Perfect for regulated entry into the DALI market

 
 
 

Anyone who manufactures devices that control lighting systems in properties using the DALI (Digital Addressable Lighting Interface) bus protocol cannot avoid having their products certified. What appears to be an obstacle at first glance turns out to be an advantage at second glance. After all, if all parts of a lighting system have passed a conformity test, they can communicate with each other across manufacturers without any problems. The MBS GmbH test laboratory not only provides this service, but also supports its customers throughout the entire service chain in implementing their product ideas.

MBS test laboratory with DiiA plus DAkkS approval

As the licensor, the DiiA (Digital Illumination Interface Alliance) sets the regulatory requirement that only certified devices may bear the DALI designation. With the conformity check, the manufacturers of devices for electronic lighting control in the industrial and commercial sector fulfill this rule of the global lighting manufacturer consortium. After a successful check, each device receives a corresponding certificate. It is valid as long as no changes are made to the hardware or software.

There are currently just under a dozen so-called "DALI test houses" worldwide that are recognized by the DiiA. For this purpose, each laboratory must provide a formal certificate of competence. In addition to this accreditation, MBS GmbH has another advantage: it is the only DALI test laboratory that is also approved by the German accreditation body DAkkS. This means that customers can be sure that all requirements for competence, impartiality and uniform working methods are reliably met.

Expertise with experience for the best test quality

All laboratories receive strict specifications from the DiiA for carrying out the device tests, which not only concern the equipment to be used, but also the requirements resulting from the IEC 62386 standard. ProbitLab test equipment must be used as hardware, for example, and other instruments - such as spectrum analyzers for light measurement - must also be used. In the defined test procedure, individual parts of the IEC 62386 series of standards (digital addressable interface for lighting) are always checked.

This applies to Part 1xx General requirements, which is made up of standard specifications for the system (Part 101), the control gear (Part 102) or the input devices (Part 103). We are obliged to check Part 101 in all cases, Part 102 for control gear and Part 103 for input devices. Depending on the device, another part is added from Part 2xx (Special requirements for control gear), for example Part 209 for colour and colour temperature control. In addition, a part in Part 3XX (Special requirements for control gear) is checked for input devices.

This range will continue to grow in the future, because as soon as the DALI Alliance develops further specifications, these will immediately be included in the test series of the MBS test laboratory.

 
 

Optimal service provider for individual requirements

As the conformity tests for the DALI standard are defined point by point, any company can have its products assessed in any laboratory, regardless of location. It is therefore a good idea to choose the service provider that best suits your needs. With more than ten years of proven quality in test results, MBS's 'Conformity Assessment Body' has taken advantage of this experience when setting up its DALI testing division. Having acquired their expertise in laboratory work with the BACnet bus protocol, the employees have also qualified for the lighting standard. Laboratory manager Alexandra Henczka had already worked with the necessary equipment during her training and set up the new test area in record time. MBS has now also been offering testing for the DALI bus protocol since the end of 2022.

With its extensive experience as a device and software manufacturer for building automation and more than twenty years of involvement in international committees, MBS has long since made working with bus protocols part of its DNA. This is also reflected in an in-house development, the DALI stack, which is continuously being developed by two full-time experts. Designed in close cooperation with leading semiconductor manufacturers, it contains the core functions and software components required for programming standard-compliant devices.

Partner for the entire service chain

The benefit for customers: numerous services that can also be put together as a complete package - such as development support for newcomers, training on standard details and assistance with product development and implementation. The offer from Krefeld: the one-stop store - from a rough product idea to a certified device listed in the DiiA product database. This includes consulting for hardware and software as well as the DALI stack, which can of course be integrated into customer devices. This is followed by testing in the test laboratory and finally, if desired, listing. This complete package is something special on the market. Interested parties can join the service chain at any stage if they wish.

Because it is like this: A DALI device must comply with IEC 62386. If it does not work after installation in a system, replacement, updates and the necessary personnel deployment will result in unnecessary costs. However, the higher the standard of a test laboratory, the lower the probability of errors. This is where MBS is your reliable partner.

Checklist: Before going to the DALI test lab

  • The respective providers may have longer lead times. Do not let yourself be put off, but compare different deadlines.

  • Request a detailed fixed price quote with specific information about the planned process to avoid unexpected additional costs.

  • Rely on certified experience. This guarantees high-quality results and minimizes the error rate.