DMX CC LED Driver Technology

How DMX512 constant current drivers give individual, deep-dimming control of LED fittings, and how to address, wire and choose them.

DMX constant current LED drivers and DMX dimming modules from Ltech and Sunricher

Overview

What is a DMX CC LED driver?

A DMX constant current (CC) driver is a mains LED driver with a DMX512 control input. It supplies a fixed current to an LED module and dims it to the level sent on its DMX channel, so every fitting can be controlled individually from a lighting desk, DMX controller or building management system. DMX is the standard for architectural, stage and entertainment lighting.

Our range includes Ltech SE series drivers up to 20W with DMX/RDM and dimming down to 0.01%, and Sunricher SRP-2106 drivers at 50W and 75W with 250–1500mA output and a built-in address display. Ltech LT-84A and LT-834A modules convert DMX or DALI to 0-10V, PWM or mains phase-cut dimming for other drivers and lamps.

Individual control of each fitting on a DMX512 line
Constant current output set by DIP switch or app
Deep, flicker-free dimming to IEEE 1789
RDM for remote addressing on Ltech SE models
Tuneable white 2-channel model

DMX CC range at a glance

Brands: Ltech, Sunricher
Control: DMX512, RDM on SE series
Output current: 100mA – 1500mA
Power: Up to 75W
Input: Mains AC (100-240VAC on SE series)
Current setting: DIP switch or app
Dimming: Down to 0.01% (SE series)
Channels: 1 or 2 (tuneable white)

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The technology

How DMX dimming works

A DMX controller sends a continuous stream of data called a universe: 512 channels, each holding a level from 0 to 255. The stream travels over a daisy-chained twisted-pair cable from driver to driver, with a 120Ω terminator at the end of the line.

Each driver is set to a start address and reads only its own channel, or two consecutive channels for tuneable white. Drivers with the same address act together.

The driver then sets its constant current output to that level using high-frequency PWM. With RDM, the controller can also find drivers, set their addresses and read their status over the same cable.

Simplified illustration: each driver reads the channel at its address from the DMX universe and dims its constant current output to that level.

Control options

DMX compared with DALI and 0-10V

How DMX512 compares with the other common ways to dim constant current LED fittings.

Feature	DMX512	DALI	0-10V
Signal	Fast digital data stream	Slower digital commands	Analogue voltage
Wiring	Data cable, daisy chain, terminated	2-wire bus, any topology	2-wire pair per zone
Devices per line	512 channels per universe	64 addresses per bus	Per zone
Speed	Smooth real-time effects	Scenes and slow fades	Real-time, no addressing
Best for	Architectural, stage and dynamic lighting	Commercial building control	Simple dimming zones

Our range

DMX CC drivers compared

Choose the current to match the LED module, then check its forward voltage is within the driver's output range.

Model	Output current	Output voltage	Max. power	Current set by	Control
Ltech SE-10-350-700-W1M	350 – 700mA	2 – 12V	8.4W	DIP switch	DMX/RDM, 1 channel
Ltech SE-12-100-400-W1M	100 – 400mA	10 – 42V	12W	DIP switch	DMX/RDM, 1 channel
Ltech SE-12-350-700-W1M	350 – 700mA	10 – 24V	12W	DIP switch	DMX/RDM, 1 channel
Ltech SE-20-100-700-W2M	100 – 700mA, 1mA steps	9 – 42V	20W	App	DMX/RDM, 2 channel CCT
Sunricher SRP-2106-CC50	250 – 1500mA	—	50W	DIP switch	DMX512, 1 or 2 channel
Sunricher SRP-2106-75CC	250 – 1500mA	—	75W	DIP switch	DMX512, 1 or 2 channel

Also in the range: the Ltech LT-84A converts DMX or DALI to four 0-10V, 5V PWM or 10V PWM outputs, and the LT-834A dims mains lamps by phase cut from DMX or DALI.

Benefits

Advantages of DMX CC LED drivers

Why DMX is the choice for dynamic and architectural LED lighting.

Individual control

Up to 512 channels per universe, so every fitting or group can have its own level.

Real-time effects

The continuous data stream gives smooth fades, chases and dynamic scenes.

Deep dimming

Down to 0.01% on Ltech SE models, flicker free to IEEE 1789 for camera-friendly light.

RDM

Find drivers, set addresses and check status remotely over the DMX cable.

Adjustable current

Set from 100mA to 1500mA by DIP switch or app to suit the LED module.

Tuneable white

The 2-channel SE-W2M controls brightness and colour temperature from two DMX channels.

Selection & set-up

Choosing and installing a DMX CC driver

Match the current: set the driver to the LED module's rated current before switching on.
Check the voltage: the module's forward voltage must sit within the driver's output range.
Plan the addresses: give each driver, or group of drivers, its own start address; 2-channel models use two.
Daisy-chain the cable: run screened twisted-pair data cable from driver to driver, with no spurs or star joints.
Terminate the line: fit a 120Ω terminator at the last driver on each DMX line.
Split large systems: use a DMX splitter or amplifier for branches or more devices than one line allows (normally 32).

Related technology and products

Complete the system and compare other control methods:

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512

Channels per universe

0.01%

Dimming depth (SE series)

3600Hz

PWM frequency (SE series)

1500mA

Maximum output current

Where DMX CC drivers are used

Wherever LED fittings need individual, dynamic or broadcast-quality control.

Architectural

Facade, feature and accent lighting with dynamic scenes.

Stage and studio

Flicker-free dimming for theatres, studios and live events.

Museums and galleries

Precise low-level dimming for displays and exhibits.

Hospitality

Restaurants, bars and hotels with programmed lighting scenes.

Retail

Spotlights and downlights in flagship stores and showrooms.

Exhibitions

Stands and attractions controlled from a central DMX desk.

FAQ

DMX CC driver questions

A DMX constant current (CC) driver is a mains LED driver with a DMX512 control input. It supplies a fixed current to an LED module and dims it to the level sent on its DMX channel, so each fitting can be controlled individually from a lighting desk, DMX controller or building system.

Each driver is given a start address from 1 to 512 and listens to that DMX channel, or to consecutive channels for 2-channel tuneable white models. The address is set with buttons and a display on the Sunricher SRP-2106 drivers, or by RDM or the app on the Ltech SE series. Drivers given the same address respond together.

RDM (Remote Device Management) is a two-way extension of DMX512 that runs on the same cable. A controller that supports RDM can find each driver, set its DMX address and read its status remotely, without access to the driver itself. The Ltech SE-W1M and SE-W2M drivers support RDM.

Run the DMX line as a daisy chain from driver to driver using screened twisted-pair data cable, not a star or spur layout, and fit a 120 ohm terminator at the last driver. Use a DMX splitter or amplifier to create extra branches, or if a line has more devices than the DMX standard allows (normally 32).

The Ltech SE-W1M and SE-W2M drivers dim from 100% down to 0.01% with high-frequency PWM at 3600Hz, which is flicker free to IEEE 1789. Soft-on and fade-in functions make changes smooth and comfortable.

DMX CC LED Driver Technology