Manufacturer Tool - Description
Definition
The KNX Manufacturer Tool is the central and manufacturer independent tool for the creation of KNX conform product database entries. KNX manufacturers need the tool in order to:
- create and test ETS product database entries
- have these product database entries certified by KNX Association
After certification by KNX manufacturers provide such product database entries as downloadable product catalogues, mostly through the Internet. Only after import of this data into ETS will products be available for project commissioning.
The KNX Manufacturer Tool is available for KNX members only.
Details
In order to sell KNX devices, it's necessary to perform at least the following development steps:
- In-house development of KNX hardware (or external acquisition via OEM)
- Development of KNX software running on this hardware
A KNX device sold to end customers is usually the combination of 1 and 2. - Development/creation of an ETS product database entry for the KNX device
This step is performed with the KNX Manufacturer Tool.
The product database entry contains all configuration data, i.e. the necessary information needed by ETS to configure and properly load the device via the KNX bus.
Product database entries can be made available as download on the company web site or can be distributed electronically (CD-ROM, Email).
A single “product database” entry is also called a 'Catalog' entry.
In preparation for ETS4, the KNX Manufacturer Tool is also capable of creating products for different ETS target versions, i.e. for both ETS4 as well as naturally for ETS3
The newly developed KNX Manufacturer Tool is an integrated part of Visual Studio © 2010 IDE and uses that environment.
