Ten and one more way to control a smart home. Components of a smart home system, their purpose and operating principle

A person always strives to improve and modernize his home. It is the development of the “smart home” system that makes it possible to automate as much as possible all possible processes occurring in it. Due to this, the comfort and safety of an apartment or house is achieved. That is, a smart home is a multifunctional complex device of control systems that can operate both in autonomous (fully automatic mode) and manually. Recently, this set of devices has become increasingly popular, although it is quite expensive. The heart of any smart home is the so-called controller, which turns this entire complex mechanism into a unique network and it is this that distinguishes it from conventional automation based on electronic devices.

What does a smart home consist of?

Today there are many modifications and configurations of the smart home control system, it depends on:

What goals does the homeowner want to achieve?
Material opportunities;
The size and functionality of the house.

In any case, the main components of the system are:

The controller acts as a guiding and regulating mechanism between the input and output modulators. That is, the main connecting part between the managing person and the desired process;
Communication expansion systems include all kinds of routers, switches, GPS/GPRS modules;
Electrical circuit switching devices use them to turn on or off the desired mechanism or device. These are relays, power supplies, various dimmers;
Sensors and sensors, as well as measuring instruments of various directions. They can measure motion, temperature, light saturation, humidity, etc.;
Elements through which the entire system or its parts are directly controlled;
Mechanisms that implement the signal from the controller, that is, convert the electrical signal into one corresponding to the selected device. These are ventilation motors, roller shutters, water supply valves, lighting fixtures, heating elements, etc.

What is a control controller?

The heart of this system, the controller not only manages all consumers and devices included in the smart home system, but also sends a report to the owner about the state of this or that device at the moment. It can be programmed to perform various actions at the desired time interval or according to an approved switching schedule. The entire smart home system can operate autonomously, that is, without human intervention; communication with it occurs in several ways through:

Computer network;
Mobile phone;
By radio transmitter.

The choice of controller must be made depending on the architecture of the control system. That is, the whole complex can be:

Operating principle of the controller

The basic operating principle of the entire smart home system is based on the automation and control of all processes occurring in it. Initially, all controls are configured to independently turn on and off certain mechanisms that simplify a person’s life in the house. A smart home controller can perform and control tasks that are included in its program or were previously set by the user. In this case, feedback is required between the person managing the house and the controller. All systems that work with the controller have one or a group of sensors, and therefore the user can only select their operation mode, or simply disable their automatic operation. But how useful is all the information supplied from the controller is a question. Since some of them may be uninteresting to the average person who does not delve into the details of the system’s operation. Therefore, during the setup and installation of the entire smart home system, the owner must decide how automated it will be. Since, for example, not everyone needs to know the water pressure in the cold water main, or the voltage in the network.

Types of communication systems

Communication to control this rather complex system is an important component. There are several main types of communication:

Wireless local. This type of communication has a limited range and is carried out using a radio signal, Wi-Fi, or, in extreme cases, Bluetooth. Control is carried out from anywhere in the room or even the local area. However, if the house is multi-story and is also made of a material that performs a shielding function (sheathed with iron or even consists of concrete slabs with reinforcement), then special devices or additional radio points are installed that amplify the wireless signal;
Remote wireless communication. This is possible if the smart home controller is connected to global networks or communication expansion systems that provide constant access to them. These are networks such as GSM/GPRS, any mobile Internet. That is, even if there is no Internet, you can send or receive an SMS to your phone about the status of a particular system controlled by the controller. The main communication devices are a phone (smartphone), tablet or laptop.
Wired local. This is one of the outdated and outdated methods, but still has good reliability. Communication occurs via cable, twisted pair or electrical wiring. Any central or regional smart home controller has such a connection. Expansion of communications and functions occurs using a switch, which creates several branches. Control is carried out by pressing buttons on the control panel; it can be touch or mechanical. But sometimes you can make a connection through a computer, but this is not very convenient and mobility in control is lost.
Wired remote method. This is a rather expensive method, as it involves laying a large amount of cable products. And the further away the control unit is located, the more problematic its connection with the controller. Most often, this communication method is used not for private but for government organizations and structures to manage simple processes in buildings and surrounding areas. It is used extremely rarely for home use.

That is, the devices through which direct control occurs are most often included in the kit. They are graphic control panels with push-button or touch input, and they can also be remote controls tuned to the radio frequency of the transmitter. Control devices such as mobile phones, computers or tablets must, of course, be purchased separately. Communication through them and control occurs using a specially developed software control, which provides remote access via the Internet.

