The standard for lighting control - DALI

Developed and managed by the Digital Illumination Interface Alliance, the global consortium of leading lighting equipment manufacturers, the DALI brand was created to replace the traditional 0/1-10V lighting control standard. DALI is designed to enable the management, configuration, and programming of lighting systems whether they are traditional or LED in digital mode: based on two-way communication between devices and control systems, it is possible to execute on, off, or dimmer commands, report faults, or various types of information.

The innovations that the DALI system has brought to the management of LED lighting systems are many and of great impact in the professional lighting ecosystem. To date, it is the only protocol in the world dedicated to the lighting world that refers to a standard, IEC 62386, i.e., capable of guaranteeing interfunctionality between devices belonging to different brands;

The digital nature of the protocol enables two-way dialogue between devices, facilitating the deployment of scalable and flexible lighting networks;

Based on a Master / Slave architecture, the DALI standard allows both single digital control of devices and group and/or broadcast programming; Wiring a DALI lighting network is generally very simple and reliable, in favor of network-independent lighting programming via software.

These innovations have been joined by a very important one: the DALI-2 protocol, the latest version of the DALI standard that can bring significant technological advantages.

The data transmission signal is via standard 2-wire 1.5mmq bus line, with a speed of 1.2Kbit/sec.

Addressing options:

• Global (all feeders: ''Broadcasting'' communication)
• Individual (channel addressing: 64 channels maximum)

Simplified reconfiguration in the event of a change in building use.

• Up to 64 individual units, 16 groups and 16 scenes on DALI line
• Status confirmation for individual lights

Storage of configuration data (e.g., group assignments, light scene values, dimming times, emergency lighting/system failure level, level power supply) in electronic control gear (ECG).

• Bus topologies: line, tree, star (or combinations thereof)
• Cable lengths up to 300 meters (depending on conductor cross-section)
  
  

DALI briefly explained

The manufacturer-independent protocol is defined in IEC 62386 and ensures interoperability of control devices in digitally controlled lighting systems, such as transformers and power attenuators. This standard replaces the frequently used 1-10 V dimmer interface.

Building lighting control: DALI applications

The DALI protocol is used in building automation to control individual lights or lighting groups. Assignment of individual lights to drive elements, as well as grouping of lights, is done with short addresses. A DALI master can control a line with up to 64 devices. Each device can be assigned to 16 separate groups and 16 separate scenes. With bidirectional data exchange, switching and dimming are possible, as well as the sending of status messages to the controller by the operating units.

DALI maximizes flexibility and easily adapts lighting control (via software without changing hardware) to new conditions (e.g., change of room destination and configuration). Lights can also be assigned or grouped easily and without rewiring after installation (e.g., in case of a change of room destination). In addition, advanced DALI controllers can be integrated into higher-level control systems and incorporated into whole-building automation systems via bus systems e.g., KNX or others.

Advantages of the DALI System

DALI-2: the differences with the DALI 1 version

DALI-2 is the evolution of the first DALI protocol and is a standard integrated into both the specifications of IEC 62386 and those drawn up by the DALI Alliance, in a continuous interchange of design and development data between the two bodies. The first advantage of DALI-2 is full compatibility with the previous version: it is possible to use DALI 2 LED drivers in lighting systems with DALI standards, just as it is possible to use DALI-2 modules or sensors combined with standard LED drivers.

When compared, the new DALI 2 LED lighting standard brings many improvements, controls, and features over the previous DALI 1 version:

• Addition of lighting control devices: e.g., buttons, sensors, and LED drivers not provided in the previous version. In addition, to achieve DALI 2 certification, the new protocol requires DiiA to perform functional and intercompatibility tests;
• Introduction of Multi Master architecture: with regulation on various lighting control devices, commands and signals can be sent to the DALI-2 bus from multiple sources, facilitating independent, immediate and simultaneous data communication;
• Development of functional and application standards: new extensions have been drafted regarding DALI 2 devices, related to e.g., emergency lighting or color control, creating a new product standard for intelligent lighting systems and IoT called D4i.

Why choose DALI?

The technical advantages of the DALI system

The use of the DALI system facilitates the management of the lighting of any room, giving the possibility to have different settings (different light intensities in different rooms), to change them just as easily without physically intervening on the system, and to detect and solve operating problems.

Energy Savings

Luminaires with an integrated DALI system provide significant savings in both energy costs and operating and maintenance costs. In fact, motion sensors and dimming enable optimization of energy consumption, ensuring significant savings on electricity consumption. Automatic and remote management, then, reduces in-person maintenance interventions.

Where to use DALI-system luminaires?

Luminaires with DALI system are characterized by a wide versatility of use. In fact, they can be installed as much in offices and private homes as in large commercial spaces. In each environment, DALI makes it possible to arrange the ideal light and create the perfect scenario for each different activity carried out in the same space.