The science behind wireless control
Key to flawless performance for Casambi Ready products is ensuring that RF signals can travel effectively between devices. Here are our top tips for achieving this.
Wireless control technology has transformed how we manage lighting and other systems, making it far simpler, more efficient and human-centric than ever before. Casambi is proud to be at the forefront of this field, using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) to enable seamless communication between people and their lighting devices connected through a wireless mesh network. But what exactly is the science behind this wireless magic?
At the heart of Casambi’s system is the use of radio frequency (RF) signals—specifically, a 2.4 GHz BLE signal. RF signals don’t travel in a straight line like lasers. They radiate outward in all directions, much like ripples in water. When these RF signals travel, they encounter obstacles such as walls, furniture, or even the materials that make up the devices themselves. Much like water waves hitting a rock, these radio waves can bend (a process called diffraction), weaken, or get blocked depending on the size of the obstacle. The stronger the material and the thicker it is, the more it impacts the signal.
With this in mind, Casambi-enabled devices are like team players. They don’t just send and receive signals to your mobile phone; they also communicate with each other, forming a “mesh” of connections. This means they don’t rely on a single hub and can work together, improving the range and reliability of the entire system.
Casambification is easy.
You can easily retrofit existing fixtures with our CBU units. Or you can choose a Casambi Ready fixture which already comes with our chip integrated. Then enhance your setup with Casambi Ready switches and sensors, and configure everything using Casambi’s control apps.
Casambi is an open ecosystem, meaning that lighting manufacturers can integrate our wireless technology into their own products to create unique Casambi Ready solutions. We provide a free service to support product development, guiding OEMs through the process of integrating our chips into their hardware designs.
The most crucial aspect of any Casambi project is radio performance. Ensuring that RF signals can travel effectively between devices is key to delivering the reliable wireless control that makes Casambi unique. Here are our top three tips for optimizing your Casambi Ready product:
1) Mind the metals!
Keep Casambi CBU units away from metal enclosures. Metal can significantly block RF signals, reducing communication range. If you must place a unit near metal, leave large openings to allow the signal to pass through. Metal can also be used to bounce and amplify RF signals… It’s all about how you shape it!
2) Optimize antenna placement
When designing your hardware to incorporate our chip, ensure the antenna is positioned to avoid interference from nearby components. Keeping it as far from metal or dense materials as possible will greatly enhance signal performance.
3) Test, Test, Test
Don’t just assume your design will work well; put it through its paces. Test your design under real-world conditions, trying different angles, distances, and locations. We can help!
Wireless control is a dynamic and rapidly evolving field. If you’re ready to bring the future to your lighting systems, Casambi provides the perfect tools to do so. With a clear understanding of how RF signals behave, the right design considerations, and smart testing, you can create powerful, efficient, and reliable Casambi Ready products. With over 1,000 interoperable products already in the Casambi ecosystem, will yours be the next to join the network?
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