The world's first open standard for home and building control
KNX technology: the world's first open, royalty-free and platform independent standard for home & building control, approved as a European (EN 50090 - EN 13321-1) and a Wordwide standard (ISO/IEC 14543).
The KNX standard is an open home and building controls network:
- KNX can be used to control various functions / applications in home and building, e.g. lighting, heating, ventillation, airconditioning, blinds and shutters, monitoring, alarming, security systems, load management, ....
- KNX supports several communication media (Twisted Pair, Power Line, Radio Frequency and even Ethernet)
- KNX simplifies electrical installation and reduces cable lengths (and thus fire load)
- KNX can be coupled to management systems of other building automation systems or a pubic telephone network
- can be used in both new as well as existing buildings
- KNX solutions are interoperable, i.e. equipment of different manufacturers can be installed in a KNX network and exchange information
- KNX supports different configuration modes, allowing a non-KNX qualified electrical contractor to realise KNX installations (with KNX easy mode) but also KNX trained contractors/integrators to realise sophisticated installations (via KNX system mode and the ETS software)
- KNX can be installed in small-size single family dwellings as well as large buildings (office, hotel, conference centers, hospitals, schools, department stores, warehouses, airports, ...)
- KNX installations can be easily extended and adapted to new needs, with little time and financial investment (e.g. when new tenants move into a commercial building)
- KNX helps save energy in home or building
- KNX helps improve comfort and security in a home or a building
- KNX can be realised on any microprocessor platform
This standard is based on the communication stack of EIB but extended with additional physical layers, configuration modes as well as the application experience of BatiBUS and EHS.
As KNX was not designed from scratch but bases on more than 10 years of experience of its legacy systems (Batibus, EIB and EHS), KNX is a truly unique standard for Home and Building Control.
Picture: Open Standards in the different levels of Building Automation.
The KNX standard includes 3 different configuration modes and so far 4 different types of media, on which KNX can be transported.
As far as the configuration modes are concerned, S(ystem) and E(asy)-Mode caters respectively for the need of KNX qualified contractors and contractors with basic KNX knowledge: via these configuration modes, contractors can design, commission and trouble-shoot KNX installations according to the buidling owner's wishes. The Automatic configuration mode (A-Mode) is intended for the configuration of domestic appliances, such as washing-machine or fridge, plugged in and automatically configured even by the non KNX qualified end customer or home/building owner.
Owing to the 4 different supported media types in the KNX Standard, installers can use the media best suited for the transport of KNX messages (e.g. Twisted Pair in new installations, Power Line or Radio Frequency in renovations or retrofit). KNX messages can even be transported inside IP messages: KNX and Internet can in this way be easily linked.
In view of the above KNX allows each installer to chose the configuration that meets his qualifications and the building owner the KNX solutions that meet his desired building functionality.
KNX One Standard
The versatile KNX standard as regards configuration modes and supported media offers KNX members the possibility to differentiate their product offer according to the needs of the markets in which they operate. Depending on the installation customs, KNX products allowing Easy configuraton might in some countries be more ideal to market KNX than configuration via PC based configuration (ETS) or vice versa. For manufacturers marketing loose goods like household appliances, auto configuration of KNX devices and transport of KNX messages on an existing network is in most cases a must.
In view of its diversity, also for service providers (e.g. telecom operators, utilities, ...) KNX has a lot to offer. KNX is a way to extend their offer towards their customers as part of their e-services.
From the above, it should be clear that the KNX Standard offers a lot of opportunities to a lot of different people directly and indirectly involved in Home and Building Electronic Systems.
For more information feel free to contact us: info(at)konnex.org
