What Is a DALI Lighting Controller?
DALI (Digital Addressable Lighting Interface) is a digital lighting control protocol standardized under IEC 62386. Unlike 0-10V, which only adjusts overall dim level via an analog signal, DALI allows individual addressing of each driver on a shared 2-wire bus, enabling independent control, group assignments, scene storage, and real-time status feedback from each device.
A DALI controller sits between the control layer (app, BMS, sensor) and the LED drivers, translating commands from multiple sources into DALI signals on the bus. Every product in this category integrates Casambi Bluetooth, eliminating the need for dedicated control wiring back to a central panel.
Basic DALI System Architecture
A DALI system operates across three layers:
Control layer: Casambi app, BMS, occupancy sensors, daylight sensors. Commands sent over Bluetooth or Ethernet.
Controller layer: CBU modules (CBU-A2D, CBU-ASD) or gateways, translating commands to DALI and powering the bus.
Driver layer: DALI LED drivers (DT6, DT8 CCT/RGB/XY) receiving commands from the bus and adjusting light output.
The DALI bus uses 2 non-polarity wires, supports up to 64 devices per segment, and operates at 9.5-22.5 VDC. Each device is assigned a short address (0-63) during commissioning.
DALI vs. 0-10V
0-10V: Analog signal for dim level only. No addressing, no feedback, no fault detection.
DALI: Digital, individually addressed, bi-directional (controller reads device status and faults), scene storage on driver, DALI-2 compatible (IEC 62386 Ed.2).
In practice, projects with 20 or more luminaires typically choose DALI for its fault monitoring capability and commissioning flexibility, which 0-10V cannot provide.
Why Choose a Casambi-Integrated Controller?
Controllers in this category combine DALI with Casambi Bluetooth mesh, delivering practical advantages on the job:
No separate control wiring required, reducing installation cost and time.
Wireless control via Casambi app (iOS/Android) without a central hub.
Each module acts as both controller and mesh repeater, extending coverage as more units are added.
BMS integration via Casambi Gateway (BACnet/IP, Modbus TCP) when project specs require it.
Full DALI DT8 support: Tunable White, RGB, RGBW, XY color on a single platform.
Choosing the Right Product
The right controller depends on the driver protocol available in your project and the control requirements:
0-10V or mixed 0-10V + DALI drivers: CBU-A2D, 2 independent channels, Standalone DALI with no external PSU needed.
DALI-only drivers, single-channel: CBU-ASD, DALI only, smaller footprint, lower cost.
BMS integration or full building management: Casambi Gateway combined with CBU series modules.
Contact KNXStore for advice on the right product and fixture profile for your project: hotline 0918.918.755 or email sales@knxstore.vn.