Zhaga approves Book 25, “NFC Readers with Bluetooth interface for in-field programming”

This new Zhaga specification defines a Bluetooth Low Energy communication protocol for the communication between the field-maintenance application on a smart device and the NFC reader.

Together with Book 24, which describes the programming of luminaire components using NFC, these specifications solve the data management problems of smart luminaires with interoperable maintenance tools enabling configurable luminaires easy to service over their entire lifecycle.

An increasing number of lighting applications requires reading out parameters and changing of settings of LED drivers in the field.

Manufacturers of LED luminaires currently use a variety of methods for in field programming. Zhaga gives installers, system integrators and utility companies the option to select only one programming tool which works with all field-maintenance applications from all vendors implementing Book 25 and all NFC-programmable devices implementing Book 24.

Zhaga Book 25 builds on Book 24 “Programming of luminaire components using NFC”, and adds mobile NFC Readers with a Bluetooth Low Energy interface.

It enables maintenance and replaceability with a cross vendor harmonized method of NFC programming for in-field use.

The specification defines a Bluetooth Low Energy GATT-Service which NFC Reader manufacturers can implement for the communication between the field-maintenance application on a smart device (cell phone, tablet, etc.) and the NFC reader.

This allows the field-maintenance application to read and write parameters on NFC enabled LED drivers without the need for a cable-based connection.

Field maintenance with Book 25 may also be used for other components requiring programming, such as sensors or connectivity nodes.

Zhaga has also developed the Zhaga-NFC certification program for Book 24 and Book 25 which is available for Regular and Associate Zhaga members and is provided by Zhaga accredited test centers listed on the Zhaga website. Only certified NFC readers and NFC-programmable devices can carry the Zhaga-NFC logo.

This certification builds trust in the interoperability of components.

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), connectors and sensor and/or wireless communication modules. 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 zhagastandard.org.