The Zhaga Consortium recently announced publication of Version 2.0 of its Book 18 specifications for the mechanical, electrical, and communication interfaces between luminaires and sensors and/or communication modules. This includes details for a solution with two modules.
Book 18 2.0 brings together complementary specifications from the Zhaga Consortium and the D4i specifications from the Digital Illumination Interface Alliance (DiiA). Zhaga and DiiA have collaborated to achieve true plug-and-play interoperability, a strong benefit for specifiers, purchasers, installers and end users.
A plug-and-play, socket-based connectivity system makes it easy to add or upgrade sensors and/or communication modules, which in turn enables luminaires to keep pace with rapid developments in digital networking and sensing technology while module makers can continue to innovate and diversify using an open global interface standard. By replacing the module rather than the entire luminaire, the luminaire is future-proofed, an essential requirement in Smart City lighting.
The new Zhaga-D4i certification is available for LED luminaires that have a powered Zhaga Book 18 receptacle and use LED control gears meeting the D4i requirements. Luminaires can now be certified by Dekra and Intertek, as the Zhaga accredited test centres. Luminaire OEMs intending to develop products for Zhaga-D4i certification benefit from the availability of Zhaga-certified receptacles and D4i-certified LED control gears from a number of vendors.
The certification of Zhaga-D4i modules, i.e. sensors and/or communication devices with a Zhaga Book 18 plug and D4i compatibility, is expected to begin in the first months of 2020.
