SWITCHABLE STABILIZATION LOAD AT LOW DIMMING LEVELS

A PFC flyback converter topology is disclosed. The topology can be implemented in a single-stage and is particularly useful in driving dimmable solid state light sources in lighting applications, though other applications susceptible to instability at very low loading conditions may also benefit. Stable operation is achieved over a broader range of loading using the converter topology as provided herein. In a dimmable lighting application, stable operation (e.g., flicker-free lighting) is achieved at very low dimming levels (e.g., where the load is less than 10% full load). In some topologies, a serial arrangement including a stabilization network and a switch is connected across the solid state light sources or other load. A microcontroller unit controls the duty cycle of the switch to selectively steer excess current from the solid state light sources to the stabilization circuit, at very low dimming conditions.