Zhaga announces plans to evolve towards interface specifications for interoperable components serving the IoT and the service economy

PISCATAWAY, N.J., Sept. 06, 2017 -- The Zhaga Consortium, a global association of lighting companies that is standardizing interfaces of components of LED luminaires, today announced it has plans to evolve its technical mission towards interface specifications for interoperable components. This step will answer the Industry’s need for truly interoperable components, addressing new opportunities for growth in the lighting industry that come with the IoT and service economy.

As one aspect of its plans, Zhaga intends to expand its scope to include all relevant interfaces of smart LED luminaires, including the interfaces between the driver and the LED modules and sensors, as well as the data interfaces that will fuel the IoT. Another aspect of its plans entails an increased focus on users that are not lighting specialists. The purpose of the plans is to make it easier, e.g. for an installer but ultimately also for an end-customer, to find and replace components.

The development requirements and learnings of the Zhaga connectivity interface for outdoor luminaires, showed that simplifying in-field replacements is a key requirement in the digital era. Giovanni Scilla, Chair of the Zhaga Steering Committee, comments, “And this is also a key requirement for the indoor connectivity interface initiative that Zhaga is pursuing, or for replacing an LED module to service an installed luminaire. Making Zhaga components truly interoperable will reassure both experts and end-users, that replacements are possible and that your lighting system is upgradable and future proof.”

Dee Denteneer, Secretary General of the Zhaga Consortium, adds, “The plan will undoubtedly require us to redraft the Zhaga Consortium Agreement. We will ask current members to renew their commitments, and draw in new expertise via new members and via enhanced collaborations with other standards organizations.”

The plan will be further shaped during the remainder of 2017, with important decision making during the next Zhaga General Assembly in September in Vienna. Many key stakeholders are already involved, and many more will be approached. Interested parties are also encouraged to get in touch via the Zhaga Secretary General at [email protected].

About Zhaga

Zhaga is a global association of lighting companies that is standardizing interfaces of components of LED luminaires, including LED light engines, LED modules, LED arrays, holders, electronic control gear (LED drivers) and connectivity fit systems. This helps to streamline the LED lighting supply chain, and to simplify LED luminaire design and manufacturing. Zhaga continues to develop specifications based on the inter-related themes of interoperable components, smart and connected lighting, and serviceable luminaires. For more information, visit www.zhagastandard.org.

Contact

Dee Denteneer
Secretary General, Zhaga Consortium
Email:  [email protected]