Basic configuration options

Constantly striving for perfection and automation, man invents more and more new mechanisms for this. This desire is also aimed at reducing the size of devices without losing their functional features.

For the controller that controls the mechanisms and for the entire smart home system, there are basic requirements:

automatism;
self-control;
clarity of control, without making mistakes.

The configuration options for any such system depend on many factors, which were already mentioned above, here are the options for systems that can be connected to the controller:

Adjustment and control of lighting both in the room itself and in the local area, and in places of architectural structures;
Climate control systems (air conditioning, ventilation, heating);
Closing and locking doors, gates and windows;
Audio systems, television, home cinema;
Control of curtains, blinds and sun blinds;
Water supply system;
Feeding pets and aquarium fish.

That is, it all depends on the client’s desire and his material capabilities.

Common brands of controllers

The quality of command execution and functionality of any smart home system directly depends on the controller and its manufacturer.

Aries

This smart home controller of the PLC 100 modification is a basic solution. A special feature of which is the use of the Modbus protocol. It is he who organizes the exchange of information between communication channels. The “Aries” controller is designed for the use and creation of automatic systems for residential buildings and cottages with no more than two storeys, street lighting, floor heating, and alarm devices. The logical controller is connected to the operator panel and the input/output device via the RS-485 interface. Programming is carried out by the owner himself, if, of course, he has such a desire. The menu consists of six informative control blocks, each of which is responsible for a specific segment. There is a function for sending SMS using the GSM controller element. Notification occurs in the event of a power supply emergency or malfunction of the power circuits of individual key elements of the smart home system.

VeraEdge

The Vera family model is distinguished by a large reserve of user trust, due to the use of their equipment in this industry for many years. The main advantages of this model are:

High performance;
Ergonomics;
Compactness;
Reliability.

The developers have used a new platform here that gives high performance indicators called SoC, its frequency is 600 MHz, and the RAM is increased to 128 MB. The main innovation is implemented on the Z-Wave Plus chip, which is the fifth generation of these chips. The user can simultaneously monitor and control mechanisms, the number of which has been increased to 200 devices. The VeraEdge controller is equipped with a communication module via Wi-Fi. One of the disadvantages that any system still has is the lack of an integrated uninterruptible power supply unit, which can be purchased and installed additionally.

Arduino

The Arduino controller offers a rather unusual, but quite logical solution for controlling a smart home. Some craftsmen easily carry out connection and installation with their own hands, this is possible due to the ease of working with it. The logic controller has very small dimensions. And also included are sensors, sensors, and all kinds of indicators. The developers have almost managed to bring the optimization of the device to perfection. All sensors have wireless communication and are characterized by minimal errors in operation, and control units are used that have an unusual appearance, with a convenient and unique web page. It is also available as a mobile application.

Siemens

These German quality systems are used not only to automate systems in everyday life, but also in production and industry. The controller of this company is represented by the LOGO line, which is involved in the creation of a “smart home”. This is a traditional two-component model. One of which is made in the form of a keyboard with a display and is an input/output system, and the second allows you to perform manipulations and connect to the controller through a convenient and reliable wired interface. The company also offers independent development of certain operating modes, for which a special Soft Comfort program is attached. When LOGO is used as a central controller, it can be used to create entire circuit operation algorithms. Constantly new introductions and modifications improve the performance of this device.

Pros and cons of controllers

The indisputable advantage of using controllers to control a home or premises is aimed at effectively solving various problems, as well as at reproducing the intellectual abilities of seemingly the simplest and most basic mechanisms. Homeowners are actually freed from many routine tasks. However, like every system, there are necessarily disadvantages. These include:

complexity of connection and introduction to work;
expensive maintenance and cost of all system elements.

However, development and technology do not stand still and one day every house or summer cottage will be equipped with a “smart home” system, just as literally a century ago people did not know about electricity, but now it exists in every home.

The term “smart home” today means the comprehensive introduction of high-tech devices into everyday life that provide a high level of comfort for residents. A distinctive feature of systems of this type is the maximum automation of a number of processes with minimal human participation. In addition, one of the criteria for a “smart home” is centralized management of all devices involved in the complex. The smart home system has a modular design and consists of functionally separated blocks with their full or partial integration into a single system. Each module is involved in performing strictly designated tasks, meanwhile, the blocks can interact with each other.

