What is the KNX system?

KNX Standard

KNX, an abbreviation of Konnex, is an open standard (see EN 50090, ISO/IEC 14543) for commercial and domestic building automation. KNX devices can manage lighting, blinds and shutters, HVAC, security systems, energy management, audio video, white goods, displays, remote control, etc. KNX evolved from three earlier standards; the European Home Systems Protocol (EHS), BatiBUS, and the European Installation Bus (EIB or Instabus).

KNX Architecture

KNX devices are commonly connected by a twisted pair cable and can be modified from a controller. The bus is routed in parallel to the electrical power supply to all devices and systems on the network:

1. Sensors  (e.g. push buttons, thermostats, anemometers, movement) gather information and send it on the bus as a data telegram;
2. Actuators (dimming units, heating valves, displays) receive data telegrams which are then converted into actions; and
3. System devices and components (line couplers, backbone couplers)