Isolated phase control power regulation circuit and system

摘要

A phase controlled power regulation circuit is isolated from a line voltage and therefore overcomes some of the safety issues associated with currently available potentiometers. A phase controlled power regulation circuit employs a potentiometer that is electrically isolated from mains power. A transformer regulates the line voltage down to a reduced reference voltage that is used by the power regulation circuit. Any single point failure of a component within the power regulation circuit will not create unsafe condition. This greatly simplifies regulatory approval and opens new applications. Since the potentiometer is operated at low voltage, it may be remotely located from the circuits that handle the power with two conductors of class 2 wiring. Also, the potentiometer need not be of a panel mounted rotary or sliding type. It may be a potentiometer integrated circuit controllable from a microprocessor that enables complex regulation and/or sequencing control.