Possible modular content of a modern smart home system:

Central control controller, which combines other components and ensures their interaction. Such a controller can be either an industrial solution in the form of a complete device or a regular computer with appropriate software.
Climate system. It consists of heating and ventilation control units, ensuring the maintenance of a given microclimate in the room.
Lighting and switching control energy consumers.
KTSO(a set of technical security means). Includes a security and fire alarm system, a video surveillance system and modules for remote notification of the owner about alarm situations.
System of accounting, collection and storage of data. The tasks of the module include collecting information from metering devices, recording various events and providing data for analysis in order to assess the effectiveness of the entire complex.
Channels of connection. Networks operating with the TCP/IP protocol in wired or wireless versions are used as data transmission channels. To integrate devices with specialized interfaces into the network, appropriate converters are used.

Each of the above modules can be implemented using various hardware and software. The most common and frequently used solutions are as follows:

Control

As a management controller of a smart home system, the most justified is the use of an industrial single-board computer. Such computers are small in size, have low power consumption, lack mechanical parts (fans, hard drives) and run on open source software. The number and type of available interfaces can in most cases be changed and supplemented.

It is logical that independent programming of such devices requires certain skills and knowledge. Access to the controller is carried out over the network, using the WEB interface or client applications. There are also ready-made solutions designed to manage the entire complex and provide the user with a simple, user-friendly interface for configuration.

To control a smart home, it is convenient to use universal remote controls that support the execution of macros - ordered sets of actions. In this case, radio remote controls are more effective than IR remote controls, since they allow control outside the direct line of sight of the IR receiver. A more modern control panel can be a smartphone with specialized software installed on it.

Climate

Climate control is implemented by assessing the readings of temperature and humidity sensors. Based on the analysis of this data, heating is automatically adjusted, air conditioning, ventilation and humidification systems are turned on or off.

Lighting

This is implemented by installing light, presence, or combined sensors. If necessary, the control controller allows you to control the lighting according to a schedule. When using dimmer devices, not only discrete, but also smooth adjustment of the brightness of light sources is possible.

Security and safety

A security system may consist of several subsystems:

1. Security and fire alarm system (FS). Presence sensors are used as detection devices, reacting to the appearance of infrared radiation inherent in the human body in the controlled area. Magnetic contact sensors are installed to detect door opening. Fire safety is monitored by smoke, temperature and gas leakage sensors. Many modern fire alarm systems have a radio communication module that allows you to notify the owner using GSM or 3G networks. Often the alarm system allows the connection of any electrical appliances through a dry relay, which allows you to block the lock, turn on the lighting, siren, etc., upon an alarm signal. Sometimes the alarm system includes a humidity sensor, which allows timely detection of water leakage.

2. Access control system. It consists of an identification device, identifiers themselves (electronic keys, radio tags, fingerprint), a locking device (lock, barrier, automatic gate) and is designed to restrict access to a room or territory.

3. Video surveillance system. It is a complex consisting of video cameras and video signal processing and storage devices.

Data accounting and processing

In most cases, this functionality is implemented using a control controller using appropriate software.

Connection

The transport channel, as a rule, is a local network made using wired or wireless technology. To manage the network, a router is used to control all network devices and provide protection against unauthorized access to each of them. Modern high-speed data transmission technologies allow the simultaneous use of a network for exchanging information between computers, transmitting IP television signals, telephony, and operating smart home components.

In addition to the above, smart home systems often use devices that do not interact with the entire complex. These can be devices for automatic cleaning (robot vacuum cleaners), automatic watering systems for plants, feeding pets and much more. Despite the fact that such devices are autonomous, their integration with the system is quite possible by simply turning on or off the power supply with the control controller.

Video on the topic

Controlling a smart home via a smartphone can be amazing. Control system developers offer many solutions that are based on different standards, but have problems that are incompatible with each other and in most cases cause installation and installation difficulties. The practical application of smart technology shows its lack of understanding: after all, it stubbornly follows the established rules and with great difficulty accepts any exceptions to them. Thus, smart home control systems today are designed more for geeks than for mass market users.

Every phenomenon has the ability to change. Some start-up companies have recently brought to the market smart home control solutions that not only break the boundaries between established standards, but do not forget about user comfort and ease of control. Modern approaches such as remote access via the Internet or via a smartphone application are now being taken into account. The article on home control systems presents three such solutions: Qivicon and Homee (complete systems for home control), as well as Tado (a narrowly focused solution for controlling home heating). You won’t be able to buy them in Russian online stores yet, but they are fully functional on the territory of the Russian Federation, except that you will have to order them on European resources.

