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RBDIMMER.COM Techincal support, library, community support for AC Dimmer AC Dimmer Module for PSM control, 1 Channel, 3.3V/5V logic, AC 50/60hz, 220V/110V~600V Product Overview The AC Dimmer is a DIY module—not a finished device—that you integrate into your project by connecting it to your microcontroller. Designed to regulate alternating current (AC) voltage, it safely handles up to 4~24A. Originally designed for smooth control of lamps and heating elements—not merely simple on/off switching—this versatile module also supports adjustable operation for fans, pumps, air purifiers, and more. This dimmer is especially useful for smart home projects. With our comprehensive tutorials and user guides, you can build a fully customized solution. For example, you might: Adjust lighting:  Gradually turn lights on or off to create a comfortable ambiance. Automate your home:  Connect the module to cloud services like  HomeAssistant  or even control it with voice assistants. Save energy:  Program schedules for turning devices on and off, reducing energy consumption. We provide extensive documentation and instructions not only for Arduino but also for other platforms. You can find guides on using the  ESPHome  component for integration and automation through  HomeAssistant , as well as detailed instructions for connecting and configuring the  Tasmota  application. These resources ensure that whether you&#x27;re using  Arduino ,  ESP32 , or another platform, you have all the support you need. Specification Power up to 400V/600V (4A~24A) AC frequency 50/60 Hz TRIAC BTA16 — 600B / BTA24 — 600B Isolation Optocoupler Logic level 3.3V/5V/12V Zero point Logic level Modulation (DIM/PWM) logic level ON/OFF TRIAC Signal current >10mA Environment: For indoor and outdoor use Operating temperatures: −20°C to 80°C Operating humidity: Dry environment only ROHS3 Compliant AC TRIAC Dimmer Module CHOOSE YOUR INTERFACE Feature Standard (Phase Control) DimmerLink ( UART/I2C ) Interface Zero-Cross + Gate signals UART (115200) or I2C Library Required Yes (rbdimmerESP32.h) No library needed Code Complexity Interrupt handling, timers 3-4 bytes command Flickering Depends on code quality Guaranteed flicker-free Platform Support ESP32, Arduino (with library) Any MCU with UART/I2C Logic Levels 3.3V, 5V 1.8V, 3.3V, 5V Best For Advanced users, custom timing Beginners, quick integration ️ HOW TO IDENTIFY YOUR VERSION When ordering, select carefully: You Selected You Will Receive Interface Pins 4A Standard / 8A Standard Dimmer with Phase Control VCC, GND, Z-C, DIM 4A DimmerLink / 8A DimmerLink Dimmer with built-in controller VCC, GND, TX/SDA, RX/SCL WHICH VERSION IS RIGHT FOR YOU? Choose STANDARD (Phase Control) if you: Already use rbdimmerESP32 library in your project Need lowest possible cost Want direct hardware control Building multi-phase systems Experienced with interrupt-based programming Choose DIMMERLINK (UART/I2C) if you: Want plug-and-play simplicity Need guaranteed flicker-free operation Using Raspberry Pi, Orange Pi, or any Linux SBC Working with platforms without dimmer libraries Building smart home with HomeAssistant/ESPHome Want to control via USB-UART adapter from PC Prefer minimal code (literally 5 lines!) GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS (Both Versions) Parameter 4A Version 8A Version Max Current 4A 8A Max Power (220V) 880W 1760W Max Power (110V) 440W 880W Input Voltage 110-240V AC, 50/60Hz Control Voltage 3.3V / 5V (Standard) — 1.8V / 3.3V / 5V (DimmerLink) Isolation Optocoupler isolated Mounting Standard 0.1" (2.54mm) pins STANDARD VERSION — Phase Control Interface How It Works The Standard version outputs two signals: Z-C (Zero-Cross) — pulse at each AC zero crossing DIM (Gate) — you send trigger pulse to fire TRIAC Your microcontroller must: Detect zero-cross interrupt Calculate delay based on desired brightness Send precisely-timed gate pulse Repeat 100-120 times per second Requires Library We provide