Abstract: A dimmer includes a TRIAC structured to conduct load current during an on phase and not conduct the load current during an off phase; a snubber circuit including a resistor and a capacitor electrically connected to the resistor at a node; and a bidirectional switch structured to transmit a gate current pulse to gate of the TRIAC to switch the TRIAC between the OFF phase and the ON phase, the bidirectional switch including a first MOSFET, a second MOSFET, a first resistor electrically connected to source of the first MOSFET and a second resistor electrically connected to source of the second MOSFET, drain of the first MOSFET being electrically connected to the node of the snubber circuit, and drain of the second MOSFET being electrically connected to the gate of the TRIAC.

Abstract: A dimmer includes a TRIAC, a zero crossing detection circuit coupled to the TRIAC and structured to detect zero crossing of line voltage; a gate control circuit coupled to a gate of the TRIAC and the zero crossing detection circuit, the gate control circuit structured to drive the gate of the TRIAC to switch between an on phase and an off phase; a power supply circuit coupled to the gate control circuit and the zero crossing detection circuit, the power supply circuit structured to supply power to at least the gate control circuit and the zero crossing detection circuit; a snubber circuit coupled to the TRIAC and structured to limit fast transient voltages; and a zero crossing detection improvement circuit comprising a first switch and a second switch and structured to block current from flowing through the power supply circuit and the snubber circuit during the off phase.