L-DALI controllers are multifunctional devices combining constant light control, sunblind control, and gateway functions between LonMark and DALI (Digital Addressable Lighting Interface) systems. With alarm, scheduling, trending, and e-mail notification functions (AST™), the L-DALI controller is a perfect solution for DALI lighting systems and for seamless DALI integration into LonMark systems.

DALI Network Interface

L-DALI controllers act as DALI-Masters in the DALI network and can interact with DALI-2 multi-sensors and push buttons in Multi-Master mode. The L-DALI line for LonMark systems features 1, 2 or 4 independent DALI channels. Up to 64 DALI or DALI-2 based luminaires can be controlled per DALI channel, individually or via 16 groups. All lamps are monitored for lamp or ballast defects. Additionally, up to 64 DALI-2 input devices per DALI channel are supported. Each input device can be equipped with push buttons, sliders, presence and light sensors.

Integrated DALI Bus Power Supply

All L-DALI models come with an integrated DALI bus power supply. LDALI-3E101-U and LDALI-3E102-U are able to provide each DALI channel with a guaranteed supply current of 230 mA, while LDALI-3E104-U can provide 116 mA per channel. In the case of the LDALI-3E104-U, an external DALI bus power supply can be added to increase the supply current to 232 mA. External power supplies are available for up to four DALI channels. The internal DALI bus supply can be switched on and off via web interface or LCD interface. Due to the switching power supply, these devices can handle input voltages between 85 and 240 V AC, 50/60 Hz.

LonMark TP/FT-10 or Ethernet/IP-852 Connection

L-DALI controllers enable connectivity in LonMark systems via IP-852 or TP/FT-10 and data exchange via Global Connections. They support full AST™ functionality (Alarms, Scheduling, and Trending) with e-mail notification. Full integration with L-WEB is also supported. L-DALI controllers come with two Ethernet ports and an integrated Ethernet switch.

IoT Integration

The IoT function (Node.js) allows connecting the system to almost any cloud service, either to upload historical data to analytics services, to send alarm messages to alarm processing services, or to control parts of the system through a cloud service (e.g., scheduling based on web calendars or booking systems). It is also possible to process Internet information, such as weather data, for forecast-based control. Finally, the JavaScript kernel also allows implementing serial protocols for non-standard equipment.

Local Operation and Override

L-DALI controllers are equipped with a built-in backlit display (128x64) and a jog dial for local operation and override. Thanks to local operation, maintenance operations (DALI device replacement, burn-in mode, etc.) can be performed without the need for any software tools.

Constant Light Control

The integrated Constant Light Controller (LonMark Functional Profile #3050) allows controlling local DALI ballasts and luminaires via the CEA-709 network. It supports various lighting control strategies, based on presence and lux level. Various parameters can be used to configure the constant light controller for almost any use case.

Glare Control with Constant Light Controller Interaction

The integrated Sunblind Controller (LonMark Functional Profile #6111) enables intelligent control of blinds connected via SMI (requires LSMI-804) or the CEA-709 network. It offers effective sun and glare protection through active slat control and their adjustment based on sun position. Energy efficiency is guaranteed by linking room occupancy and sun protection. If a room is unoccupied, the L-DALI controller opens or closes the sunblinds according to thermal requirements. This allows, for example, using sun heat for heating in winter, while in summer sun heat is reduced by closed blinds to lower the cooling load.

Optionally, the light and sunblind control applications of a room or area can be linked together. Since both applications control the available light in the room, this holistic approach ensures maximum comfort and energy efficiency.

In addition to constant light and sunblind control, any mathematical calculation and logical function or operation (Boolean algebra) can be created on the device and all available data points processed.

Device Configuration via Tool or Web Interface

Device configuration, commissioning, and parametrization are performed with the configuration tool software (used as a standalone tool or as an LNS® plug-in) or via the integrated web server.

EnOcean, OPC and Modbus

Wireless EnOcean sensors and push buttons can be integrated via the optional L-ENO EnOcean interface. To use L-DALI with an existing SCADA solution, all runtime values and parameters can be accessed via OPC (XML/DA and UA) and Modbus TCP.

