer comprises a magnetic transformer or an electronic transformer, wherein the plurality of modes of operation comprise at least:
• a magnetic transformer compatibility mode, wherein the controller is configured to:
• determine from a magnetic transformer secondary signal a period of a half-line cycle of an output signal of the dimmer;
• determine from the magnetic transformer secondary signal an estimated occurrence of an end of a phase-cut angle of the dimmer;
• and
• generate a driving signal to the load based on the period and the estimated occurrence of the end of the phase-cut angle;
• and
• an electronic transformer compatibility mode.

A method for providing compatibility between a load and a secondary winding of a transformer driven at its primary winding by a dimmer comprising:

• determining from a signal indicative of a transformer secondary signal whether the transformer comprises a magnetic transformer or an electronic transformer;
• and
• selecting a compatibility mode of operation from a plurality of modes of operation based on the determination of whether the transformer comprises a magnetic transformer or an electronic transformer, wherein the plurality of modes of operation comprise at least:
• a magnetic transformer compatibility mode, wherein the method further comprises:
• determining from a magnetic transformer secondary signal a period of a half-line cycle of an output signal of the dimmer;
• determining from the magnetic transformer secondary signal an estimated occurrence of an end of a phase-cut angle of the dimmer;
• and
• generating a driving signal to the load based on the period and the estimated occurrence of the end of the phase-cut angle;
• and
• an electronic transformer compatibility mode.