What is KNX

What is KNX? In order to transfer control data to all building management components, a system is required that does away with the problems of isolated devices by ensuring that all components communicate via one common language: in short, a system such as the manufacturer and application domains independent KNX Bus. This standard is based upon more than 24 years of experience in the market, amongst others with predecessor systems to KNX: EIB, EHS and BatiBUS. Via the KNX medium to which all bus devices are connected (twisted pair, radio frequency, power line or IP/Ethernet), they are able to exchange information. Bus devices can either be sensors or actuators needed for the control of building management equipment such as:

Lighting

Blinds / shutters

Security systems

Energy managemen

Heating – ventilation and air-conditioning systems

Signalling and monitoring systems

Interfaces to service and building control systems

Remote control

Metering

Audio / video control

White goods.

All these functions can be controlled, monitored and signalled via a uniform system without the need for extra control centres.

References all over the world: the world of home and building control “speaks” KNX. Several millions of successful KNX installations can be found not only all over Europe but also in the Far East, North and South America – a proof of just how attractive the KNX approach is. Over 490 KNX member companies worldwide offer more than 8.000 KNX certified product groups in their catalogues, from different application domains.

The driving force behind KNX is KNX Association, a group of leading companies active in many fields of home and building control. Currently, KNX Association has more than 490 members, accounting for more than 80% of the home and building control devices sold in Europe. Worldwide KNX Association has partnership agreements with more than 44.000 installer companies in 128 countries, more than 100 technical universities as well as over 500 training centers.

What is KNX? KNX is approved as an International Standard (ISO/IEC 14543-3) as well as a European Standard (CENELEC EN 50090 and CEN EN 13321-1) and a Chinese Standard (GB/T 20965). KNX is therefore future-proof. KNX products made by different manufacturers can be combined – the KNX trademark logo guarantees their interworking and interoperability. KNX is therefore the world´s only open Standard for control in both commercial and residential buildings.

Wherever it is employed, KNX brings real benefits to architects, designers, and contractors and, above all, to building owners and/or users.

 

• Low operating costs resulting in considerable energy savings Lighting and heating are only switched on when needed, e.g. depending on time profiles and/or actual presence, thus saving energy and money. Furthermore lighting can be controlled automatically in relation to the daylight intensity of the daylight, thus maintaining a specified minimum level of brightness at each work place and reducing energy consumption (only those light sources really needed remain switched on).
• Time saving Interlinking all communicating devices with a single bus considerably reduces design and installation time. A unique manufacturer and application domains independent Engineering Tool Software (ETS) allows the design, engineering and configuration of installations containing KNX certified products. As the tool is manufacturer independent, the system integrator is able to combine products of different manufacturers with different communication media (twisted pair, radio frequency, power line or IP/Ethernet) to one installation.
• Flexibility and adaptability to future developments A KNX installation can be easily adapted to new applications and is easily extendable. New components can be easily connected to the existing bus installation.