News

Modern technological advancements in LED lighting management systems have revolutionized the lighting industry, providing highly improved performance, enhanced efficiency and economically viable lighting solutions for both residential and commercial applications. In last month's post, we introduced our 0-10V dimming module and digital addressable lighting interfaces (DALI) dimming module, two LED lighting components that offer true innovations in dimming control for projects of varying size and scope. Working alongside those components is the digital multiplex (DMX) control, a key element implemented in color mixing applications and the newest innovation in GRE Alpha's  LED lighting management system offerings.

A More Colorful LED World

Transitioning from traditional lighting systems to LED lighting was the first step in lighting management system evolution. That was followed quickly by the need for dimmer switches for the much brighter, more efficient residential and corporate LED lighting solutions. As LED lighting systems have evolved and become more widely adopted, and the number of new applications for LED lighting continue to evolve, color mixing opportunities have also increased. This is where DMX lighting control protocol becomes important.

DMX is a standard element of digital communications often used for lighting stages, building  façades, entertainment and other systems requiring coloration effects. As pricing for LED lighting with color has decreased, LED color mixing has seen an increased demand for use in architectural and residential applications. Both use the DMX lighting protocol to create environmental moods, enhance productivity and provide simple, flexible lighting control applications.

GRE Alpha's Innovative DMX Dimming Module

Boasting a simple plug-and-play design that works with CV systems, GRE Alpha's DMX dimming module can upgrade existing non-dimmable systems to work with DMX lighting protocol -  simply by adding the dimming module. It follows the latest DMX 512-A protocol, the current standard for manufacturing and intensities as set by the Entertainment Services and Technology Association (ESTA). Adhering to DMX 512-A protocol allows the GRE Alpha DMX product to seamlessly integrate with existing DMX-enabled control consoles and dimming panels.

Additionally, GRE Alpha's DMX dimming module is remote device management (RDM)-enabled, allowing for simple, two-way communication between DMX devices and lighting consoles. Unlike other DMX dimming modules, GRE Alpha's DMX dimmer uses a 4-in-1 LED chip that offers four color channels - red, green, blue and white or amber (RGBW/RGBA) - instead of the basic three-channel red, green, blue (RGB)color control. This gives users four types of colors to mix for proper ambiance, allows for precise control of the white/amber color and affords the option to create a wider range of customized color shades. The GRE Alpha DMX dimming module is at the forefront of color application in LED lighting management systems. As costs for color variation continue to become more efficient, the LED lighting industry will continue to produce color mixing DMX lighting options for the masses.

Always Innovating in LED Lighting

GRE Alpha has launched three new products this summer and is not done yet. In addition to the 0-10V dimming module, the DALI dimming module and the DMX dimmer, there is yet another product coming soon to the GRE Alpha line. Stay tuned for updates as the summer continues.

GRE Alpha is committed to innovation and to delivering high-quality, leading-edge LED lighting solutions. For more information about products, or to speak with a GRE Alpha product expert, visit the Enquiries page and fill out the Enquiry form.

HONG KONG (21 July, 2016)—GRE Alpha is proud to announce its attendance at the 2016 Hong Kong Science Park networking seminar: “How IoT and Green Technologies from Science Park Create a Smart Living.”

On Friday, 22 July, Kelvin Kwong, business development manager at GRE Alpha, will present on the company’s new products and technological innovations related to the Internet of Things (IoT). The discussion will feature:

• A project case for GRE Alpha’s lighting management components integrated with various lighting management systems
• A showcase of new GRE Alpha wireless dimming components, including dimmable, add-on and tunable components
• A demonstration of SLD-SmartDIM wireless control
• Arrange of topics related to smart lighting components and solutions for IoT

Kwong will also offer information on evolutions in dimming efficiency, tips for achieving maximum efficiency, and discuss the risks of employing inefficient dimmable drivers and/or LED dimming components in lighting management systems.

GRE Alpha is committed to helping consumers achieve the most efficient LED lighting systems possible. Attend the presentation to learn how GRE Alpha’s wireless dimming components are the future of lighting management systems and smart home applications.

