Abstract: A method of dimming a plurality of LEDs includes generating a first pulse-width modulated (PWM) waveform and generating a plurality of second PWM waveforms, each of the PWM waveforms having a duty cycle. The duty cycle of the first PWM waveform and the duty cycle of each of the second PWM waveforms begin at approximately the same time. The periods of each of the second PWM waveforms end before the end of the first PWM duty cycle. In the method, and in disclosed circuits and devices, a first switch is closed in response to the duty cycle of the first PWM waveform, and each of a plurality of second switches connected between the first switch and a corresponding plurality of LEDs is closed in response to the respective duty cycles of each second PWM waveform, so that each LED connected between each second switch and a power source is energized when the first switch and the corresponding second switch are closed and not energized when either the first switch or the corresponding second switch is open.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for connecting simulator instruments to a simulator host computer includes a plurality of panel modules, a data bus having a connection to each panel module, and a control computer connected to the data bus and to the host computer. Each panel module further comprises at least one simulated instrument and a local computer. The local computer runs a computer program adapted to the instrument or instruments controlled by that panel module, so that the local computer communicates with the data bus for bi-directional communication between the instrument and the control computer. Each panel module has a unique address on the data bus.