The KNX standard allows each manufacturer to select to the most ideal configuration mode and communication medium according to the market in which he operates.

 

The KNX Standard includes 3 different configuration modes :

“S-mode” (System mode)

This configuration mechanism is intended for well-trained KNX installers to realise sophisticated building control functions. An installation consting of “S-mode” components can be planned by a common software tool (ETS® 3 Professional) on the basis of product databases provided by S-mode product manufacturers: the ETS is also used to link the products and configure them (i.e. set the available parameters as required by the installation and download). "S-Mode" offers the highest degree of flexibility for the realisation of building control functions.

E-mode” (Easy mode)

This configuration mechanism is meant for installers with basic KNX training. “E-mode” compatible products offer limited functions compared to S-Mode. E-Mode components are already pre-programmed and loaded with a default set of parameters. With a simple configurator, each component (mainly its parameter settings and communication links) can be partly reconfigured.

Also for ETS, a version exists which allows the planning, linking and configuration of S-Mode products with only basic KNX training. This version is called “ETS 3 Starter” and requires specific ETS starter compliant databases. In view of this, not all S-Mode compliant products are Starter compliant.

“A-mode” (Automatic mode)

This configuration mechanism is especially intended for end-user applications, e.g. household appliances or customer installation add-ons, sold via the end-user sales channels. The A-mode components support automatic configuration mechanisms that adapt their communication links to other A-mode components in the network. Each component contains a fixed setting of parameters and a library of instructions how to communicate with other A-mode components.

 

Some of the KNX products support more than one configuration mode, e.g. both S- as well as E-Mode.

 

It is planned that future versions of ETS will allow to at least read the addresses, links and parameters attributed to or set in prdoucts configured with other means than S-Mode and not additionally supporting this mode. In this way, the future ETS will be able to link products regardless of their configuration mode to a single control network.

 

For a more detailed explanation of the various configuration modes, please refer to the presentations of the KNX Technology Tutorial workshop.