The KNX bus system
Manual for the training case KNX
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4.3.2
System devices
KNX system devices are devices that predominantly perform special tasks, e.g.
Structuring of KNX topology
Power supply
Programming
4.4
What can KNX be used for?
The KNX bus controls the lighting and blinds or shading devices, the heating, as
well as the locking and alarm system of the building. KNX can also be used for
remote monitoring and control of a building. Control is performed by the user or
by a computer, which is equipped with the appropriate software. Originally
focussed on commercial buildings, KNX is increasingly being used in residential
buildings and especially single-family homes.
A control device, called "actuator", is installed between the consumer (e.g.
electrical appliance, lamp, window opener, etc.) and the Mains voltage. The
actuator is connected to the KNX bus and receives data from it in the form of
Telegrams. These telegrams come either directly from a sensor (e.g. switch,
brightness, temperature or CO2 sensor) or indirectly from a computer, which
controls time-controlled circuits and other evaluations of sensor data,
depending on the programming, and controls actuators accordingly.
If an actuator receives the command to supply voltage to the consumer, it
switches the mains voltage through to the device.
4.5
ETS software
A single manufacturer-independent engineering tool software ETS® allows
planning, configuration and commissioning of all KNX-certified products. The
tool allows the system integrator to combine different applications with
products from different manufacturers in one installation.
4.5.1
Tasks of the ETS
Usually, a KNX system is configured in S-mode, i.e. by using a computer and the
ETS installed on it. Here, the ETS is used to edit the application programmes
provided by the manufacturers for their products. Among other things, the
following can be done:
Downloading the manufacturer's application programmes from the
Internet (online catalogue) or from the database provided by the
manufacturer (e.g. via their website).
Setting the parameters of the application programmes.
Connecting the appropriate communication objects of the individual
application programmes by means of group addresses.
