DALI+

Let’s talk about the recent news from the DALI Alliance with regards to DALI+ and what does that mean for lighting control.

We need to understand the background to DALI+ and why this is going to be such an important game changer for Lighting.

 Firstly, lets clarify that DALI+ is a certification scheme that is based on IEC 62386 Part 104. It’s a new brand that denotes how DALI over wireless and IP based networks will operate.

It provides a common platform for wireless communication as well as providing end to end security. In practice it sets out the command structure over an alternative carrier to the 2-wire bus as defined in IEC 62386 Part 101.

The DALI+ solution is split into a number of sub classes based on DALI over wireless, Gateways and Bridges.

DALI over wireless is launched as DALI+ with Thread. As a technology Thread is based on Internet Protocol Version 6 (IPv6) and allows us to send DALI commands via the Thread network, hence the term DALI over wireless.

Part 104 over IP consists of an IP capable networking stack and Application layer based on IEC 62386 Part 102 and 103. These are the sections within DALI that deal with Drivers (102) and Control inputs (103). Therefore, whether wired or wireless you are asking the same question and will be getting the same answer.

As a solution this provides end to end communication based on Thread and DALI and as such provides a seamless integration between the two platforms.

At the same time DALI+ with Thread was launched the specification for the gateways was launched. These initially will be Bluetooth and Zigbee, based on parts 341 and 342 respectfully.

 Gateways translate an ecosystem such as Bluetooth or Zigbee so they can communicate with DALI.

Generally, with a gateway the ecosystem provides the main control platform and DALI provides the local control. Currently any control device (Part 103) will not be visible to the gateway although a DALI-2 switch, or sensor can still be used to for local control. It is hoped this will be addressed in the future, and the control devices will be shared across the ecosystem.

 Therefore, its envisaged that switches and sensor will be specific to the ecosystem be this Bluetooth or Zigbee, however it critical you have the correct versions of each ecosystem as defined by their relevant standards bodies.

 The Bridge is a clever piece of technology that allows the network to connect wireless Part 104 devices to other Wireless Part 104 devices as well as wired Part 101 devices.

 Sounds more complicated than it really is as the Bridge fulfils a very practical role of connecting current wired DALI to wireless DALI whilst at the same time-sharing common commands and data. The Bridge can also be used with a D4i driver to provide wireless connectivity between luminaires.

 The zencontrol approach has been to develop a range of controls and emergency devices that embrace this approach. We already have control components and emergency devices that natively support Part 104 with Thread and have the capacity for Bluetooth integration today for commissioning with further expansion of the platform in place as Bluetooth evolves. Once the DALI+ certification program is up and running these will be submitted for testing and approval under the DALI+ scheme.

In reality we believe most installations will be based on a combination of wired and wireless the so-called hybrid approach.

There is some sense to this approach as often buildings will evolve or be constructed with only the most basic level of control so adding additional functions wirelessly to an already wired solutions makes a great deal of sense.

 This is in part why we believe our IoT Bridge based on Thread will make a significant impact in the controls market as it not only provides that connection, but also supports a local multi sensor so intelligence can be standalone or networked.

 Perhaps the greatest long-term benefit of DALI+ is as the next step in the evolution of DALI. The aim is to create an ecosystem that extends functionality and connectivity and provides greater choice well beyond todays limitation.

 Wireless removes the limitations of Part 101 and therefore allows DALI+ infrastructure to be greater than the current limit of 64 ECG’s & 64 ECD’s. 

As part of an ecosystem such as Thread, DALI+ can finally realise its full potential and provide a seamless interface between lighting and other building services.

 As the commands are all DALI, you have the confidence that information shared will be based on an international standard with its own endorsement scheme DALI+, therefore interoperability is assured. As our building evolve over time, it’s crucial we focus on hardware and systems that embrace the best in wireless technology, so we secure a long service life for the future of any building.

 It’s also essential that we don’t build in obsolescence by selecting proprietary wireless hardware based on version of a wireless platform unique to any one company; we need choice!

DALI+ is the solution that takes DALI beyond the subnet and turns it into a true building wide protocol.

Always at the forefront of technology zencontrol is supporting standardisation as the route to true connectivity and with the desire to converge technology its only right and proper that we as an industry collectively work to promote a unified smart solution.

 Long term the impact of divergence from solutions such as DALI+ could be significant as buildings built around proprietary solutions become redundant and obsolete as they are no longer supported by a single manufacturer.

 As an industry we have seen a dramatic change in focus towards a Circular economy where we minimise waste and maximise the potential of the hardware in our controls systems, so selection of the right solution has never been so important.

 The DALI Alliance solution of DALI+ supports the industry and outlines collectively the approach we as an industry need to make to truly open up the potential for our smart building, now and in the future.

author Stewart B Langdown FSLL

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