30010020A Datasheet, PDF (1/2 Pages) Microchip Technology – Lighting Communications Development Platform

Lighting Communications Development Platform
Intelligent Lighting & Control Solutions
Summary
Irrespective of the lighting technology, the
ability to effectively control the light source
is essential. Beyond a simple on/off switch,
advanced lighting control provides the
opportunity to provide additional intelligence
and increased energy savings.
The ability to dim any light source is the most common
requirement of a light controller—but is a potential obstacle.
Most legacy dimmers are simple triac dimmers that can
vary the light output of an incandescent light source from
0–100%. These vary the brightness by “chopping” the AC
line voltage and controlling the effective power to the lamp,
thereby varying the light output. These methods function
well with incandescent sources, as well as some specially
designed CFL ballasts, but do not function properly with
most existing drivers or ballasts. In order to effectively dim
LED and fluorescent, specialized methods such as varying
PWM frequency or variable current is required—this is easily
implemented with electronic dimming controllers.
Functions such as dimming and timers are common, but
intelligent control provides opportunities to enrich the
user experience and increase value. Incremental energy
savings can be provided by potentially integrating elements
such as energy management and harvesting (ie. solar),
ambient light compensation (reducing light output based
on other localized light sources), and occupancy or motion
sensing. Further intelligence includes the ability to create
lighting networks that communicate both locally, as well as
to remote locations. This allows for the ability to increase
energy savings further and reduce maintenance cost
via items such as fixed light output in lighting arrays (ie.
street lamps, large rooms, etc.), monitoring light output,
and providing real-time operating issues. Additionally, this
offers the ability to integrate lighting into other system
topologies such as security systems or automation &
control. Aesthetically, lighting control offers the ability to
support custom mood lighting by varying brightness, color,
and color temperature—across large lighting arrays.
Example Configuration
Features
The Lighting Communications Development Platform
provides a universal lighting development platform for the
creation of communications enabled lighting applications.
The Lighting Communications Development Platform
consists of:
■ Main communications board
■ Prototyping board
■ Communications interface adapters
(DALI, DMX512A, future protocol support (eg. RF))
The following is required:
■ Minimum of (2) main or (2) prototyping boards
■ Minimum (2) adapters
• Connected via appropriate cabling
• RJ45 patch cable
• DMX512A 5-pin barrel cable
• DALI 2-wire
The communication platform is compatible with
commercially available DALI/DMX512A products and
can be integrated into existing lighting networks during
development or utilized with multiple communication
platforms to simulate large lighting networks.
To further ease in development, code libraries for both
DMX512A and DALI are available as a FREE download. Go
to www.microchip.com/lightingcomms to get started.
Learn more about Intelligent Lighting and Control
Solutions from Microchip at www.microchip.com/lighting.
Focus products and peripherals, reference designs, and
development tools.
DALI/DMX512A
Adapter
Main/Prototyping
Board
DALI/DMX512A
Adapter
Main/Prototyping
Board
DALI/DMX512A
Adapter
Main/Prototyping
Board
DALI/DMX512A
Adapter
Main/Prototyping
Board
Existing
DALI/DMX
Network