Analog, Digital, and Phase Lighting Control Systems: What You Need to Know
December 19, 2025
Smart lighting systems are transforming how spaces are illuminated. Today’s luminaires are intelligent, controllable, and adaptable, allowing lighting to respond to user preferences, activities, and ambience requirements. From setting the right mood to improving productivity and comfort, lighting has become an active element of the built environment.
As a result, smart lighting control systems are now widely used across residential, commercial, and industrial spaces, both indoors and outdoors.
Modern IoT-based lighting control systems enable wireless control of luminaires through technologies such as Bluetooth. These systems offer ease of use, improved energy efficiency, compliance with building codes, and alignment with green building and energy conservation programs.
Types of Lighting Control Systems
Lighting control systems can broadly be classified into three categories:
- Analog lighting controls such as 0–10V
- Digital lighting controls such as DALI
- Phase dimming systems such as leading-edge and trailing-edge dimming
Each type serves different applications based on control needs, infrastructure, cost, and performance expectations.
DALI Lighting Control Systems
DALI, short for Digital Addressable Lighting Interface, is one of the most widely adopted digital lighting control protocols. It is an open standard defined under IEC 60929 and IEC 62386, allowing interoperability between luminaires and control devices from multiple manufacturers.
A DALI system typically consists of a controller, a power supply, and one or more DALI-enabled luminaires or drivers. It allows precise control of light intensity, correlated color temperature (CCT), and color where supported.
DALI systems can address individual fixtures or groups using multicast or broadcast commands. They support flexible wiring topologies, including bus, star, or hybrid configurations, significantly reducing wiring complexity. Since DALI is a bi-directional protocol, the controller can also receive feedback from devices for monitoring, diagnostics, and maintenance.
Advantages of DALI Systems
- Open IEC standard with wide manufacturer support
- Individually addressable luminaires
- Flexible grouping and scene control
- Polarity-independent two-wire control
- Bi-directional communication for monitoring and troubleshooting
- Scalable and continuously evolving standard
A single DALI line typically supports up to 64 devices, along with 16 groups and 16 scenes. Larger systems can be implemented using multiple lines or gateways.
WiSilica offers wirelessly controlled DALI dimming solutions such as Radiar AFD1/4 and Radiar ARD32, supporting one and four DALI slaves respectively.
0–10V Lighting Control Systems
0–10V lighting control is one of the most commonly used analog dimming methods, especially in commercial and industrial environments.
In a 0–10V system, a low-voltage DC signal ranging from 0 to 10 volts controls the brightness of the luminaire. Each voltage level corresponds to a specific light output, where 0V typically represents off or minimum output and 10V represents maximum brightness.
This method is simple and reliable but not addressable. All fixtures connected to the same control circuit dim together at the same level, making it suitable for applications where uniform control is sufficient.
Advantages of 0–10V Systems
- Simple and proven dimming method
- Cost-effective for large fixture groups
- Easy installation and troubleshooting
- Widely supported by LED drivers
0–10V systems are commonly used in warehouses, offices, parking areas, and industrial spaces where individual fixture control is not required.
WiSilica provides wirelessly controlled 0–10V dimming solutions such as Radiar AF10, PSC-WCM-450-BLE-WS, and Radiar AR10, Radiar ZP10(with options that include PIR and light sensor) and Radiar Z10.
Phase Dimming Systems
Phase dimming is one of the most traditional and widely used lighting control methods, particularly in residential, hospitality, and retrofit applications.
Instead of using a low-voltage control signal, phase dimming controls light output by modifying the AC power waveform supplied to the luminaire. By cutting a portion of the waveform, the power delivered to the light source is reduced, resulting in dimming.
Phase dimming is broadly classified into two types:
Leading-Edge (Triac) Dimming
This method cuts the front portion of the AC waveform and is commonly used with incandescent lighting and some LED drivers. It is often paired with magnetic transformers and traditional wall dimmers.
Trailing-Edge (ELV) Dimming
Trailing-edge dimming cuts the end portion of the waveform and is better suited for modern LED drivers. It offers smoother dimming performance, reduced flicker, and quieter operation.
Advantages of Phase Dimming Systems
- Ideal for retrofit projects using existing wiring
- Compatible with standard wall dimmers
- No additional control wiring required
- Cost-effective for small zones and individual fixtures
Phase dimming systems are not digitally addressable, and all fixtures connected to a dimmer operate together. Performance depends on driver and dimmer compatibility, making proper selection critical for LED applications.
WiSilica supports wirelessly controlled phase dimming solutions using OmniTED and LR21F600 phase dimmers, enabling users to retain familiar dimming behavior while adding smart features such as wireless control, scheduling, and sensor-based automation.
Choosing the Right Lighting Control System
Each lighting control method serves a specific purpose:
- DALI is ideal for advanced, addressable control in large and complex installations
- 0–10V is best suited for cost-effective, uniform dimming in commercial and industrial spaces
- Phase dimming works well for residential, hospitality, and retrofit projects where simplicity and existing wiring are priorities
By supporting DALI, 0–10V, and phase dimming, WiSilica enables lighting designers, facility managers, and enterprises to deploy the right control technology for each application.
Tags: analog lighting controls, digital lighting controls, phase dimming, DALI lighting, 0–10V dimming, smart lighting systems, WiSilica lighting controls