DALI Summit: Jens Herter

Standardizing luminaire technology with D4i

Time: 15:00-15:30

Interoperable technologies and common standards are absolutely essential for the future development of smart lighting. Based on experience with the DALI-2 standard, DiiA and Zhaga together with their members have developed extended certification requirements that greatly simplify the integration of sensors and communication modules in luminaires and at the same time pave the way for the Internet of Things. Components that meet all these conditions can receive the D4i logo, which stands for the simple integration of additional control components and for reliable interoperability.

At the heart of the new standard is an integrated DALI power supply that brings the tried and trusted DALI standard directly into the luminaire. This power supply acts as an interface between an LED driver and a sensor or between an LED driver and a communication module. The LED driver supplies the connected sensor or another control device with power and can receive and process DALI control signals via the DALI bus in the luminaire. There is then no need for an additional controller for the sensor. In this way, sensor-controlled lighting solutions can be implemented much more easily than before because no additional DALI lines have to be laid outside the luminaire.

Luminaire manufacturers have a free choice of components because the D4i logo guarantees smooth interoperability between components from different suppliers. The wiring inside the luminaire is also greatly simplified. The usual controller for the sensor is no longer needed, so there is one fewer component to be integrated in the luminaire. This is also a benefit for luminaire designers. They have much greater freedom because luminaires can be made smaller than ever before. The integrated DALI power supply allows for simpler, non-proprietary sensor operation so that the light from each luminaire can be controlled according to factors such as presence/absence and the amount of ambient light.

The presentation provides an insight into DiiA’s new D4i specifications and the benefit for the luminaire manufacturer of also including Zhaga connectors. It demonstrates the advantages of a jointly-developed approach for luminaire technology using a truly interoperable standard.

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Speaker: Jens Herter

Head of Global Standardization & Funding

Tridonic

Jens Herter has worked within the software industry for 19 years and also has 9 years’ experience in lighting management at Zumtobel Group AG. Jens holds a diploma in Business Administration. He is the Vice Chair of the Board of Directors of the DiiA (Digital Illumination Interface Alliance) and an active member of the Zhaga Consortium. Both of these organizations are industry-wide alliances which focus on standardization of next-generation lighting solutions.

Jens’ expertise ranges from single luminaire management to room solutions and building management solutions, mainly based on IPv6 and DALI. The latest developments in the lighting industry are also driven by inputs of the building management. Industry 4.0 or Internet of Things (IoT) are the main drivers for the business area. His vast experience in Product Management for lighting and OEM solutions along with knowledge of international luminaire manufacturers, makes him a strong contributor in the development of up-to-date lighting management solutions.

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