Press release: flexible bridge between KNX and EnOcean

Burgkirchen / Oberhaching (Munich), March 13th, 2013 – The Gateways KNX ENO 630, 632 and 634 by Weinzierl form a new platform which simply integrates the sensors and actuators based on the batteryless EnOcean radio technology into KNX networks. Now it is possible to control EnOcean-based actuators from KNX. The bidirectional link between the two technologie allows system designers toimplement highly flexible building automation systems. Weinzierl shows the new generation of gateways at the ISH 2013 (March 12 to 16, Frankfurt am Main) in Hall 10.3, Stand D67.

KNX and EnOcean are two established standards in building automation, which offer different advantages in installation, function and operation. The KNX ENO 63x gateways by Weinzierl bring together the advantages of both communication standards and open system designers new ways of intelligent networking and control. Self-powered wireless technology allows energy-independent automation solutions that work without batteries. After the so-called energy harvesting principle of the radio modules obtain their energy by means of miniaturized energy converters from motion, light or temperature differences. Products that incorporate this technology can be very flexible in optimal measurement points place and are maintenance free.

Standardized flexibility

The EnOcean radio uses the international standard ISO / IEC 14543-3-10 and standardized Application Profiles (EEP 2.5, EnOcean Equipment Profiles). With this gateway by Weinzierl EnOcean-enabled devices can be seamlessly integrated into KNX networks. Thus, planners have access  to more than 1000 energy-autonomous wireless products, which can be integrated into a KNX-based building system. These include battery-less switches, intelligent window handles, temperature, humidity and light sensors, presence detectors and also a variety of actuators for light, ventilation and heating control.

An example of such an automated system are commercial buildings with open office structures. Here, the partitions can be flexibly installed only with the collection of tenants. The KNX-based infrastructure can already be implemented in the construction of buildings. Later the corresponding EnOcean-enabled sensors and switches can be installed according to the individual needs of the tenants. Similarly, a smart home system that uses KNX can be expanded at any time with self-powered wireless solutions – for example, supported housing for the elderly (Ambient Assisted Living) or for advanced comfort and safety features in their own home.

Clear channel structure

All devices have a channel structure. The KNX ENO 634 has 32 channels that can be individually configured with the ETS software via the KNX bus. To teach-in the EnOcean devices, the gateway has a graphical display with backlight, which is easy to read even in the dark. It shows for each channel the channel number and the corresponding name set as parameters in the ETS. In addition, an icon representing the EnOcean profile of the channel and its function. In normal operation, the display shows the channel assignment and the signal strength for each received radio telegram.

PC access with comfort

Optionally a Windows program allows the convenient operation of the unit from a PC. Thus, the configuration and the RF links can be read. The links can be edited and saved using the tool. The program also offers a remote control function. Thus, a gateway can be set, for example, in the learning mode to train further wireless sensors.

The bus at a glance

With special assistance during commissioning of the gateways there is an integrated bus monitor for both EnOcean and for KNX telegrams. In addition, the devices are equipped with a radio repeater. For an optimum connection, the radio antenna is integrated in the circuit board. Power is supplied via the KNX bus.