One of the distinctive features of the KNX/EIB system is the absence of a central control device, a controller, which significantly improves the system's reliability, flexibility, and scalability. The system is built from sensors and actuator modules that operate autonomously. All modules are connected to a common bus over which information is exchanged. With this approach, if one module fails, the remaining elements keep working.
The KNX/EIB bus system provides:
- energy management;
- lighting control;
- indoor climate control (heating, ventilation, air conditioning);
- sun-protection control (blinds, roller shutters, awnings);
- security and fire alarm control;
- operational control, notification, indication, and monitoring;
- remote monitoring and alarms;
- interaction with other systems.
The transmission media used in KNX/EIB technology are: 2x2x0.8 mm twisted pair, 230 V power lines, and IP channels.
In KNX/EIB networks, various topological structures are used, namely: star, tree, bus, and free topology, with the exception of ring. The entire network is divided into lines, which are combined into areas.
The length of a single line for transmitting control signals and data in KNX/EIB technology can reach 1000 meters.
A single data network in a building or building complex based on KNX/EIB technology can include up to 14,400 intelligent devices (sensors, actuators, and control elements).
The data transmission rate in KNX/EIB networks is 9.6kBit/s.
Standards
- European standard (CENELEC EN 50090 and CEN EN 13321-1).
- International standard (ISO/IEC 14543-3).
- Chinese standard (GB/Z 20965).
- American standard (ANSI/ASHRAE 135).