Possibilities with DALI Technology

DALI is a common industry term in LED lighting and power controls, and a recognised global standard (IEC 62386)  for lighting control. It stands for Digital Addressable Lighting Interface and refers to a 2-way communication system which provides communication and control between individual components within a lighting system.

A successful DALI system comprises of a versatile network which can transfer information between multiple luminaries, such as on-and-off commands, dimming levels and diagnostics. This enables the creation and reconfiguration of lighting control networks through simple software, rather than physical modification of control wiring. Depending on application requirements, this communication can occur individually, collectively or in subsets.

DALI and DALI-2

DALI first originated in the 90s in relation to ballasts, and in 2002 this became an international standard for lighting communication protocols. It is governed by the DALI Alliance, formerly known as the Digital Illumination Interface Alliance (DiiA).

Since then, DALI has continued to develop in line with today’s technologies, and in 2020 DALI-2 was introduced as the new standard (defined by IEC62386). The creation of this new generation of DALI provides greater interoperability, more stringent test protocols and extended commands when compared to the first generation of DALI. DALI-2 is now widely available and utilised in many power control products on the market today.

Key features

• Widely recognised: DALI is an open protocol, so can be found as a standard across the industry.
• Simple installation: No shielding is required, as power and control lines can be laid together.
• Digital not analogue communication: Dimming values can be received by multiple devices, allowing for precision and consistent dimming across a stable system.
• Flexible control: All luminaires can still be individually addressed or grouped, providing flexibility and a wide range of possibilities.

How does it work?

At the heart of how DALI operates is a pair of wires referred to as a bus power supply unit. This key component carries digital instructions from input devices such as switches or sensors, to an application controller. The application controller then implements the instructions received and subsequently generates outgoing signals that are relayed to the LED driver and luminaire.

Because DALI systems are bi-directional, they allow for elements of the system to communicate back to the controller to provide information. For example, if there was an issue with a luminaire the end user would be notified at the control point.

DALI-2 and Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence (AI) has been gaining traction and interest in recent months. With innovative technologies like DALI control, possibilities for AI-based lighting control have also increased.

LED control systems can utilise AI, to optimise energy usage as well as automatically adjust lighting based on occupancy and environmental conditions. By measuring and collecting data on an environment, an AI lighting control system can adapt and tune the light parameters to improve illumination and user experience. AI systems can create a self-learning network that can learn from usage patterns to enhance the reliability and longevity of the lighting system over time, without human intervention.

DALI technology provides the tools to make this possible. AI creates a data-driven lighting network that continuously generates and stores information at a centralised server. In this way an algorithm can operate within the source component, such as a sensor, allowing for decentralised, real-time decisions, or at a server for making centralised decisions. DALI technology makes such systems possible to implement because it enables self-sufficient operation. Additionally, its versatility means that it can be implemented into a wide variety of applications, and easily upgraded as technologies continue to develop.

Inventronics supply a wide variety of OSRAM LED drivers to RS. Including drivers for constant current and voltage, switches, and programming tools.

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About Inventronics

NB: In May 2023, OSRAM sold its LED Drivers, Lighting Controls, LED Flex and LED Modules business to Inventronics. These products continue to be branded OSRAM but are now owned, designed, manufactured, and developed by Inventronics.