Recently, The DALI Alliance announced the release of a brand new form of DALI lighting control: DALI+. As is the case with almost any new technology release, certain questions have come up:
"What is DALI+? What does this mean for DALI and the LED lighting industry in general?"
We’re here to outline exactly what DALI+ is and how it can benefit the LED lighting industry as a whole.
Building on lighting control features from both DALI and DALI-2, DALI+ allows these features to be controlled over wireless or IP-based networks. Existing DALI commands are used, but the pair of wires typically used by DALI-2 is no longer necessary.
What makes DALI+ different from other wireless options is the seamless transition between DALI protocols. For example, a Bluetooth to DALI gateway would have Bluetooth protocols translated to DALI protocols. Conversely, DALI+ removes the need for this process and keeps everything flowing more smoothly.
IoT, or the internet of things, brings a plethora of new opportunities for product utilization. Expanding the capabilities of various products, including lighting, by connecting them to a network has brought about a new era of innovation.
DALI+ brings wireless DALI to the table and also eliminates the need for translating between protocols. Because of this, lighting solutions will be scalable to building-wide networks and beyond, reaching multiple buildings if necessary.
With IP-based networks, IT systems and building automation services are able to be operated from one common platform. Along with leveraging existing DALI protocol features, this brings important advantages, such as:
DALI+ leaves its mark on the IoT lighting industry by streamlining many important lighting processes, such as scalability and maintenance, while also bringing DALI-specific features to wireless networks.
With DALI+ making crucial advances in the IoT lighting space, GRE Alpha is proud to be one of the few leading DALI accredited test labs in Asia. GRE Alpha also carries certain products, such as dimming modules, that are compliant with DALI-2 protocols.
"We’re looking forward to acquiring DALI+ certification as soon as the option is available," says Richard Fong, GRE Alpha CEO & Executive Director, "the opportunity to move forward with DALI and this new innovation in lighting technology excites us."
Looking for More Information on DALI+?
Contact us with any questions you may have on DALI+ or DALI in general. We’re here to help.
Constant current or constant voltage, AC or DC powering – finding the right LED drivers and dimmers can be challenging. In these two LED product catalogs, you will find detailed specifications on easy to install LED drivers and dimming modules for a wide range of indoor and outdoor lighting applications, including:
You will also find some amazing products created in collaboration with leading partners in the lighting field like Zigbee, EnOcean, BLE and DALI. Those who want to match drivers with a particular chip on board (COB) should also check out our COB matching tool. As always, our GRE team of powering experts is here to help guide you.
Xicato's Award-Winning Bluetooth Mesh Solutions Paired with GRE Alpha Dimming Modules Bring Expandable Solutions to Iconic Hotel
As you know, we place great store in finding innovative solutions for your LED lighting problems. By teaming up with leading partners in the industry, we have been able to keep the momentum going toward the full data potential of intelligent lighting control.
Today we are excited to share the news that Xicato is shining a spotlight on our constant voltage BLE protocol dimming modules (SLD-DIM-XG series). Using Xicato Bluetooth wireless mesh technology, these high-quality LED drivers feature direct peer-to-peer communication between nodes, ensuring instantaneous response to input from switches, sensors, and mobile devices without the need for hubs or a central controller.
The SLD-DIM-XG4 played an instrumental role in the Bluetooth lighting system redesign for the magnificent Gran Melia Jakarta hotel in Indonesia. It was determined that Xicato's Intelligent Gateway with open API and Bluetooth mesh wireless controls (XIG), Intelligent Drivers (XID) and GRE Alpha's XG4 dimmer was the overall best solution for the project. Xicato's Bluetooth mesh scalability meant that not only could it address the hotel's current needs, but it could also easily be reconfigured and expanded as the need arises.
GRE Alpha's XG Dimming modules are part of the Xicato's GalaXi ecosystem and runs on Xicato's GalaXi app, allowing quick and seamless installation and commissioning of lighting systems. The performance benefits and costs savings are huge:
Unlike other controllers in the market, components in GRE's XG series empower OEMs with the flexibility to choose between several vendors to mix and match various solutions based on features, form, and pricing to meet an end customer's lighting control requirements. While the original SLD-DIM-XG supports one channel, the 400-watt XG4 supports four.
If you have any questions about the SLD-DIM-XG series or any of our other high quality LED drivers, we are here for you. Please do not hesitate to contact us. Our customer service and support teams are always happy to help.
Looking ahead: Lightfair 2021, the most anticipated event in the lighting industry, will take place at the Javits Center in New York City this fall. GRE is preparing for an in-person exhibit and, if you'll also be in attendance, we'd love to catch up. Keep an eye out for further details.
Architecture has continuously been evolving over the years, with new trends consistently coming to the forefront.
From sustainable materials to green building design, we seem to be moving toward architectural trends that are more conscious of the environment.
One of these trends is biophilic design.
