On-Off
A fundamental control method based on simple binary operation: power is either supplied to the luminaire or interrupted. Typically managed via a wall-mounted switch or relay, ON/OFF control does not support dimming or modulation of output intensity. It’s highly reliable, universally supported, and best suited for applications where fixed light output is acceptable or preferable.
Phase Cut
Phase-cut dimming is a traditional method for controlling the brightness of incandescent and halogen lamps, now also adapted for some LED drivers. It works by modifying the AC power waveform, effectively cutting part of the voltage sine wave to reduce the power delivered to the light source.
By “chopping” the waveform, the lamp receives less power, resulting in dimmed light output. However, phase-cut dimming was designed originally for resistive loads, like filament bulbs, and can cause issues with modern LED technology such as flickering, buzzing, or reduced lifespan when the LED drivers are not fully compatible.
Despite these limitations, phase-cut dimming remains widely used due to the large installed base of dimmer switches and infrastructure, especially in residential and commercial retrofit applications.
Modern lighting systems tend to move toward digital dimming protocols (like DALI or wireless controls) that offer more precise, flicker-free, and flexible lighting control.
Digital Addressable Light interface-"DALI"
DALI – Digital Precision in Light Control
DALI (Digital Addressable Lighting Interface) is a globally standardized (IEC 62386) digital communication protocol designed specifically for advanced lighting control. Unlike analog or phase-cut dimming methods, DALI enables precise, two-way communication between control devices and individual light fixtures, offering numerous advantages for both installers and end users.
Key Benefits of DALI Control:
- Individual Addressability and Grouping
Each DALI-compatible fixture can be individually addressed, allowing fine-grained control of every luminaire in the system. Fixtures can also be grouped into logical zones or scenes, making it simple to manage lighting in complex environments like offices, hotels, galleries, or smart homes—without altering physical wiring. - Smooth, Flicker-Free Dimming
DALI enables smooth dimming curves down to very low light levels without flickering or stepping, making it ideal for environments where comfort, ambiance, or precision light levels are critical. - Two-Way Communication
Unlike traditional systems, DALI luminaires can send feedback to the controller. This includes real-time status reports (e.g., on/off state, dimming level), error messages, or maintenance alerts, allowing for predictive maintenance and better energy management. - Scalability and Flexibility
A DALI system can start small—with just a few fixtures—and scale up as needed. It’s ideal for both new builds and retrofits, with minimal infrastructure requirements. The system supports dynamic scene-setting, automated schedules, and integration with daylight or motion sensors for enhanced efficiency. - Integration-Ready
DALI can be integrated into building management systems (BMS) and works well with automation protocols. It supports scene recall, fade times, and conditional behaviors, offering intelligent control beyond basic on/off functionality. - Energy Efficiency and Sustainability
By enabling granular control and integration with smart sensors, DALI systems help reduce energy consumption and support green building certifications such as LEED or BREEAM. - Robust and Reliable
Operating on a low-voltage, polarity-free two-wire bus, DALI wiring is straightforward and resistant to installation errors. Its reliability and resilience make it a preferred choice for professional-grade lighting systems.
Casambi
A wireless lighting control system based on Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Casambi allows intuitive, decentralized control of lighting fixtures without the need for additional wiring or gateways. Each luminaire includes a Casambi-compatible module that forms part of a mesh network, where every device communicates with the others, ensuring system stability and extended range.
Casambi enables seamless on/off, dimming, and scene programming directly from smartphones, tablets, or dedicated wireless wall switches. Users can easily configure time-based actions, presence-based automation, or daylight harvesting through the app, offering a highly customizable experience without the complexity of traditional control systems.
One of Casambi’s key advantages is its interoperability—the system supports a wide ecosystem of devices from various manufacturers, all managed through a single intuitive platform. This makes it especially suitable for both retrofit and new build projects, where wiring constraints or aesthetic considerations require a flexible, invisible solution.
Casambi systems can be controlled via:
- The Casambi mobile app (iOS and Android)
- Dedicated wireless push-buttons or wall panels
- Remote cloud access (optional for advanced use cases)
- Integration with building automation systems via gateways
The system is self-healing and scalable, from a single room to an entire building, while maintaining low latency and high reliability. Firmware updates are wireless and managed directly through the app, ensuring longevity and upgradability.
Matter
Matter is an emerging, open-source connectivity standard developed by the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA), backed by major industry players like Apple, Google, Amazon, and Samsung. It is designed to ensure seamless, secure, and reliable communication between smart home devices across ecosystems, regardless of brand or manufacturer.
In the context of lighting, Matter-enabled fixtures can be integrated natively into Smart Home platforms such as Apple HomeKit, Google Home, Amazon Alexa, and Samsung SmartThings, without the need for proprietary hubs or bridges. This gives users the freedom to control their lights using their preferred ecosystem, with voice commands, smartphone apps, or home automation routines.
Lighting devices using Matter can support:
- On/off switching
- Dimming
- Color and color temperature control
- Scene assignment and scheduling
- Multi-admin support, allowing control from multiple ecosystems simultaneously
Matter operates primarily over Thread (a low-power, IPv6-based mesh networking protocol), ensuring both responsiveness and network resilience. When implemented over Thread, Matter offers increased speed, low latency, and robust mesh networking—especially valuable in large installations or homes with many devices.
A key benefit of Matter is its interoperability and future-proofing. Devices certified for Matter are designed to work securely across platforms and receive over-the-air updates, extending their lifecycle and capabilities over time.
For users, this means:
- Simple setup via QR code scanning
- Reliable local control, even without internet access
- Enhanced privacy and security, as data is kept within the local network
- For professionals and system integrators, Matter offers a standardized protocol that simplifies integration, reduces compatibility issues, and supports broader customer preferences with a single hardware base.
Supported Platforms:
- Apple HomeKit: Native Matter support on iOS and macOS for unified device control.
- Amazon Alexa: Voice commands and routines managing Matter devices.
- Google Assistant: Smart home control via Google Home app and Assistant voice.
- Samsung SmartThings: Centralized control and automation hub.
- Other Hubs & Apps: Many third-party smart home hubs and apps are adopting Matter compatibility.
