KNX Control Equipment Introduction

Related blogs following:

DMX512 KNX kontrol sistemlerinde kullanılabilir mi?
KNX Akıllı Kontrol Sistemleri Kılavuzu

What Is A KNX System?

The KNX system (Konnex) is a standard based on an earlier 485 topology optimized to be homologous to 485. They are identical in that they have two communication lines and differ in that they have two auxiliary power lines. In addition, it is specialized in building automation; building automation (BA) is a very powerful building control system, and KNX is the intelligent lighting control part of BA.

The earliest name for KNX was EIB (European Installation Bus), short for European Installation Bus, and then the three major European system standards were merged and finally integrated together as KNX.

Once the KNX standard is established, all manufacturers’ product specifications and protocols should be produced in accordance with the unified standard in order to achieve the best industrial scale. The well-known companies Siemens and Schneider are among the leaders.

Applications for KNX Systems

Home Automation: KNX systems can be used in a wide range of smart home applications. For example, controlling lighting, heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC), and security systems to improve living comfort and energy efficiency.

Commercial Buildings: In commercial spaces such as offices, hotels, and retail stores, KNX systems can unify the management and control of LED lighting, blinds, and more.

Industrial Facilities: KNX systems support automated facilities in industrial environments, monitoring and controlling energy consumption, lighting, and security systems to improve the operational efficiency of equipment.

Healthcare: KNX systems are used in hospitals and healthcare facilities to automate lighting, temperature, and emergency systems to provide a safe and comfortable environment for patients and staff.

Public Infrastructure: KNX can be used in public spaces such as schools, museums, and transportation hubs to effectively manage lighting, HVAC, and security.

In short, as technology continues to evolve and market needs change, KNX systems will continue to capitalize on their advantages, bringing more convenience and comfort to people’s lives and work.

KNX System Important Equipment Composition

1. System Power Supply

Functions: Provides system power, bus connectivity, and communication support to power the KNX bus.

There are two commonly used 32mA and 640mA. If more equipment is needed, 1280mA is used. One power supply can carry 32/64 devices because each device has a standard operating current of 10mA. (distribution box track) The system power supply theory can support the equipment power supply within 1000 meters of the branch line; the actual operation is 500 meters. There is a gap between the rated and the actual; if you need to expand, you need a line coupler.

The reason why KNX has a longer transmission distance of 100m compared with other network cables is that its working current itself is not high. In addition, only the dedicated EIB wire can achieve a large range of no packet loss effect; ordinary network cables do not try a large range of wiring. In the face of difficult construction and inaccessible areas, a light power source can pull the branch line to 1000m away to meet most of the wiring requirements. There is no need to specifically add a relay halfway through. This is a special working power supply, ordinary power supply can not be replaced, used more such as bright weft KNX-20E-640, the current of this power supply is 640mA power supply, if you need more power supply can choose KNX-40E-1280.

■ Özellikler:

• EIB/KNX power supply with integrated choke
• Compact size with 3SU(52.5mm) width
• Safety extra low voltage(SELV)
• 180~264VAC input
• Protections: Short circuit/Overload(short-circuit-proof)/Over voltage
• Cooling by free air convection
• Isolation classⅠ
• 3 yıl garanti

■ Kablo Şeması:

2. Execution Switch

There are 2 roads, 4 roads, 8 roads, 12 roads, and 24 roads. Used to perform on-off tasks, such as lights, fans, sockets, floor heating, curtains and other simple on-off control devices. (On the track of the distribution box) specifications are 6A, 10A, 16A, and 20A. The actuator specifications vary from 2P to 12P; 1P is 12 mm, the size of a circuit breaker. Switch actuators can execute scenes, logic, delays, and other programs. Because it is a magnetic holding relay, it is not limited to 220V AC control but also can turn off weak current. It’s like an automated switch. Some manufacturers come with leakage protection and a current detection function.

The following are commonly used 8 channel and 4 channel switch selection:

■ Kablo Şeması:

■ Kablo Şeması:

3. Smart Control Panel

Smart panels are not limited to touch screens, provide a man-machine interface, and are convenient for users to monitor and control the device.

It is used to realize scene/centralized control/single control, etc., which is not limited to regional scene control and can directly stabilize all devices covered by the control bus. Any integrated device can be controlled. KNX smart panels are better than Schneider and Siemens, as well as HDL and GVS from China, and their products also have a high cost performance.