A smart home control system helps save money almost from day one, especially if it is used to control the heating of your home, so this fact will at least make you interested in automating the operation of equipment in your home.

Qivicon - a system for inexperienced users

Qivicon is Telekom's basic system for a smart home. The basis for inclusion in a home network is the Home Base device, which costs about 13,000 rubles, which connects to the router and provides communication between the components of a smart home. Configuration and management are carried out via a web interface (browser on a PC) or via a mobile application for a smartphone. Qivicon is open source, meaning it can theoretically be supported by any manufacturer. At the moment, Telekom has 30 partners, including classic smart home equipment eQ-З, Miele refrigerators, and controllable LED lamps. During use, it quickly became clear that the system was designed for an inexperienced user. The instructions included with each Home Base guide you step-by-step through the installation and configuration process. By the way, they all communicate with each other via a radio channel, and for installation in most cases it is enough to use double-sided tape. This will please those who rent a home or do not install any smart technology forever.

Qivicon allows you to monitor and control all actuators through a smartphone application, even when the owner is away from home.

The importance of connecting the system to the cloud

I note that all settings are saved in the cloud, which may confuse particularly cautious users. However, if you choose a truly strong password, it will be completely safe. In the event of a system failure, daily automatic backups allow you to quickly restore all configurations. And this is really important: during operation, quite a lot of time will pass until you are able to program suitable scenarios for the most important situations (working days, weekends, holidays, vacations).

Some tried-and-true fine-tuning is essential, otherwise the bathroom will be too cold in the mornings and the living room too hot in the evenings. If you lose such an individual heating plan for rooms, you will have to start setting it up from scratch. And that's not all: the magnetic contacts that automatically regulate the heating when the windows are open will also have to be reconfigured, as will the sockets in the living room that automatically turn off the power at night.

Cost of control systems

To enter this Qivicon world, there are starter packages that include the Home Base module and various actuators. For example, the European energy concern EnBW offers thermostats for heating systems, switchable sockets, etc. Although this is not enough to completely connect the house to the network, it is a good start. Of course, the components can be purchased separately, and if you want to make your entire home smart, then there is nothing else left for you. Smart solution: if the package includes components with a special signal standard, the functionality of the Qivicon Home unit can be simply extended using the electronic key included with the units.
Difficulties: Applications for managing the corresponding devices are included in the starter package. When purchasing the EnBW package, the EnBW program is included; when purchasing the Telekom package, the Smart Home application is provided. There is no free download through utility stores; application activation requires codes that are provided only with packages. In other words, the open source concept does not apply to programs.
EnBW offers free use of the app for a year, after which you need to pay almost €50 per year. Telekom requires €30 per year after two years of free subscription. As a result, all the money saved on energy will be spent on paying for programs.

Tado - heating control system

Tado has chosen a completely different path from Qivicon's solution: instead of controlling individual heating devices, the Tado system controls the operation of a central element, that is, an oil or gas burner or a heat pump. The advantage of this solution is that the control can directly switch off the burner - this avoids heat losses that inevitably occur when the supply temperature is high despite the heating devices being switched off. Tado's compatibility list includes a huge number of heating systems, more than a hundred manufacturers and types of expanders and controls.

Complete set of Tado heating control system

Instructions for all types of heating

It is often not so easy to recognize which heating control is installed in a house (however, if you try, you can get this information from the company that services your house). And Tado, in turn, does not have ready-made documentation for any possible combination of devices. If a customer configures a heating system in the web interface for which instructions have not yet been compiled, they are compiled by the Tado team. In practice it took less than eight hours. The finished instructions turned out to be so detailed that even an inexperienced user could easily cope with the installation.

The advanced logic of the Tado system is embedded in the cloud. In addition to the set and actual temperature of the room, the control includes data on the outside temperature (according to the weather service), the weather forecast (especially the intensity of solar radiation), the location of residents (it is determined using a smartphone application) and information received on how much The temperature in the apartment quickly decreases and rises again. But you shouldn’t expect too much from Tado’s logic: as soon as all residents move 100 km away from the apartment, the system will lower the temperature to about 16 °C. After this, the house may take more than six hours to warm up to a comfortable level of 21 ° C, and when the system detects that it is approaching the home, temperature regulation may be delayed. Manual intervention via an app will solve this problem. If, of course, the user remembers this in time.
In a well-insulated home, the temperature drops by 2.5°C overnight, which is hardly a huge savings potential. Both savings and comfort increase only with a long absence of residents in the winter. In any case, it will take several years to recoup the €350 cost of the system. However, in older buildings without insulation, the system works much more efficiently.

