The latest KNX IoT standard offers developers a unified approach to connecting building control devices, making buildings intelligent and energy efficient through reliable, secure and interoperable connectivity.
The KNX standard has been used in buildings for decades to connect devices using a standard communication protocol. As the Internet of Things (IoT) for buildings continues to expand, the KNX Association created the KNX IoT standard for secure wireless and wired connectivity to KNX. The KNX IoT standard securely connects building devices using IPv6 connections while providing backward compatibility with existing KNX wired networks. Like Matter, KNX IoT is an application layer protocol, which supports any IPv6 network, including Wi-Fi, Thread and Ethernet. By leveraging IPv6, KNX IoT provides built-in network security and easier Internet connectivity.
Another key aspect of KNX IoT is support for the Engineering Tool Software (ETS) configuration tool. With support for over 8000 products from over 500 manufacturers, ETS enables installers to map out and plan the building’s configuration. The tool then programs every device that will be installed in the building according to the installation plan, greatly reducing the complexity of a new installation.
Many building systems need to deploy multiple battery-operated devices. Thread provides a mesh network that ensures both low-power operation and robust connectivity. Because Thread is IPv6 based, border router devices can easily connect Thread devices to the Internet. By utilizing both Thread and Wi-Fi network, developers have a complete solution for wireless connectivity throughout the building.
In collaboration with the KNX Association, NXP is developing an open source KNX IoT stack with full support for ETS. Today, examples of KNX IoT over Thread using a closed-source stack are available on the Application Code Hub . Building upon these examples, NXP’s broad wireless portfolio provides solutions for both.
As shown in the diagram below, NXP’s
MCX W71 Wireless MCU enables Thread connected devices, such as actuators or light bulbs. The
RW612 Tri-Radio Wi-Fi 6 MCU
provides Thread and Wi-Fi connectivity. This also demonstrates how the
RW612 acts as a Thread border router, connecting the Thread sensor to an Internet connected computer over Wi-Fi.
NXP’s KNX IoT demo using an RW612 as a Thread border router to connect the MCX W71 KNX IoT over Thread sensor to the PC running KNX IoT over Wi-Fi.
With new energy efficiency regulations and higher tenant expectations, building owners are looking for innovative solutions to make buildings smarter and more connected. KNX IoT will help make the vision of intelligent, efficient buildings a reality through secure, interoperable device connections.