4. KNX Dimmer

Triac Dimmer

The principle of controlled silicon dimming is to adjust the output voltage by controlling the conduction angle of the thyristor (thyristor) so as to change the brightness of the load (such as the lamp). TRAC dimming adjusts light intensity by controlling the phase angle of the AC voltage, regulating the power delivered to the light source.，It rapidly switches the current on and off, altering the waveform to achieve smooth and efficient dimming.

0-10V Dimmer

The defect of Trac dimming is that the light cannot save power, and the thyristor regulation voltage is to release some heat, and there is noise, which requires a good installation environment. 0-10V is relatively peaceful, but it is necessary to increase the control line for dimming, so that dimming can achieve low-voltage stable control. Relative to the thyristor control directly to the traditional switch, 0-10V is more reliable.

DALI Dimmer

The cascade and linkage of DALI-2 gateways provide a solution for lighting and curtain control in large and complex spaces. Each gateway has one Ethernet interface Through which each DALI-2 gateway can be cascaded and device linkage can be realized by setting software.

DALI is an upgrade from 0-10V and redefines digital dimming. Can achieve a large area of stable dimming. Do not worry about the end voltage is not up to the standard, the theoretical value of its wiring can also reach a 1000m branch similar to KNX, and the actual operation is best all the way 300 m limit, beyond the generation of reverse interference and can not be solved. Dali lamps debugging trouble, but the effect can be done very well.

The lamp is divided into constant voltage and constant current, and there are many manufacturers specializing in driving. The DALI dimming control in KNX needs to be added to the DALI gateway.

DALI Gateway

The DALI gateway is used to connect the KNX and DALI systems, converting KNX control signals into DALI protocols so that the two can communicate.

■ Kablo Şeması:

DALI Dimming Panel

This can be a KNX standard dimmer switch that sends dimming instructions via the KNX bus to the DALI device via the DALI gateway. Such as the following DALI dimming panel:

■ Kablo Şeması:

DALI Driver

The DALI driver supplies control lighting devices through digital signals to achieve dimming, switching, scene setting, and other functions to improve the flexibility and intelligence of the lighting system. The DALI power supply through digital control, two-way communication, high-precision dimming, and other functions improves the intelligent lighting system, energy saving, and management convenience, widely used in the field of intelligent lighting.

5. KNX IP Router

In KNX systems, an IP gateway plays a crucial role in facilitating communication between different network segments and integrating KNX with other building automation systems.In summary, the IP gateway in KNX systems is an essential component that enhances communication, integration, and control capabilities. It bridges the gap between KNX and IP networks, enabling a more connected and intelligent building automation environment.

■ Kablo Şeması:

6. KNX DMX Gateway

The KNX DMX Gateway 544 is a compact gateway between KNX and DMX512 (protocol for lighting control) with up to 64 freely configurable channels.

In master mode, the device allows for easy control DMX luminaire,e.g.with KNX button. Up to 64 dimming channels or up to 8 RGB/RGBW channels are available.

■ Kablo Şeması:

7. Sensor

Functionality: Detects environmental parameters (such as temperature, humidity, light, body movement, etc.) and sends the data to the actuator or controller.

Type: temperature sensor, light sensor, motion detector, humidity sensor, etc.

The ceiling mount multi-sensor is a DALI-2 device that combines a motion sensor and a light sensor. The device performs motion detection and measures illuminance level. The DALI-2 multi-sensor can work with D4i LED drivers or luminaires, the luminaires just need to be connected to mains power. The result is increased occupant comfort and significant energy savings that meet the most demanding building energy codes. The sensor is suitable for low bay applications that need sensor-based automation.

The multi-sensor can be powered by the DALI bus, and no extra power supply is required, which means an easier and faster wiring and installation process.

8. Other Equipment Accessories

485 Interface: used for docking most smart devices, fingerprint lock, background music, floor heating, curtains, visual intercom, and so on. The 485 interface is responsible for transmitting the KNX signal to the 485 signal device.

232 Gateway: Used for connecting power amplifier, player, projector, etc. 232 one to one, up to 15 meters transmission, 485 is an upgrade of 232.

IP Route: used for the connection of devices such as Kuasicong and Control4, and can also be used as a line coupler.

IR Interface: Used for interfacing with infrared-controlled equipment, any equipment that needs remote control.

Bus Cable: Connects all KNX devices and transmits data and power. Standard KNX bus cable (usually twisted pair).

In this paper, the common equipment of KNX system is summarized, and the specific product quotation is provided. However, there are many kinds of KNX system equipment, and the price is affected by many factors such as brand, model, function, performance, and sales channels. Therefore, the price may be affected by exchange rate fluctuations, for more information about the product, please contact: Signlite Opto-electronics Co.,Ltd.