Brief information about installing the Tado control system

The Tado system is not limited to controlling individual heating devices. Very detailed instructions are available for connecting Tado components to existing oil, gas or pellet heating systems, or alternatively Tado can provide a technician to customers. The technical part of Tado components is hidden in very elegant and discreet housings. Even the display is built in discreetly. Connecting the Tado expander to the heating system is accompanied by very detailed and simple instructions. For example, only three wires are enough for a Wolf gas boiler.

Homee: smart home control without the cloud

Homee, like Qivicon, is a comprehensive home management system. It takes control of individual heating devices, switches sockets, monitors doors and windows, moves blinds and monitors rooms using motion sensors (and the basement and garage through humidity sensors). Everything operates via a radio signal and eliminates the need for cables, so the system is great for apartment renters who can take everything with them to their new home when they move. In addition, all configurations are saved locally, and an Internet connection is only required for remote control of the smart home.
One can, of course, argue about the optical presentation in the form of multi-colored plastic cubes, but we like it as an alternative to the traditional, restrained design of such equipment. However, the very idea of turning competition among standards into good is undoubtedly good. Each of the cubes significantly expands the system by one wireless communication protocol: the so-called Brain Cube - a mandatory basis, is an intermediary between technologies and, via WLAN, provides a connection to a smartphone or (if you have the necessary remote access) to a router.

cubes for expanding the Homee system

System installation from Homee

The solution is installed quite quickly: you need to install the application, insert the Brain Cube, use your mobile phone to log into the displayed wireless network of the Homee system, connect to the system, create an account - ready! New expansion cubes are simply placed on top of each other and no special installation steps are required. The connection to actuators distributed throughout the house or apartment is carried out without problems. True, mastering the system is not as easy as in the case of Qivicon: here you first need to find in the instructions for the thermostat, motion sensors or switched outlets how to put the devices into setup mode.

Important: Not every product is compatible with Homee; a list of supported ones is available on the official website.
The application is a little unfinished, since control is not as smooth as we would like. For example, when creating groups, the added devices are sometimes not displayed at all, or appear with a long delay. But in general, these are shortcomings that can be eliminated by updating the software. In terms of prices, the system adheres to the same framework as its competitors. A set of Brain Cube with expansion cube will cost almost 15,000 rubles, and compatible actuators are in a higher price range than equipment for Qivicon. However, the higher cost may be worth it, as no other system is as reliable when it comes to data protection.

The most interesting alternative smart home control systems

HomeMatic. The most inexpensive and comprehensive system with its own (and independently developed) wireless communication protocol. Programming and networking of components is relatively complex in today's environment.

RWE Smart Home. You don’t have to be a client of this energy concern to be able to use the smart home system. Like Qivicon, this system emphasizes ease of installation and management at comparable prices.

Netatmo. Not one of the classic home control providers, the company has so far attracted attention with a stylish weather station. New to this offering is a smart thermostat that can be controlled via smartphone, similar to the Tado system.

Belkin WeMo. A smart home system that communicates with a smartphone via WLAN. It is possible to connect various devices to the network. The main emphasis of the program is on energy saving and safety.

Today there are many elements of an electrical control system - various temperature, motion and sound sensors. In conjunction with the internal electrical wiring of a house or apartment, they are able to automate the processes of turning on/off lights, heating, and control the operation of some household appliances, taking into account time modes. But there will be no centralized control system, that is, you will not be able to control the light and other consumers from a single device.

That’s what’s good about a smart home system, because with it you can control all consumers connected to the wiring using one device - mobile (tablet, smartphone, remote control) and/or stationary (computer/laptop, graphical interface of the system). In this case, all sensors and relays are also present in the system and control the power supply automatically.

In addition to basic household consumers, an intelligent (smart) home can monitor and manage communication systems, fire extinguishing systems, security alarms, telephone lines and much more, including utilities.

