In many applications, controlling the brightness of LED strips is essential for energy efficiency, mood lighting, or specific project requirements. This 12V LED dimmer circuit provides a simple and effective solution for varying the intensity of a 12V LED strip using an IRFZ44N N-channel MOSFET and a 250K potentiometer.
The MOSFET acts as a switch or variable resistor, allowing precise control of the current flowing through the LED strip. By adjusting the potentiometer, the Gate voltage of the MOSFET is varied, which in turn regulates the MOSFET’s conduction level and the LED brightness.
Components Required
S.no
Components
Value
Qty.
1.
MOSFET
IRFZ44n
1
2.
Variable Resistor
250K
1
3.
LED Strip
12V
–
4.
DC Power
12V
–
IRFZ44n MOSFET Pinout
Circuit Diagram
Working Explaination
The 12V LED dimmer circuit works by using the IRFZ44N MOSFET as a variable switch to control the current flowing through the LED strip. The Gate of the MOSFET is connected to a 250K potentiometer, which adjusts the voltage applied to the Gate. When the Gate voltage increases, the MOSFET begins to conduct more, allowing more current to flow from Drain to Source, which in turn increases the brightness of the LED strip. Conversely, when the Gate voltage is reduced, the MOSFET conducts less, reducing the current flow and dimming the LEDs. The +12V supply powers the LED strip, with the positive terminal connected directly to the supply and the negative terminal connected to the MOSFET’s Drain. The Source is connected to ground (GND), completing the circuit. By varying the potentiometer, the user can smoothly adjust the brightness of the LED strip. This method is efficient, as the MOSFET minimizes energy loss during dimming.
