Domotics and Building Automation Fundamentals

Understanding Building Automation (Domotics)

Domotics refers to the addition of technology to equipment and buildings, enabling our homes to use technology to manage various appliances.

Building automation technology uses domotics applied to buildings in the tertiary sector (industry).

Features and Benefits

Features

• Ease of use
• Flexibility
• Interconnectivity

Benefits

• Energy savings
• User comfort
• Personal safety
• Optimization of communication networks

Key Components in Building Automation

• Residential Gateway: Device that enables communication between external networks and internal telecommunications within the housing.
• Sensor: Composite of transducer, signal conditioning, and output stage. Can be analog, digital, or on-off.
• Transducer: Device capable of detecting a physical quantity and translating its value into an electrical signal.
• Actuator: Output element used by the control system to act on certain devices.

System Architectures and Control

System Types

• Centralized (e.g., Simon VIS)
• Decentralized (e.g., KNX)
• Distributed (e.g., X10)

Control System Components

• CPU
• RAM
• ROM
• EEPROM

Network Topologies

• Star network
• Ring network
• Bus network

Communication Technologies

Twisted Pair Cabling

• UTP (Unshielded Twisted Pair): Braided cables coated with a common insulator. Unshielded.
• FTP (Foiled Twisted Pair): Mesh for each pair and a common mesh.

Communication Protocols

A communication protocol defines all format standards that govern the exchange of information between devices.

• KNX: Developed from EIBA-union 1999, BCI, EHSA. Uses twisted pair, carrier wave, ethernet, or radiofrequency as transmission medium.
• X10: The oldest protocol (1976), uses electrical wiring.
• LonWorks: 1992, decentralized, used for industries, transmits via TP (Twisted Pair), Electric Cable, Radio, Coaxial.

Specific Protocol Details: X10

X10 Signal Structure

Uses binary codes, impulses sent in bursts (trains), 120 pulses at 120 kHz, transmitted over the mains at 0º, 60º, and 120º phase crossings. A command consists of start bits (4 digits), house code (A-P), numeric code (1-16), and function (on/off).

X10 Components

• Filter
• Tester
• Amplifier
• Coupler
• AW, SW, LW (likely specific module types)
• Available in DIN rail, plug-in, or built-in formats
• Controller
• Micro-module (4-6)
• Interface

Specific System Details: Simon VIS

Simon VIS: Centralized control system. It is modular, with a power source feeding input and output modules. It functions as a programmable controller.

Control Module: 24V powered, includes battery backup, RS485 and RS232 interfaces, typically 8 inputs and 16 outputs (expandable up to 128 inputs and outputs).