DiiA is expanding its DALI-2 certification program for smart LED drivers to include the new D4i standard. This standard defines the certification conditions for the easy integration of sensors and communication modules into LED lamps. It is based on the DALI driver, sensor or communication module in the luminaire, which can be integrated into the lighting equipment and powered by the DALI driver without the need for an additional DALI line.

Interoperability technology and common standards are absolutely vital to the future development of smart lighting.

Based on the experience of the DALI-2 standard, DiiA and Zhaga and their members have formulated extended certification requirements that greatly simplify the integration of sensors and communication modules in luminaires, while paving the way for the Internet of Things. Components that meet all these conditions will receive the D4i logo, which represents the simple integration of additional control components and reliable interoperability.

The core of the new standard is the integrated DALI driver, which brings the proven and trustworthy DALI standard directly into the lamps. The power supply serves as an interface between the LED driver and the sensor or between the LED driver and the communication module. The LED driver supplies power to the connected sensor or another control device, and can receive and process DALI control signals through the DALI bus in the lighting device. Therefore, no additional controller for the sensor is required. In this way, because there is no need to lay additional DALI lines outside the luminaire, the sensor-controlled lighting solution can be much easier than before.

Flexible lamp design

Lamp manufacturers are free to choose components, because D4ilogo ensures smooth interoperability between components from different suppliers. Since the conventional controller for the sensor is no longer needed, the wiring inside the luminaire is greatly reduced, so there are fewer components integrated in the luminaire.

The luminaire designer has more freedom, because the luminaire can be smaller than ever. The integrated DALI driver allows for simpler, non-proprietary sensor operation, so that the light from each lighting device can be controlled based on factors such as whether there are people and the amount of ambient light.

Connect to the Internet of Things

If the sensor is also equipped with a wireless interface (such as WLAN, Bluetooth or Zigbee), or connected to a radio-based communication module, it is possible to interconnect the lighting equipment without additional cables and integrate it into a higher-level management system or IP system.