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DimmerLink controller – a compact I2C/UART interface

We're excited to announce DimmerLink – a compact I2C/UART interface module that brings intelligent AC dimming to your projects without the headaches of timing-critical code.

What is DimmerLink?

DimmerLink is an 18×12mm controller featuring a dedicated Cortex-M0+ processor that handles all critical AC dimming operations – zero-cross detection, phase angle calculation, and TRIAC gate control – with microsecond precision. Your microcontroller simply sends high-level commands like "set brightness to 50%".

Key Features

  • Flicker-Free Dimming – Hardware timing eliminates software jitter
  • Dual Interface – UART (115200 baud) or I2C (100kHz)
  • Universal Compatibility – Works with Arduino, ESP32, Raspberry Pi, STM32, and any MCU with UART/I2C
  • 3 Dimming Curves – LINEAR, RMS (for incandescent), LOG (for LED)
  • Auto Frequency Detection – Automatically detects 50/60Hz mains
  • Multi-Voltage Logic – Supports 1.8V, 3.3V, and 5V logic levels
  • Plug & Play – No libraries required, just 3-4 byte commands

Why DimmerLink?

Traditional AC dimming requires timing-critical interrupt handling that conflicts with WiFi, delays, and other code. DimmerLink offloads this complexity to dedicated hardware, giving you:

  • No interrupt conflicts
  • No flickering lights
  • No complex timing calculations
  • Clean, simple code

Example: Control in 5 Lines

Arduino + I2C:

cpp

#include <Wire.h>
Wire.beginTransmission(0x50);
Wire.write(0x10);  // Brightness register
Wire.write(50);    // 50%
Wire.endTransmission();

Python + UART:

python

import serial
ser = serial.Serial('/dev/ttyUSB0', 115200)
ser.write(bytes([0x02, 0x53, 0x00, 50]))  # SET 50%

ESPHome & Home Assistant Integration

DimmerLink integrates seamlessly with Home Assistant via ESPHome:

yaml

external_components:
  - source: github://robotdyn-dimmer/DimmerLink@main
    components: [dimmerlink]

dimmerlink:
  id: dimmer1

light:
  - platform: dimmerlink
    dimmerlink_id: dimmer1
    name: "Living Room Light"

No lambda code needed – just clean YAML configuration with full support for sensors, curves, and diagnostics.

Applications

  • Smart Home Lighting – Integrate with Home Assistant, Node-RED
  • Remote Control – Use with WiFi (ESP32), LoRa, GSM modules
  • Industrial Automation – Precise heater/motor control
  • Retrofit Projects – Add dimming to existing installations

Getting Started

Complete documentation, wiring diagrams, and code examples available at:


Buy DimmerLink:

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