Advanced DALI Functions

• DALI Sensors
• L-DALI controllers support the integration of DALI-2 multi-sensors for presence detection and light level recognition. In addition to the LOYTEC DALI-2 multi-sensor LDALI-MS2/MS2-BT/MS4-BT, DALI-2 sensors from many well-known manufacturers can be used.
• DALI Push Buttons
• For manual operation, DALI-2 push button couplers, such as LDALI-BM2, DALI-2 operating panels, and IR remote controls can be integrated into the system. Their functionality can be configured individually. In addition to controlling lighting via DALI (dimming, scene recall, etc.) and sunblinds via SMI (up, down, etc.), push button events can be propagated into the building network, triggering other building automation functions unrelated to lighting. Support for feedback function for push button instances according to IEC 62386-332 is planned.
• DALI Relay Modules.
• Standard mains loads can be controlled via DALI using DALI relay modules, such as LDALI-RM3, LDALI-RM4 and LDALI-RM8.
• DALI Color Control
• L-DALI allows controlling DALI luminaires with color control functionality (DT8). Both tunable white (Tc) control and full RGB color control (RGBWAF and xy coordinates) are supported. The light color can be changed automatically, manually (e.g., via push buttons) or via the network.
• Automatic Burn-in for Fluorescent Lamps
• Fluorescent lamps must operate for approximately 100 hours at 100% brightness before they can be dimmed. This burn-in process is monitored by L-DALI for each lamp. After 100 hours of burn-in, constant light control of the lamp is activated.
• Automatic Testing of Emergency Lighting Systems
• In DALI emergency lighting systems based on IEC 62386-202, L-DALI can be used to test the system. Results can be recorded.
• Collection of Important Operating Parameters
• For maximum transparency of the lighting system, L-DALI can record the operating hours of each lamp and also the (calculated) energy consumption.
• Simplified Replacement of DALI Devices.
• Defective DALI ballasts can be easily replaced directly on the L-DALI controller (LCD and jog dial) or via the web interface. No software tools are required.

LonMark Interface

The L-DALI controller maps DALI network information to network variables (NVs) to control DALI ballasts or display operating states, including occupancy information from DALI sensors and lux level. The L-DALI controller for LonMark systems can be connected to an Ethernet/IP channel (LonMark IP-852) or a TP/FT 10 channel. The provided static NV interface includes the following functions. The provided static NV interface includes the following profiles:

• Lamp Actuator #3040
• Light Sensor #1010
• Occupancy Sensor #1060
• Constant Light Controller #3050
• Sunblind Controller #6111
• Open Loop Sensor (Push Button) #1
• All data points are available in a tree structure on the integrated web server for viewing or setting with a web browser.

Technical Features

• DALI integration into LonMark systems
• Supports up to 64 DALI ballasts and 16 DALI groups per DALI channel.
• Supports up to 64 total input devices per channel
• Supports up to 16 DALI sensors per DALI channel
• Supports up to 64 DALI push button modules per DALI channel
• Integrated DALI bus power supply
• Manual operation via jog dial and local access to device status and data point information in clear text and symbols
• 128x64 graphic display with backlight
• Integrated web server for device configuration
• Testing and assignment of DALI devices via web interface
• DALI device replacement without additional software tools via LCD and jog dial
• Supports control of standard loads in the power grid via LDALI-RM3 relay modules
• Integrated constant light controller
• Integrated sunblind controller
• Supports DALI-2 devices (drivers and input devices)
• DALI-2 certification (compliant with IEC 62386-101 and IEC 62386-103)
• Supports DALI color control (full white and tunable color DT8 control)
• Supports lamp burn-in mode
• Supports periodic testing of DALI emergency lights
• Built-in DALI protocol analyzer
• Compliant with CEA-709, CEA-852, and ISO/IEC 14908-1 standards (LonMark system)
• Network connection with TP/FT-10 or IP-852 (CEA-852 Ethernet)
• Alarming, scheduling, and trending (AST™) locally or integrated into L-WEB (building management)
• Node.js support for easy IoT integration (e.g., Google calendar, Alexa & friends, media equipment).