Specifications

Controlling LED Lighting16
DALI
DALI (Digital Addressable Lighting Interface) is designed
especially for dimming and controlling fluorescent lamps in homes
and office buildings. DALI is popular in Europe, where it’s often
used for integrating with building management systems.
Compared to DMX and Ethernet, the DALI data transfer rate is
very slow: 1,200 bits per second, compared with 256 kilobits per
second (kbps) for DMX, and 10 / 100 / 1000 megabits per second
(Mbps) for Ethernet. A DALI “universe” consists of 64 addresses,
as compared with 512 for DMX and virtually unlimited multiples
of 512 in Ethernet networks. Unlike DMX, which streams data
continuously, DALI is command-driven (sends commands only).
DALI is not appropriate for directly controlling LED lighting
fixtures or delivering dynamic effects and light show content to
connected fixtures. However, controllers with DALI support,
such as the Pharos LPC family, as well as DALI-to-DMX and
DALI-to-Ethernet converters, allow you to bridge the gap
between the simple ON / OFF and dimming functions of DALI
and the more sophisticated control of decorative lighting effects
offered by DMX and Ethernet controllers.
For example, a DALI controller in an integrated building
management system receives information from motion detectors,
light sensors, and automated scheduling systems to switch or
dim fluorescent lights in offices, hallways, and meeting rooms as
appropriate. The DALI controller in turn sends commands to a
DMX or Ethernet LED controller to trigger pre-set scenes or
light shows on intelligent LED lighting fixtures installed in the
building’s lobby.
GHD Headquarters, Leeds, UK Lighting Fixtures: iW Cove Powercore Controller: ColorDial Pro
Photography: Chris Gascoigne