If you aren’t sure what biophilic design is, we’re here with a quick definition and how it relates to both lighting and LED drivers.
At its core, biophilic design is an architectural practice that incorporates nature into building design to connect occupants back with the natural environment. Certain countries, such as Singapore, have embraced biophilic design as an important part of their culture and society.
Examples of biophilic design can be found anywhere from hotels and bars to gyms and office spaces. Greening has played an important role in propping up Singapore’s economy. As the city-state’s economy grew, so did its population and green cover, which sat at 36 percent in the 1980s and has since risen to around 50 percent. (The Diplomat.com)
Lighting and LED drivers play an important role in bringing certain biophilic design aspects to life.
Going back to Singapore, let’s look at the Jewel Changi Airport Terminal. There, you’ll find the Rain Vortex: The tallest indoor waterfall in the world. This is one of the best examples of both art and architecture coming together seamlessly.
It’s also an example of near-perfect biophilic lighting design.
At night, the Rain Vortex takes on a whole new persona. As the water cascades from seven stories above, multicolored lighting powered by LED drivers creates a must-see light show for those fortunate enough to be in attendance.
Another example of revolutionary biophilic lighting design is the Gardens by the Bay, again in Singapore.
The futuristic nature park is dotted with tall, steel-framed trees which are embedded with over 150,000 plants. More LED drivers are used here to power another breathtaking light show throughout the park. Aside from simply being a landmark for domestic and international travelers, the park is also an example of biodiversity conservation.
In both the Rain Vortex and Gardens by the Bay, reliable LED drivers play an important role. The flicker-free lighting and smooth color transitions provided by GRE Alpha’s LED drivers are crucial components of biophilic lighting design.
GRE Alpha’s LED drivers control various LED luminaires that create lighting scenes tailored to people’s needs, based on proven and valued natural experiences. Their plug-and-play nature also ensures a simple and seamless installation for any application.
There’s no doubting that countries like Singapore are benefitting from biophilic design in their architecture. Not only does it connect people back with the natural environment, but it also creates jaw-dropping visuals for visitors from all over the world.
Biophilic lighting design plays a significant role in these endeavors.
From complex light shows to horticultural lighting, GRE Alpha’s LED drivers can be used to provide flicker-free, reliable lighting for years to come.
Today we are excited to be sharing news about the Tokyo Lighting Fair that took place from March 9th to 12th at the Tokyo International Exhibition Center (Tokyo Big Sight). Normally, one of the largest comprehensive lighting exhibitions in Japan, this event observed Covid protocols and attendance was strictly limited.
As you may know, to further our goal of providing quality LED power solutions to different corners of the world, GRE Alpha opened a Tokyo office in 2017. The Tokyo Lighting Fair was a superb opportunity to exchange ideas with our Japanese customers and friends. It was GRE's first in person event since the Pandemic began, and we genuinely enjoyed the opportunity to make that human connection again.
On display at the GRE booth were some of our most advanced modular and dimmable LED drivers created by working with leading partners in the lighting field, like Citizen and EnOcean. These are lighting control modules that have been enhanced in multiple ways to provide more performance flexibility and meet specialized customer needs.
ENO-DIM-JP – GRE Alpha's EnOcean® dimming module, designed with 6 individual lighting segments, allows for smooth, flicker-free diming of lighting fixtures using any of EnOcean's® certified energy harvesting wireless switches. Compatible with any constant voltage LED driver, the diming module allows for seamless integration into existing LED lighting systems or new building automation projects with ease.
TUNABLE WHITE FOR CITIZEN – GRE's tunable white dimming module with EnOcean® energy harvesting switch seamlessly integrates with Citizen's white COB allowing for separate tuning of brightness and color temperature. This collaborative effort will lead to continuing new developments in greener, more effective lighting.
6-IN-1 DIMMING MODULE – GRE Alpha's 6-in-1 dimmer with built-in thermal shutdown provides full range 0-100%, smooth, high resolution diming performance for a wide variety of constant voltage LED diming applications. Flexible and easy-install, this unit comes with a multi-colored LED indicator and integrated strain relief and terminal cover.
Dimming modules which meet Global standards
Flicker-free dimming in action
Also on display were GRE Alpha's SLD/GLD Dali intelligent dimmer for home automation, the 95% efficient Smart-Dim-PWM (pulse width modulation) 240W LED dimming module, and the revolutionary XLD-Dim Eco-Dim DC variable resistor.
As promised, GRE's expert team will continue to work intensively to meet the worldwide demand for smart connected lighting with new power supplies used for smart and IoT lighting as well as upgrades to existing products. Thanks to events like the Tokyo Lighting Fair, we get the input and inspiration needed to develop new and better products.
If you have any question about the products mentioned here, are seeking driver selection expertise or anything else, we are here for you. Please do not hesitate to contact us. Our customer service and support teams are always happy to help. Looking forward to connecting with you in person soon.