Zhaga Spec Allows IoT Upgradability

The Zhaga Consortium, a global association of lighting companies that is standardizing interfaces of components of LED luminaires, has published Edition 1 of a new specification that helps to bring the Internet of Things (IoT) to outdoor LED lighting fixtures. The specification, known as Zhaga Book 18, makes it easy to upgrade LED fixtures by adding or changing modules that provide sensing and communication capabilities.

Smart LED luminaires with sensing and communication capabilities can significantly improve the efficiency, maintenance, and running costs of outdoor lighting networks. In this period of rapid IoT evolution, there are many unanswered questions about the correct choice of sensing technologies and communication protocols that future smart-lighting networks will require. However, outdoor LED luminaires are being installed right now, with an expected lifetime of around 20 years or more, and the cost of retrofitting can be prohibitively expensive.

Book 18 Ed. 1 defines a standardized mechanical interface between a receptacle on the exterior of the LED luminaire and a sensing and communication module that fits into the receptacle. The standardized interface means that the module can be easily replaced in the field, allowing the luminaire to be upgraded via the addition of new smart capabilities. Also, the luminaire can be shipped with a blank cap in the receptacle, allowing a module to be field-installed at a later date if required.

Additionally, to the mechanical interface, Zhaga has started the development of the Ed. 2 of the Book 18, aiming to add requirements for the electrical and control interface – which are not specified in the Ed. 1 yet – and thus enabling true interoperability of modules that provide sensing and communication capabilities to outdoor LED luminaires.

Craig DiLouie

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