What does PWM stand for and what is its application?

PWM stands for Pulse Width Modulation, which is a technique used to control the amount of power delivered to electrical devices by varying the width of the pulses in a signal. This modulation enables more efficient energy use since it can reduce the average power supplied to a load without having to change the voltage.

PWM is commonly applied in various areas such as motor speed control, light dimming, and heating applications. By adjusting the duty cycle (the proportion of time the signal is active versus inactive), it effectively manages how much power is delivered to a device. For instance, in motors, PWM can regulate speed without the need for complex circuitry, while in LED lighting, it allows for dimming options without changing the quality of the light output.

This method is advantageous for energy efficiency and precision control, making it widely utilized in many electronic applications.