DALI stack
Develop DALI-capable devices in accordance with the DALI 2 standard in the shortest possible time
With the update of IEC 62386, many devices that still work with DALI-1 currently need to be modernized. Lamp and luminaire manufacturers who want to equip their operating or control devices with DALI version 2 themselves quickly and easily can use the stack from MBS. It simplifies the development process for the bus system and significantly reduces both time and costs.
Whether lighting applications for rooms or buildings of any size, complex lighting for stage shows or elaborate underwater illumination - the DALI bus protocol (Digital Addressable Lighting Interface) has established itself as the standard for electronic lighting management in the industrial and commercial sector. This is because only a few cables are required to control a large number of luminaires and use numerous functions. At the same time, the protocol can be easily integrated into higher-level building automation systems.
For over 20 years, DALI-1 with IEC 62386 has been the standard for lighting control in properties. This standard was updated in 2014 to resolve inaccuracies and improve interoperability. As a result, many products currently have to be modernized, as tenders in the commercial environment now refer to the updated standard. This means that lamp and luminaire manufacturers who want to equip their products with DALI VERSION 2 are faced with the question: build or buy?
Focus on the essentials
If you decide not to have your own development department, you can get support from the DALI stack from MBS GmbH. It was designed in close cooperation with leading semiconductor manufacturers - such as Renesas, ST or Microchip - as every luminaire controlled via this bus protocol requires its own microprocessor. The stack contains the core functions and software components required for programming standard-compliant devices.
The application program communicates with other operating devices (e.g. push-buttons or lights) and control devices (e.g. light sensors or motion detectors) via the API function. The user does not need any knowledge of the bus protocol for this, so he can concentrate fully on the actual application. The software stack therefore enables users to develop DALI-capable operating and control devices with one or more control units within a very short time. This not only simplifies the development process, but also significantly reduces costs.
One-stop store
This means that lamp and luminaire manufacturers can dispense with their own development department and the associated time and money, but still equip their products with DALI version 2. To help the industry achieve its goals faster, MBS also offers a whole range of services relating to the versatile protocol. These include the option of commissioning smaller tasks, such as customer-specific extensions or the integration of the stack into manufacturer solutions. In addition to concluding maintenance contracts, MBS customers can also secure support from the Krefeld-based building automation specialist. Here, highly qualified developers provide support from the initial hardware design to the revision, from the definition of the hardware interface to the finished certified product. Even newcomers to the standard can be accompanied by MBS on the way to successful products or take advantage of support for certification tests of the DALI Alliance DiiA (Digital Illumination Interface Alliance). A number of products from various manufacturers have already received this certification with the MBS stack and are successful on the market.
Continuous expansion
At MBS, two highly qualified IT experts are constantly working to ensure that the software stack is not only state of the art, but also makes work easier and easier. For example, defined standardized functions are immediately integrated into the standard free of charge. In order to be able to select certain features, a modular approach was chosen. This means that less memory is required in the individual microprocessor, making it cheaper. This is not an insignificant detail, as each device controlled with DALI requires its own microprocessor, which is why high quantities are required. The MBS experts are also ensuring continuous expansion: while processor types with 32 and 16 bits have been supported to date, it will also be possible to program 8-bit processors in future. Despite these improvements, the stack is constantly being reduced in size.
MBS GmbH has long been on the market as a specialist in hardware and software for building automation and has stable, long-standing customer relationships. With two full-time developers, the company is one step ahead in terms of expertise in the DALI standard. The proven support team responds to technical inquiries promptly. Competitive prices and price variants that are adapted to customer requirements leave room for individual use of the software stack.
Perspective: the D4i standard
In addition, the company always keeps an eye on what trends are emerging for the operation of commercial properties. With regard to the DALI bus system, it is clear that the integration of products into the Internet of Things (IoT) is becoming increasingly important for the lighting industry. This is because goals such as energy efficiency and wireless control of intelligent luminaires can be easily achieved. MBS is supporting the corresponding extension of the standard to the D4i standard with its DALI stack in order to also pave the way for lamp and luminaire manufacturers to enter this market.
License models
Library Leasing p.a.
The program library is made available for use for a limited period of time.
Library buyout
The program library is made available for use on a permanent basis.
Source buyout
The source code is made permanently available for use.
Do you need support with integration?
Optionally, MBS offers the creation of a low-level driver that is required to send and receive the DALI frames and configure the DALI stack and its components according to your specific control solution.
We are also happy to support you in implementing application-specific DALI functionalities for control gear, especially for hardware-dependent functions, e.g. triggering the HOST application so that the stack can switch on a lamp with a brightness value (x).
Talk to us!
The demo
If you would like to test the DALI stack without obligation, please contact us at
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