What does EIB (KNX) stand for?

On this page, we would like to bring you some facts about the topic EIB, by describing and representing you the basic functions more exactly.

EIB (European installation bus) is a decentralized developed bus system for the range of application building and Homeautomation. Each participant (sensor, actuator) has its own micro CONTROLLER with appropriate memory modules such as ROM, RAM and EEPROM. A central controller is not necessary, and this is why it can't come to a total failures of the system if the master is out of order. In order to be clearly recognized, each participant needs a clear physical address in the whole EIB net Installation. With help of this physical Adress the unit is programmed by the development tool ETS2 / ETS3 (EIB Tool software). The participant receives manufacturer-specific data, like function program (applications), parameter and destination addresses (group addresses) and stores these information durably in the EEPROM. The EIB participant is connected by a common bus (Twisted twisted-Pair line twisted 2-Wire line), over which the participants communicate with one another and exchange data. Voltage supply (28V DC) is likewise transferred over the common Twisted twisted-Pair line. Altogether thus only one conductor is needed for the supply and the data transfer. Each sensor sends a telegram with appropriate useful information (event-oriented bus traffic) if a change in status (manipulation, change physical dimension such as temperature, brightness, wind velocity, etc..) takes place. All participants, who are attached at the bus, monitor this useful information and that or the participants, which possesses the same group address (logical or function address), react to the telegram with the appropriate actuator function (switch on Lights, set Roomtemperatures, starts or stops shutters drives, etc.).

Arguments for the EIB

Simple planning and future security of the EIB Installation

• Several thousand projects were equipped since 1991 with this system, both in the functional structure as well as in the housing.
• Extension and changes on customer's request are possible by just changing Parameters and Apllications in the EIB Units.
• Compatible products of over 100 manufacturers - all certified by the EIBA.
• Compatibility of all products also in the future.
• Effective planning support.
• Simple and uniform wiring.
• Fewer control lines.
• Shorter assembling times.
• Shorter development times.
• High flexibility when changing your room layout
• Simple extension of the system.

For operators and investors the question of the use and/or the advantages of the installation bus EIB in relation to the conventional building installation is one of the most importent descission. On the one hand there are higher costs for the first installation but after changing the room layout for multiple Times, you will see, that the it will be profitable. And another substantial advantages will be the cost for Energy consumption in your Installation, because energy saving becomes increasingly more important and with the help of EIB you can always optimize your Installation at any time.
The EIB helps to optimize in simple way the energy employment:

• Lighting is switched on only, where it is needed.
• Areas are heated only if they are used.
• more favorable tariffs can be taken up by even net extent of utilization.

• Here the fact in short form:
• Lighting functions
• Energy cost optimization
• Remote control
• Safety functions
• Advantages by EIB Central functions