System Introduction

KNX technology: the world's first open, royalty-free and platform independent standard for home & building control, approved as a European (EN 50090 - EN 13321-1) and a Worldwide standard (ISO/IEC 14543).

The KNX standard is an open home and building controls network:

This standard is based on the communication stack of EIB but extended with additional physical layers, configuration modes as well as the application experience of BatiBUS and EHS.

As KNX was not designed from scratch but bases on more than 10 years of experience of its legacy systems (Batibus, EIB and EHS), KNX is a truly unique standard for Home and Building Control.

The KNX standard includes 3 different configuration modes and so far 4 different types of media, on which KNX can be transported.

As far as the configuration modes are concerned, S(system) and E(asy)-Mode caters respectively for the need of KNX qualified contractors and contractors with basic KNX knowledge: via these configuration modes, contractors can design, commission and trouble-shoot KNX installations according to the building owner's wishes. The Automatic configuration mode (A-Mode) is intended for the configuration of domestic appliances, such as washing-machine or fridge, plugged in and automatically configured even by the non KNX qualified end customer or home/building owner.

Owing to the 4 different supported media types in the KNX Standard, installers can use the media best suited for the transport of KNX messages (e.g. Twisted Pair in new installations, Power Line or Radio Frequency in renovations or retrofit). KNX messages can even be transported inside IP messages: KNX and Internet can in this way be easily linked. 

In view of the above KNX allows each installer to choose the configuration that meets his qualifications and the building owner the KNX solutions that meet his desired building functionality.

KNX One Standard

The versatile KNX standard as regards configuration modes and supported media offers KNX members the possibility to differentiate their product offer according to the needs of the markets in which they operate. Depending on the installation customs, KNX products allowing Easy configuration might in some countries be more ideal to market KNX than configuration via PC based configuration (ETS) or vice versa. For manufacturers marketing loose goods like household appliances, auto configuration of KNX devices and transport of KNX messages on an existing network is in most cases a must.

In view of its diversity, also for service providers (e.g. telecom operators, utilities, ...) KNX has a lot to offer. KNX is a way to extend their offer towards their customers as part of their e-services.

From the above, it should be clear that the KNX Standard offers a lot of opportunities to a lot of different people directly and indirectly involved in Home and Building Electronic Systems.