Controls

  An interesting article by Trane lays out the basics of Building Automation System (BAS) communications and then addresses four common misconceptions. We should first define the protocols and mediums. Protocols are the language in which the building is speaking—BACnet® over MS/TP, BACnet over IP, Modbus, and LonTalk are some of the non-proprietary languages used [...]

  Clifton Lemon Associates today announced that Pacific Gas & Electric will present a free webinar on the growing importance of building controls integration in the process of building-grid connection, load management, decarbonization, and electrification. Titled Lighting and Smart, Grid-Integrated Buildings, the webinar presents a history and overview of building controls integration in both commercial [...]

  Li-Fi utilizes light (typically infrared), instead of WiFi radio waves, to provide blazing fast, secure, wireless connectivity. There has been some Li-Fi adoption by military organizations around the world, but generally, overall adoption has been very slow. That may be about to change. The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) has been writing about a new [...]

By Maria Bragina, General Manager, Sundrax Electronics In the rapidly evolving lighting industry, the demand for efficient and reliable connection options has led to the standardization of specialized connectors like NEMA and Zhaga. This article explores the evolution and significance of NEMA connectors, shedding light on their historical roots and modern adaptations. Origin of NEMA [...]

  The Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) recently announced its full-stack standard for wireless lighting control, Bluetooth Networked Lighting Control (NLC). It is designed to meet the scale, reliability, and security demands in commercial settings. Bluetooth NLC enables multi-vendor interoperable wireless lighting control systems and unlocks the potential for mass adoption of wireless lighting control. The standard creates [...]

  Two weeks ago, I wrote about the coming lighting-HVAC control integration tsunami, here. The following are 10 trends in lighting-HVAC control integration: IoT Integration: The Internet of Things (IoT) has played a significant role in the integration of lighting and HVAC systems. This involves using sensors and smart devices to collect data and control [...]

  By Maria Bragina, General Manager, Sundrax Electronics Street lighting plays a crucial role in enhancing urban safety and aesthetics. The methods used to control street lighting have evolved significantly over time, from manual systems to sophisticated electronic control mechanisms. In this article, we will delve into the historical evolution of street lighting control, focusing [...]

  Before a tsunami, the ocean withdraws out to sea. Similarly, the signs are growing that a new tsunami is about to hit the lighting industry. That is the integration of lighting controls with HVAC controls. Why? It’s well known that LED “socket saturation” as well as diminishing returns when LEDs are combined with advanced [...]

  Today, Autani, a leading provider of advanced building automation and energy management solutions, and LiteTrace, a pioneer in Bluetooth® lighting control solutions, announced their merger to create a global leader in smart commercial building technologies and energy optimization. The merger combines Autani’s award-winning building automation platform and LiteTrace’s innovative Keilton brand of Bluetooth mesh [...]