Essex-based electrical equipment maker
MK Electric
has announced wireless light switches based on self-generating
technology from Germany's EnOcean.
"The Echo range harvests tiny amounts of ambient energy to
wirelessly operate lighting at ranges of up to 30m within
buildings," said MK.
Receivers are wired to the light fitting.
Within each switch is an EnOcean-made module (see
bottom picture) which included a magnet-based electromechanical
generator.
"The switch is simply aligned to the receiver by setting it into
'learn mode' and pressing the rocker," said MK. "The switch is now
wirelessly dedicated to the fixture in question. One receiver can
be programmed so it can be operated by up to 30 switches while,
conversely, any number of receivers can be activated by a single
switch."
Where signals may be obstructed, repeater units will be
available.
Siemens spin-out EnOcean has proprietary radio technology
operating in the License-free 868MHz frequency band with a 1 per
cent duty cycle.
Messages, dubbed 'telegrams' last 1ms and include a 32bit
address with data passed at 125kbit/s using amplitude shift
keying.
EnOcean's receiver modules including mains control are
47x30x35mm and consume 1.3W maximum.
See also:
Q5 interview - Graham Martin, EnOcean
Alliance
MK is introducing a range of stick-on wireless light
switches and corresponding receivers.
Within each switch is an EnOcean-made
module