DALI, or Digital Addressable Lighting Interface, is a digital standard for controlling lighting fixtures, developed in collaboration with leading lighting manufacturers. It allows for connecting up to 64 devices on a single line, which can be assigned to 16 groups. Thanks to repeaters, this system can be expanded if the aforementioned number of devices is insufficient.
The bus consists of two wires with neutral polarity and can be connected in any topology. Data transmission occurs at a low speed and is resistant to interference. It can therefore be routed alongside the power cables to the fixtures, resulting in optimized installation costs.
Manufacturers of DALI-compliant devices offer, among other things, a very wide selection of sensors that expand the system’s functionality, making it particularly useful in industrial and administrative applications. As a result, the installation can be configured to meet specific needs and implement automatic lighting schedules, adjusting lighting parameters to current conditions. This is a particularly valuable feature for reducing the amount of electricity used for lighting. Furthermore, this solution can be easily integrated with any building management system (BMS), while also serving as a recognized standard for general lighting control.
Therefore, if you are planning to develop a lighting product dedicated to general lighting purposes, it is certainly worth considering the integration of DALI technology to prevent exclusion when your customers or the projects you serve select the optimal solution.
Communication in the DALI system is bidirectional, although data can only be transmitted in one direction at a time (known as half-duplex). This allows for programming luminaires and reading status information, which is a useful maintenance feature. In recent years, a new version of the DALI-2 standard was introduced, which primarily improved interoperability and defined testing procedures to enhance the quality and compatibility of previously compliant devices. Another extension introduced in 2019 was D4i, which opens up new possibilities for integration with the Internet of Things (IoT).
6-channel DALI driver
Design of a cost-effective, DC-powered PWM driver supporting at least 4 PWM channels with the highest possible load capacity, operating within the DALI system.
We have housed all the electronics in an enclosure that allows the units to be mounted in control cabinets, occupying only 3 modules. We opted for top-of-the-line Phoenix Contact connectors with spring-loaded tabs designed for large wire cross-sections. The plug can be disconnected with a single motion, a feature that installers and service technicians appreciate. The design allows for configuration via a built-in USB port or a DIP switch. As a result, the system recognizes our controller as 1–6 DALI ballasts, and combining channels multiplies the load capacity—up to a total of 30A. The controller can be powered by any DC voltage in the range of 12–48V, making it highly efficient and versatile.
Here, we had to meet expectations regarding the price per control channel and the power capacity of both individual channels and the controller as a whole. The building automation market is highly competitive, and installers choose devices that are not only user-friendly and easy to install, but above all offer excellent value for money. We have implemented the full DALI standard, including service and diagnostic functions. The 16-bit control resolution ensures very smooth dimming. This parameter, along with the selection of the dimming curve, refresh rate, and full device configuration, is accessible via a PC application through the built-in USB port.
We have implemented an NFC communication chip in the housing flap, which allows the device to be configured via a mobile app on your phone.
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We provide a range of engineering services in the field of electronics and mechanics, focused on LED technology, at every stage of the production process. Whether you need support at all stages of the process or only at certain stages, we offer our knowledge, experience, and technological resources.
