NXP Semiconductors is launching development platforms for DALI and DMX512 lighting control systems based on a 32-bit ARM Cortex-M0 processor. The first evaluation systems will feature an LPC1114 microcontroller. With performance up to 45 DMIPS, the 50-MHz LPC1100XL series offers the resources required for a single MCU to code and decode DALI and DMX messages and generate PWM signals, with enough bandwidth available for the end application. The DMX512 system also includes a master controller board with an LPC11U00 USB microcontroller.

 
Both DALI and DMX512 systems can be connected to any of NXP’s lamp drivers using the PWM outputs of the Cortex-M0 processor. Scene settings and other programs can be stored in non-volatile memory by using EEPROM emulation in flash or by using integrated EEPROM, now available in the LPC11E00 series. Offering up to four 16-bit and 32-bit timers, the LPC1100XL series can generate up to 11 PWM signals to control and dim lighting loads. Embedded lighting applications can be programmed in C and a basic DALI driver is available from NXP. For DMX lighting networks, development time is further reduced by the integration of basic functions and Remote Device Management (RDM) in a fully DMX512-compliant software stack.

 

As an additional option, NXP offers a small form factor, highly efficient RGB LED power stage with low component count. The power stage meets the EMC requirements of commercial lighting applications and offers significant energy savings for both DALI and DMX lighting control systems.

 

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Build a 1-Channel DMX512 Light Dimmer