Home Automation with KNX
Below are 10 main Benefits of using KNX systems for smart-home and smart-building automation.
1. KNX is the International Standard for smart home automation and building control — therefore future proof.
ISO/IEC Approved the KNX technology as the International Standard ISO/IEC 14543-3 in 2006.
CENELEC Approved the KNX technology as the European Standard EN 50090 in 2003.
CEN Approved the KNX technology as EN 13321-1 (as a mere reference to EN 50090) and EN1332-2 (KNXnet/IP) in 2006.
SAC Approved the KNX technology as the Chinese Standard GB/T 20965 in 2007.
ANSI/ASHRAE Approved the KNX technology as the US Standard ANSI/ASHRAE 135 in 2005.
2. KNX guarantees Interoperability & Interworking of products with official KNX product certification.
The KNX certification process ensures that different products of different manufacturers operate and communicate with each other seamlessly.
This ensures a high degree of flexibility in the extension and the modification of KNX installations.
KNX product compliance is checked at neutral laboratories (by third parties).
KNX is the only home and building control standard running global certification schemes for products, training centres (vocational and private institutions) and for individual persons (electrical contractors, building designers).
3. KNX stands for high product quality.
The KNX Association requires a high level of production and quality control during all stages of a KNX product's life.
Therefore all KNX manufacturing members have to show compliance to ISO 9001 before they even can apply for a KNX product certification.
Besides the manufacturer compliance to ISO 9001, KNX products also have to comply with the requirements of the European as well as International standard for Home and Building Electronic Systems.
In any case of doubt, the KNX Association is entitled to have certified products re-tested or can require additional manufacturer test reports underlying the declaration of hardware conformity.
4. A unique manufacturer independent Engineering Tool Software ETS®.
The PC software tool ETS allows the planning, engineering and configuration of all KNX certified products.
The tool is manufacturer independent, meaning the system integrator is able to combine products of different manufacturers to one installation.
5. KNX can be used for all applications in smart home and building automation control.
KNX can be used for all possible functions / applications in home and building control ranging from lighting, shutter control to security, heating, ventilation, air conditioning, monitoring, alarming, water control, energy management, metering as well as household appliances, audio and lots more.
KNX improves comfort and security and contributes heavily to energy savings and climate protection (up to 50% for lighting control and the same amount for heating applications).
6. KNX can be used in a a variety of residential, commercial, industrial and outdoor settings.
KNX can also be used and integrated in both new and existing building structures.
KNX installations can therefore be easily extended and adapted to new needs/requirements, with minimal time and financial investment (e.g. when new tenants move into a commercial building).
KNX can be installed in both small-size single family houses as well as large buildings (office, hotel, conference centres, hospitals, schools, department stores, warehouses, airports, etc).
7. KNX supports a variety of different configuration modes.
KNX offers different step-in levels for the realization of KNX projects.
Via KNX E-Mode, non-KNX qualified electrical contractors are addressed.
Via S-Mode, KNX trained contractors/integrators are able to realize sophisticated installations.
The different modes are:
Easy installation (E-Mode): Configuration is done without the help of a PC but with a central controller, code wheels or push buttons. E-Mode compatible products normally have limited functionality and are intended for medium size installations.
System installation (S-Mode): Planning of the installation and configuration is done via a PC with the installed ETS Software, whereby the manufacturers’ product data is contained in the ETS database. S-mode is intended for KNX certified planners and contractors and for large size installations.
8. KNX supports several forms of communication media.
Each communication medium can be used in combination with one or more configuration modes.
This allows for each manufacturer to choose the right combination for the targeted market segment and application.
Twisted pair (KNX TP): KNX is transmitted across a separate bus cable, hierarchically structure in lines and areas.
Power Line (KNX PL): KNX is transmitted on the existing mains network.
Radio frequency (KNX RF): KNX is transmitted via radio signals. Devices can be uni- or bidirectional.
IP/Ethernet (KNXnet/IP): This widespread communication medium can be used in conjunction with the KNXnet/IP Specifications, which allow the tunnelling or routing of KNX frames encapsulated in IP frames.
9. KNX can be coupled with other systems.
Several KNX manufacturers offer gateways to other networks )i.e. to other building automation systems, telephone networks, multimedia networks, IP networks, etc).
KNX systems can be mapped to BACnet objects (as documented in the international standard ISO 16484-5) or offers the possibility to interface with the DALI technology.
10. KNX is independent from any hardware or software technology.
KNX can be realized on any microprocessor platform.
KNX can be implemented from scratch. However, for easy market entrance, KNX manufacturers can also take recourse to providers of KNX system components.
For certified KNX members, it is completely FREE of additional royalty fees.