However, for complete control of household appliances, for example, regulation of the modes of an air conditioner or refrigerator, the devices themselves must have a special connector, through which a connection is made to the electronic logical controller of the control system. Next, we will consider the basics that will give you an understanding of the smart home system, its operating principle and its components.

Components of a smart home system

First of all, it is worth noting that today there are many modifications and configurations in which the smart home control system can be implemented. Many manufacturers provide system kits with built-in Wi-Fi and/or Bluetooth transmitters (communication modules) built into the controller, which can be used to control the system wirelessly via a mobile device within an apartment/house.

Types of smart home system architecture

There are modifications in which control occurs via the Ethernet interface (wired, via); You additionally need to connect switches and Wi-Fi routers to them for wireless control, if they are not built into the controller. As for manual switches, they can also be connected to the central controller wirelessly or through electrical wiring. In general, there is a variety of equipment for a smart home system, and the system consists of the following elements:

smart home controller (main and discrete input/output modulators);
expansion and communication modules (switches, routers, GPS/GPRS modules);
electrical circuit switching elements (relays, dimmers, power supplies);
measuring instruments, gauges and sensors (motion, temperature, light, etc.);
system controls (remotes, touch panels, PDAs, tablets);
actuators (water, ventilation, gas valves, roller blinds, etc.).

When choosing equipment, it is also important to consider which protocol (method) of data transmission of the Smart Home system is used. For example, the widespread EIB\KNX protocol uses computer networks, radio channels, and power electrical networks as data transmission. There is also the X10 protocol, which uses a household 230 V AC network to transmit data: devices exchange a signal sent when the AC current crosses zero. Such signals are radio frequency pulses at 120 kHz, with a duration of 1 ms.

What is a controller for a smart home system?

A smart home controller is a device that controls all consumers and devices, and also sends a report to the owner about the status of these consumers. It is guided by temperature, air, and light sensors to control lighting, heating, and air conditioning systems. Can be programmed to perform various actions over time, according to a time schedule. In addition to the standalone mode, you can contact the controller through a special interface (computer network, mobile operator or radio network), and manually control the devices.

Devices controlled by a smart home system controller

It is necessary to select a controller depending on how you want to build the architecture of the control system. For example, there are two types of control systems: centralized and decentralized. The centralized control system is based on a single high-performance central controller that manages all consumers (appliances) and utility networks in the house.

In the case of decentralized control, an intelligent smart home system consists of several simpler controllers, each of which has the functions of controlling a specific zone - a room and all the devices in it, separate lighting groups throughout the house, specific purpose household appliances, etc. ( regional controllers).

Central controller for a modern smart home system, it is a computer enclosed in a small plastic case that has its own OS (operating system), RAM and many electronic components for switching (controlling) signals: electronic relays, terristor switches, etc.

One of the complete sets of the central home controller of the smart home system (wireless transmission module, USB, COM, Ethernet ports on board)

Also, depending on the configuration, there may be a built-in GSM module for remote control via a mobile phone, a Wi-Fi transmitter for controlling the system from anywhere in the house and a graphic touch or push-button interface (LCD screen). In addition, connectors for connecting to a computer and/or network equipment: Ethernet, USB.

Such a controller is capable of controlling intelligent equipment such as refrigerators, microwave ovens, utilities, etc. (if the equipment itself has such a function), reporting to the owner even data such as the temperature in the refrigerator, incoming and outgoing phone line calls, and much more.

Regional controller , a discrete input-output modulator is a low-power logical electronic control unit on which smart home technology is implemented (in comparison, the frequency of the microprocessor CC is about 500 MHz, the RC microprocessor is about 50 MHz), usually does not have an operating system and is system-configurable. It can be configured for any elementary scenarios based on time or signals from certain sensors.

Programmable smart home system controller with Ethernet interface (connector for connecting to a network)

He manages elementary tasks and events. For example, a light sensor connected to it gives a signal (when it gets dark); the controller sends a signal to the executive relay or group to control the lighting. It also notifies the owner of every action. In other words, a discrete I/O modulator is a kind of intelligent programmable electronic relay.

Such a device also consists of electronic components for network switching and an intellectual part: a microprocessor with memory. It (depending on the manufacturer and configuration) may have a USB, Ethernet interface and other ports for control, programming and reporting to the owner.

What are expansion and communication modules for a smart home system?

