CONTROL METHOD OPTIONS
The choices of control methods for lighting devices are quite limited. Protocols such as KNX or BACnet still require one of the below protocols to control your lighting products. The methods can be classified into the following:
- Non dimmable ballast (refereed to fixed output devices)
- Phase cut dimming (this cannot be used reliability for fluorescent lighting or HID lighting)
- 1-10V analogue system (International lighting control standard)
- DSI digital system (used only by Tridonic)
- DALI (latest control standard)
FUTURE PROOF SOLUTION, SAME COST
From the listed protocols, the only three valid methods for dimming control in commercial buildings are 1-10V, DSI and DALI. The first two are channel control protocols which control all the connected devices in the same way. The last, DALI can be used in the same way as 1-10V and DSI systems (without commissioning of the ballasts) or when commissioned as individually controllable devices with feedback.
If you are deciding between these three protocols, choosing DALI is the safest bet. Also for the most savvy consumer, using DALI instead of DSI or 1-10V can be implemented for almost the exact cost of the other two systems (DALI ballasts are in some markets equal to the DSI and 1-10V counterparts).
OVERVIEW OF DALI BENEFITS
In addition to being a cost-effective, future proof solution, using DALI has the following benefits:
| Simple | DALI devices can work straight out of the box for the simplest systems |
| Flexible | DALI devices can be reconfigured without having to touch the wiring |
| Scalable | DALI can function on small and large systems, with subnets in a large building |
| Robust | DALI works best with other DALI devices but can also be translated |
| Recognised Standard | DALI is a recognised, widely used standard and is therefore compatible with a large range of ballasts |