rbdimmerESP32.h library that handles all timing complexity. // Arduino/ESP32 Example (with library): #include <rbdimmerESP32.h> dimmerLamp dimmer( 4 , 2 ); // Gate pin, ZC pin void setup () { dimmer. begin (NORMAL_MODE, ON); } void loop () { dimmer. setPower ( 50 ); // 50% } Supported Platforms ESP32, ESP8266 Full library support Arduino Uno/Mega With limitations ️ Raspberry Pi Requires precise timing — difficult Most other platforms No library available DIMMERLINK VERSION — UART/I2C Interface Revolutionary Simplicity DimmerLink has a dedicated Cortex-M+ microcontroller built into the dimmer board. This controller handles ALL timing-critical operations internally: Zero-cross detection Phase angle calculation TRIAC firing with microsecond precision Automatic 50/60Hz detection Multiple dimming curves You just send simple commands! No Library Required — Ever! Arduino Example (I2C): #include <Wire.h> void setup () { Wire. begin (); } void loop () { Wire. beginTransmission ( 0x50 ); Wire. write ( 0x10 ); // Brightness register Wire. write ( 50 ); // 50% Wire. endTransmission (); delay ( 1000 ); } Python Example (Raspberry Pi): from smbus2 import SMBus bus = SMBus ( 1 ) bus. write_byte_data ( 0x50 , 0x10 , 50 ) # Set 50% Even from Terminal (Linux): i2cset -y 1 0x50 0x10 50 # Set brightness to 50% DimmerLink Key Advantages FLICKER-FREE Hardware handles timing — impossible to flicker NO LIBRARIES Works with ANY programming language UNIVERSAL Arduino, ESP32, Raspberry Pi, STM32, PIC, anything! 1.8V-5V Logic Direct connection to any MCU 3 Dimming Curves LINEAR, RMS (incandescent), LOG (LED) Auto Frequency Detects 50/60Hz automatically Dual Interface Switch between UART and I2C anytime Supported Platforms (ALL of them!) Platform UART I2C Logic Level Arduino Uno/Nano/Mega 5V ESP32 / ESP8266 3.3V Raspberry Pi 3/4/5 3.3V Orange Pi / Banana Pi 3.3V STM32 Blue Pill 3.3V Raspberry Pi Pico 3.3V ATtiny / nRF52 / MSP430 1.8V USB-UART adapter (PC) — Any APPLICATION EXAMPLES Smart Home Both versions work with HomeAssistant. Standard uses ESPHome dimmer component, DimmerLink uses simpler I2C/UART component. Lighting Incandescent (RMS curve), Dimmable LED (LOG curve), Halogen (RMS curve) Heating Boilers, water heaters, 3D printer heated beds, industrial heating elements ️ Motors Universal/brush motors (drills, mixers), fans. ️ NOT for induction motors! QUICK COMPARISON: Code Complexity Setting 50% Brightness Standard Version (ESP32 with library) #include <rbdimmerESP32.h> dimmerLamp dimmer( 4 , 2 ); void setup () { dimmer. begin (NORMAL_MODE, ON); } void loop () { dimmer. setPower ( 50 ); } Requires: Library installation, correct pin configuration, understanding of interrupt modes DimmerLink Version (ANY platform) Wire. beginTransmission ( 0x50 ); Wire. write ( 0x10 ); Wire. write ( 50 ); Wire. endTransmission (); Requires: Nothing! Just 4 lines, any I2C-capable device FAQ Q: Can I use Standard version with Raspberry Pi? A: Technically yes, but very difficult. Raspberry Pi OS is not real-time, causing timing issues and flickering. DimmerLink is strongly recommended for Raspberry Pi. Q: Is DimmerLink compatible with existing rbdimmerESP32 projects? A: No, they use different interfaces. DimmerLink uses UART/I2C commands instead of phase control signals. Q: Can I switch DimmerLink between UART and I2C? A: Yes! Send a command to switch interface. Setting is saved in memory. Q: What if I need to control multiple dimmers? A: Standard: Each dimmer needs separate GPIO pins DimmerLink (I2C): Up to 100+ dimmers on same 2 wires (different addresses) Q: Which version has less flickering? A: DimmerLink — zero flickering guaranteed. Standard version depends on your code quality and MCU performance. PACKAGE CONTENTS Standard Version 1× AC Dimmer Module (4A or 8A) Pin headers (soldered) DimmerLink Version (UART/I2C) 1× AC Dimmer Module with DimmerLink controller (4A or 8A) Pin headers (soldered) ️ SAFETY WARNING This is a DIY module for experienced users Works with dangerous AC mains voltage (110-240V) Pr