As a control solution, DALI is both reliable and flexible. In our previous blog we explained how this protocol was developed and that the abbreviation DALI stands for Digital Addressable Lighting Interface.

DALI is a digital signal with that allows fixtures from different manufacturers to be controlled in the same way and within one system. However, there are limits to what DALI can do. It is a robust protocol, but the first version was quite limited. That’s why DALI 2.0 was developed.

DALI 2.0 is an improved version of the original protocol. The first DALI was really only suitable for switching lights on and off and for dimming. In addition, it was only compatible with single color fixtures. DALI 1.0 is not at all suitable for tunable white.

DALI 2.0 fixes these limitations. To achieve tunable white, it uses the DT6 or DT8 protocol. DT6 requires two drivers or ballasts. With DT8 there is only one ballast, but it controls two or more channels to mix the color temperature.

DALI 2.0 also makes it possible to integrate sensors into a lighting solution, such as a daylight sensor or presence sensor. The 2.0-protocol therefore allows for the artificial light to follow the natural course of the daylight. In other words: human centric lighting. This makes DALI 2.0 suitable for a future in which both companies and consumers will demand more from their lighting solutions, on top of their primary function of illuminating the surroundings.

In our next blog, you’ll learn more about turning DALI’s digital signal into a wireless control solution when we discuss DALI Broadcast.