ESP32 PWM LED Dimmer with Web Control and Schedules

LED dimmer project uses ESP32 LEDC (LED Control) hardware PWM controller for smooth flicker-free LED dimming. LEDC provides 16 PWM channels at up to 40MHz with 1-16 bit resolution. For LED dimming: 10kHz frequency with 8-bit resolution (256 steps). MOSFET (IRLZ44N) gates the LED current. Supported LED types: 12V DC LED strip, 12V LED panels. Features: web slider for brightness 0-100%, color temperature for warm+cool white dual-strip (2 PWM channels), sunrise/sunset simulation (gradual increase over 30 minutes), schedule with ON/OFF time and brightness per day of week. Scenes: save 5 preset brightness levels. Physical: capacitive touch strip for local brightness adjustment. Integration: MQTT for Home Assistant, Alexa via fauxmo, Google Assistant via IFTTT. Gamma correction: apply square-law so perceived brightness matches slider position. Libraries: WiFi, ESPAsyncWebServer, LEDC, PubSubClient.

Detailed Project Description

ESP32 PWM LED Dimmer with Web Control and Schedules connects an embedded device to the network so its data can be viewed and its outputs controlled from a browser, app or cloud service.

How It Works
1. The device joins the network and registers with the server/cloud (or hosts its own web page).
2. Sensor values are published and outputs are controlled through HTTP, MQTT, BLE or a cloud SDK.
3. A web/app front-end shows live values in gauges and charts and offers control buttons.
4. Data is stored for history and the firmware can be updated over the air where supported.

Key Components and Their Role
- ESP32: dual-core Wi-Fi + Bluetooth microcontroller that runs the firmware, reads the sensors and hosts the network connection.
- MQTT: lightweight publish/subscribe messaging protocol used for IoT data.

Implementation Steps
1. Collect the components and study each module's datasheet (pin-out, voltage, interface).
2. Wire the circuit on a breadboard following the pin mapping; power sensors from the correct rail (3.3 V / 5 V).
3. Install Arduino IDE, ESPAsyncWebServer, PubSubClient Library and the required libraries; flash a minimal test sketch for each module separately.
4. Write the main firmware: read sensors → process → drive outputs / send data.
5. Configure network or cloud credentials and test communication end-to-end.
6. Calibrate thresholds, add error handling (reconnect, sensor time-out) and run a long-duration test.
7. Finalise on a PCB / enclosure and document wiring, code and results.

Key Features
- Live data in the browser/app
- Remote control
- History storage
- Secure access

Expected Output
On completion the student will have a responsive web/app dashboard reflecting the device state in real time.

Deliverables
- Complete source code with comments
- Circuit diagram and pin mapping
- Project report with screenshots and results
- Demonstration-ready build