Digitalstrom technology makes electric loads listen, talk and act
It looks like a simple terminal, but actually it is a computer: The basic building block of the digitalstrom concept contains an 8-bit AVR microcontroller along with a proprietary communications controller. These smart terminals are switches into the supply line and make the downstream appliance smart: Its status can be read, it can be switched on or off, and, if it is dimmable, it can be dimmed from any place within the home or even by a smartphone from anywhere in the world (provided the appropriate app is installed). For every basic appliance type (luminaire, roller shutter / sun blind, emergency, and access) there is a different type of smart terminal with individual and global programmable functions. Likewise, motion, smoke, or rain detectors can be integrated into the system and trigger specific, defined actions.
Fig. 1: They look like dumb terminals, but actually they are tiny computers. In the digitalstrom world, a yellow terminal is dedeicated to lighting applications, red is for safety / security applications, green means access control.
The terminal block computers communicate through a proprietary powerline communications scheme with one or several servers which have the size of a packet of cigarettes and are located in the fuse box. Called digitalstrom Meter in the digitalstrom terminology, these servers assume the role of the communication centre in digitalstrom’s master/slave architecture. One server can connect via a protocol similar to DHCP to up to 128 slaves. In addition, the servers run the TCP/IP protocol stack to connect the smart home to the internet, effectively turning smartphones or tablet computers into remote controls. The server also runs a variety of apps provided by digitalstrom. Functions include clock timer, event messages or setting up specific user-defined scenarios. Appliances and devices can be connected at the discretion of the user.
In the digitalstrom network, all nodes are within reach from anywhere; there are no limitations as to the implementation of functions as long as they comply with the physics of that device (a refrigerator cannot be dimmed, for example). In addition, the digitalstrom Meter captures the energy consumption of defined areas within a flat as well as the total energy consumption, thus enabling smart power tracking and controlling applications. What’s more, the company provides a "dashboard app" that enables the user to configure, monitor and control the installation in his home.
Fig.2: The digitalstrom servers reside in the fuse box and connect the system to the outside world.
Launched in 2011 in Switzerland and Germany by digitalstrom owner company Aizo AG, the system is currently proliferating across South and East Europe as well as Turkey. At the IFA consumer electronics trade fair in September in Berlin, the company plans to introduce its latest products and system extensions. And though the centre of gravity of the digitalstrom world lies in Central and East Europe, it is increasingly becoming relevant for further countries: As the next strategic step, the company plans to expand to the United Kingdom, digitalstrom CEO Martin Vesper explained to eeNews Europe.
For more information visit www.digitalstrom.com
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