Osram Releases New DALI Drivers with NFC
Osram has launched new OTi-DALI drivers, including 60W and 75W models, reinforcing DALI's central role in European lighting control systems. The drivers feature NFC configurability and wide current ranges, designed to support design flexibility and deep interoperability. These features position the components for use in building management systems enabled with DALI+ and KNX.
- Near-field communication (NFC) allows for wireless programming of the driver's output current and dimming levels without requiring mains power, which simplifies configuration and improves safety during installation. This can be done for up to 20 drivers simultaneously, significantly reducing production time. - The upcoming DALI+ standard will bring DALI commands to wireless and IP-based networks for the first time, with Thread being the first network technology adopted. This initiative by the DALI Alliance and the Thread Group, which includes members like Apple, Google, and Siemens, aims to improve interoperability for smart building IoT applications. - Integration with KNX systems via a DALI-KNX gateway allows the lighting to be networked with other building functions like HVAC and security. This enables centralized control and the creation of complex light scenes with dynamic effects. - These drivers support human-centric lighting designs that align with circadian rhythms by enabling tunable white applications. Research shows that adjusting color temperature from cool, blue-enriched light during the day to warm light in the evening can improve occupant well-being, focus, and sleep quality. - For WELL Building Standard v2 certification, lighting designs must meet specific criteria for Equivalent Melanopic Lux (EML), a metric that measures light's impact on the human circadian system. The standard requires specific EML levels, such as at least 150 melanopic lux for a minimum of four hours per day, to ensure lighting supports natural biological processes. - A focus on modularity and serviceability in luminaire design is critical for the circular economy. Industry initiatives like the British standard BS 8887-221:2024 provide guidance on manufacturing, assembly, and disassembly to extend product lifecycles and reduce waste. - The DALI-2 certification, managed by the Digital Illumination Interface Alliance (DiiA), ensures a higher level of cross-vendor interoperability compared to the original DALI standard. These new Osram drivers are DALI-2 certified, including parts 251, 252, and 253, which relate to luminaire, energy, and diagnostics data. - AI is increasingly being integrated into lighting control systems to optimize energy usage and enhance user comfort. By analyzing data from sensors and usage patterns, AI algorithms can automatically adjust lighting conditions in real-time.
