Issue link: https://resources.mouser.com/i/1442793
18 Today's LED lighting does much more than illuminate otherwise dark spaces. When combined with low voltage IP-based infrastructure in a connected intelligent network, LED lighting becomes part of a powerful network of systems that work cooperatively to collect, analyze, manage, control, and respond to set objectives and real-time sensor feedback. The resulting "smart building" is more holistic in its operational performance because it can dynamically respond to operating issues, thereby increasing efficiency and saving both power and costs. How does integrated intelligent lighting work with other systems? And what technologies are needed to integrate systems and maximize benefits? This article explores connected intelligent lighting and discusses infrastructure technologies. Intelligent LED Lighting Networks The basic premise behind connected intelligent LED networks is to have lighting control go from a centralized and relatively universal approach across a large area of the building space and to change it over to a solution that's tailored to the specific needs of smaller segments within the building. What's more, because the lighting is part of an intelligent network, the lighting integrates with—and can respond to—other components on the network. This is especially valuable in commercial office buildings, healthcare facilities, warehouses, manufacturing and industrial facilities, and similar large or multipurpose spaces where a one-size-fits-all approach is ineffective or inefficient. Imagine a building that's controlled through automated heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC). The HVAC monitors and adjusts the temperature to make the surroundings suitable for human comfort and machine performance, as well as optimal efficiencies and cost. A connected intelligent LED lighting network would allow lighting to be synchronized into this same set of objectives. This actively couples lighting response with environmental climate control. As a result, connected intelligent lighting networks increase the ability for the network users to adjust the light to increase human productivity, positive mood, concentration, and well-being. It can respond to potential advantages achieved by adjusting the light in synchronization with the natural human circadian cycle and additionally by reducing or increasing the required light depending on the amount of sunlight coming through external windows. LED Lighting and PoE The key technology behind intelligent LED lighting networks is Power over Ethernet (PoE), which brings the low-voltage cabling and equipment that connect Internet of Things (IoT) assets to LED fixtures. PoE is simple and available because of the success of IP-based infrastructure platforms. By using PoE as the artery of the LED lighting power and control system, lighting is incorporated into the building as an IoT asset. Besides the tremendous advantage of providing power and data over a single-layer infrastructure, PoE is also less costly than copper Connected Intelligent LED Lighting Networks: Intelligent Lighting Integrated Within Smart Buildings By Paul Golata, Mouser Electronics