The KNX Standard :: Interworking

As mentioned in the introduction Interworking is a major asset of the KNX technology.

An Interworking model and extensive functional block descriptions for many application domains are an integral part of the KNX specifications (Volume 3 Part 7 and Volume 7). This is backed up by a certification process, in which next to the conformity to the defined system profiles, compliance to at least the standardised data types or additionally the defined functional blocks is one of the cornerstones (as symbolised by the KNX Trademark).

Interworking is defined in the KNX Interworking model as : 'the situation where products sending and receiving messages can properly understand signals and react on them without additional equipment'.

In order to profit to the full extend of the use of a Home and Building Control system, it is indispensable that products of different manufacturers ("multi-vendor interworking") and products of different application fields ("cross-discipline interworking") interwork.

The advantages of such interworking are :

• it enhances the OEM market amongst KNX solution providers;
• it gives easy market access for niche products (commonly made by smaller companies)
• it allows to set up a common market infrastructure for KNX compatbile products (e.g. training measures) 

The agreement on common standardised data types and functional block specifications is reached in Application Specification groups of KNX members active in a certain application field (e.g. HVAC), after which the consistency of these proposals with the general interworking model is checked by the KNX Task Force Interworking.

The underneath picture gives an example of an Inteworking specification.

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