Control brightness without PWM

Other Hardware LEDs and Multiplexing
1

Is there any way that could be used to fade-in and fade-out led s automatically, but without using PWM?
I am using some expensive grow led s for my aquarium and concerned if PWM would ruin their lifetime. :o :o

2

sahirudilan:
... concerned if PWM would ruin their lifetime.

Don't be concerned.
PWM will not shorten LED lifetime assuming 100% is set within the max. continuous current for the LEDs

Yours,
TonyWilk

3

PWM is a great technique but if you don't want to use it, you could make an adjustable current source. An example can be found here using a DAC.
http://centipedestudio.com/datasheets/110-0000datasheet.pdf

Go to page 39 on the datasheet. This might suit your needs.