Event information:
Date: Friday, 22 July, 2016
Time: 14:30 to 17:30
Presentation: #9
Venue: Chamber 3, InnoCentre, Kowloon Tong
Language: Cantonese
Audience: All are welcome

To obtain more information about GRE Alpha and its products, or to speak with a product expert, visit www.grealpha.com/contact and submit an Enquiry form.

For the past few years, lighting fixtures and LED chip sales have driven much of the growth in the LED industry. Once an innovative and exclusive technology, LED chip phosphor coating patents have expired, generating an influx into the LED market of cheaper, generic LED chips, crafted by Asian manufacturers. With excess supply and lowered chip prices, LED chip sales have declined, resulting in substantially reduced pricing of lighting fixtures and luminaires. The market is shifting, and that shift is toward installing and upgrading to more efficient lighting management systems.

The Current State of Lighting Management Systems

Traditional lighting control systems use triode for alternating current (TRIAC)-based dimmers for AC voltage input dimming control or electronic low voltage (ELV) dimming controls to regulate brightness. When LED lighting was introduced, 0-10V-based brightness control was made possible through the use of a traditional wall-mounted dial or slide switch LED dimming controls, and was implemented as a low voltage alternative to TRIAC or ELV-based dimming systems. In large, higher-end building lighting systems, digital addressable lighting interfaces (DALI) and digital multiplex (DMX) controls are implemented to achieve greater performance in dimming and control. The DALI dimming systems are intended for the management of building lighting systems containing thousands of installed lighting fixtures and luminaires, and DMX controls are implemented in color mixing applications such as stage lights and façade lighting.

With the advent of Wi-Fi and RF communication-based LED lighting controls—which decrease or eliminate the need for wired communication—a need for Cloud-style lighting control systems such as ZWave, Bluetooth low energy (BLE) and EnOcean has arisen to allow smartphones, game consoles and smart switches to control high-end residential lighting. These evolutions continue to shape the future of lighting management systems and provide numerous opportunities for growth.

How We Are Paving the Way with Our Dimming Module Technology

GRE Alpha is playing a key role in the functionality of these protocols. Acting as an intermediary to allow these different components and lighting control systems to the interface, GRE Alpha’s host of lighting management devices and LED dimming modules make the process of moving to smart lighting as hassle-free as possible. Purchasing a relevant, compatible GRE Alpha dimming module for 0-10V, TRIAC, DALI or DMX lighting systems allows consumers to upgrade lighting systems of all sizes, transforming traditional lighting systems into the lower-cost, higher-efficiency LED lighting systems.

Paving the way for these upgraded systems are GRE Alpha’s newly released 0-10V dimming module and DALI dimming module. The 0-10V dimming module features dimming with no shift in LED color temperature, up to 1024 dimming levels for high-resolution smooth dimming, and single or dual-channel output versions, among other features. The DALI dimming module offers wide range DC input, integrated strain relief, 256 dimming levels, duplicate terminals for parallel connection and more. Both modules offer 97 percent power efficiencies and enable users to achieve the latest in lighting technological advancements—all in a cost-effective manner and with simplicity and flexibility.

Continuous Innovation in LED Lighting

GRE Alpha’s 0-10V dimming module and DALI dimming module are just a couple of the exciting, innovative changes coming this summer. Wi-Fi based systems are in the works and will be released later in 2016.

GRE Alpha is committed to innovation and to delivering high-quality, leading-edge LED lighting solutions. For more information about products, or to speak with a GRE Alpha product expert, visit the Enquiries page and fill out the Enquiry form.

Solid state lighting systems are becoming more mainstream and are replacing traditional incandescent and fluorescent lighting quality. They’re superior not just in terms of the lighting quality, but also energy usage and environmental benefits. Even so, a lot of site owners and developers are still hesitant to switch to this energy efficient LED lighting. The reason for this is the initial outlay and lack of financing availability for such projects.

But what many people don’t know is that innovative and cost-effective financing is now available for such projects. One such financing mechanism is called PACE financing.

How Does PACE Financing For LED Lighting Projects Work?

The property-assessed clean energy (PACE) model allows local or state governments and other interested stakeholders to provide the up-front financing for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects on private property which can be residential as well as commercial. The actual users then repay back the finance provider over time, typically at no extra costs because of the energy savings achieved by the project.

Note that the PACE financing initiative is supported by the federal government, and local governments get funding through the Dept. of Energy and Recovery Act funds.

The repayments are paid by property owners as PACE assessments, with the actual repayments included into their property tax bills. As such, this assessment becomes a transferable debt that goes to the new owner of the property in case it is sold. This entire financing and repayment mechanism facilitated through local governments and taxation is making it easy for property owners to decide whether to replace their old lighting with new and energy efficient LED lighting systems.

It’s a no-brainer – You don’t have to pay anything upfront, and you repay back the cost in installments. The best part is that you start saving on energy costs, and this cost reduction takes care of the installment. So you are getting, in effect, a free LED lighting system without investing anything.

GRE Alpha has been working for many years with leading system integrators and contractors in driving the use of such energy efficient LED lighting solutions for commercial projects. Make your call today and you could soon have constant voltage LED drivers, UL Class 2 LED power supplies, Lighting Dimming Modules and other energy efficient systems installed at your place right away and without any cost.

Lighting Japan, a large lighting exhibition that recently lit up the LED and OLED arena, was a great success with more than 20,000 visitors and buyers flocking to the site. According to Reed Exhibitions, which organized the expo, the number of companies that attended the show increased by 15 percent over the previous year.

GRE Alpha, which specializes in the design and manufacture of solid-state lighting power supplies and lighting control accessories, showcased its products and displayed its newest technology in LED powering systems. R&D and Design engineers from various sectors visited the exhibition to find solutions.

Its products are well suited for the architectural and signage market primarily because they are installation-ready and also because the drivers are PSE Certified LED drivers. The PSE label ensures the stability and high quality of the product and materials used. GRE Alpha's 12V 24V LED Drivers enable dimming and color-changing when integrated into circuits.

Japan is an important LED lighting market, with the second-largest LED lighting market in the world and more than 10 exhibitions held each year exhibiting the latest global LED lighting trends and new LED lighting technologies. Its LED and laser diode (LD) technologies have gained momentum and analysts forecast that the trend is bound to continue till 2019.

As LEDs work well with devices controlled by DMX and DALI protocols, GRE Alpha's DALI Dimmer module provides smooth, linear dimming with great flexibility. Its constant voltage output LED Dimming module and XLA constant current dimmable driver were showcased. In addition, the GLV constant voltage driver, the GLD-DIM dimming add-on and SLD-DIM RGBW dimming module added more color and flavor to the LED lighting set up.

GRE Alpha's DALI Dimmer module provides smooth, 0-100 percent linear dimming and works flawless and efficiently with the DALI (Digital Addressable Lighting Interface) interfaces.  For traditional line voltage dimming applications, GRE Alpha’s XLA and XLAV Line Voltage Dimmable LED Drivers will work with legacy type dimming systems that are controlled via phase cutting dimming technologies.

LED technology appears to sync well with dimming control but it must be remembered that the integrated lamp should be back compatible with the line voltage dimmers to reduce installation costs. The XLA Series is a TRIAC/ELV Dimmable LED driver series that offers dimming compatibility and high-dimming performance.

For DC type digital dimming systems GRE Alpha’s wide array of DC dimming modules offer flexibility, while providing an optimal lighting experience. Its modular approach positions it to enable high end dimming capabilities to even any non-dimmable LED Driver, without having to replace them with expensive Dimmable LED drivers.

Tokyo 2020 is expected to be special as it will be for the first time in the Olympics' long history that LED lighting will be installed in a big way. The new Tokyo National Stadium and all athletic facilities will use LED lighting. This is bound to impact the market positively.

Although LED commercial lighting is quite common in Japan's schools, hospitals and retail stores, its outdoor LED lighting market has considerable potential to expand. Currently the focus has been on LED standardization and making LED an affordable option- this is expected to open the market up further.

The advantages of using LED lighting are many:- energy savings, reduction in lighting maintenance, uniformity in lighting, durability and the most important feature—being able to achieve various stage effects using lighting and dimming techniques.

GRE Alpha is expected to play a great role in this; the company's commitment to innovation and its power conversion expertise is expected to come to the fore. It has been constantly pushing the boundaries in lighting system integration, lighting control technology and power electronics and has been able to deliver efficient, best-in-class powering solutions across a wide spectrum of industry.