Expansion modules are devices that are connected to the controller and expand its functionality. In part, adapters, double-triples and measuring instruments are also expansion modules. Such devices can be built into the controller, connected separately through a specially designed connector or a common connector for Ethernet, USB and other interfaces. Due to the fact that companies producing smart home systems use various data transmission encryption systems, when choosing an expansion module, it is important to pay attention to its compatibility if the controller is purchased from another manufacturer.

On the right are smart home system controllers with built-in wireless data transmission modules

Communication expansion modules For a smart home system, they are data transmission devices wirelessly or wired. The first include the well-known Wi-Fi routers, which connect to the controller in the same way as to a computer, via Ethernet or USB (there are also specially “sharpened” branded modules with their own connection system). Less commonly used are separately connected GSM/GPRS modules (since they are usually built-in), with the help of which the smart home system can communicate with the owner via SMS alerts to his phone number. There are wireless communication modules Bluetooth (radio signal) and IR (transmission via infrared beam).

GSM and Wi-Fi wireless communication modules; wired Ethernet switch

For a wired method of expanding communication, switches are used - devices that connect several clients (computers, controllers and other intelligent devices) to one local network. They are necessary when setting up a decentralized smart home system, when there are several regional controllers, as well as for creating a common network with computers and other smart devices using the appropriate interfaces. When the signal transmission distance is long, special digital amplifiers – repeaters – are used to amplify it.

Functionality extension modules Smart home systems have a wide variety of functionality and, as a rule, are connected to a common or special interface connector. They expand the list of controller functions, for example, the voice message module makes it possible to control the system using sound (voice) commands. It is also possible to make the smart home control system play audio messages (greetings, warnings, congratulations, etc.) on the speakers.

Expansion modules for controlling complex mechanisms, stepper motors, etc.

It is also worth noting the expansion of functionality through adapter modules, which can be used to achieve compatibility between different device standards. Special control modules are designed to control various specific devices (engines, door opening/closing mechanisms, ventilation valves; much more) and electrical circuit switching elements. Thus, a smart home controller does not have power over power circuit breakers (plugs, circuit breakers), and when connecting a circuit breaker control module and using controlled circuit breakers, the function of turning them on/off using the controller becomes available. To connect lighting controllers (dimmers - see below) to the smart home system, special expansion modules are also required.

What are switching elements of a smart home system circuit?

The concept of switching an electrical circuit means closing/opening it, as well as regulating voltage and other parameters of electric current. Voltage (lighting) regulators, converters/transformers, power supplies, circuit breakers and relays are all switching elements, without which the installation of a smart home system (like any electrical wiring system) cannot be completed. They may have built-in protection against network overload and short circuit and operate to open the circuit, thus performing a protective function.

A simple diagram of a smart home system with a controller, switching (control) elements of an electrical circuit and elementary consumers (in this case, lighting lamps)

Circuit breakers designed to protect electrical wiring from overload or short circuit. They are selected according to the power for which the electrical wiring line they control is designed. For a smart home system, there are both ordinary manual and controlled automatic switches.

The image shows simple single-pole circuit breakers

The former have in their design a mechanism that, when heated due to overload, opens the circuit, and can also be turned off manually. Controlled machines have a special interface output to the control module, through which the main controller and the owner can control them remotely, without looking into the control room at all.

Relays and relay blocks - these are elements for controlling power circuits using a signal supplied from the controller. The signal may appear in the form of a low power current, usually 24 V (again, there is no single standard, there are different systems and manufacturers) or another signal.

The image shows electromagnetic relays for monitoring one or several lines of a power circuit

Unlike circuit breakers, relays do not have protection and the circuit closing/opening mechanism looks the opposite: when control voltage is applied to the electromagnetic part, the latter actuates the armature and mechanically closes the contacts of the power supply circuit (220 V). The most basic relay for controlling one power phase line has three inputs and one output: zero and the electromagnet control phase (24 V), the power phase input (220 V) from the protective circuit breaker and its output to the consumer.

Voltage regulators (lighting) They are mainly used to control the supplied power and voltage for lighting fixtures. The basis of such regulators is a circuit element - a rheostat, a device for regulating lighting. For an ordinary power circuit, it is a mechanism with a slider, enclosed in a box with the dimensions of a switch and also has an on/off function.

Dimmer controlled manually (right) and remotely (left)

The new type of smart home control system for lighting groups contains a device called a dimmer (it is also connected to the controller through a special control module). This device is designed to control one or more lighting power groups and is controlled using a controller in automatic mode or remotely by the owner, which is convenient. Another advantage of the dimmer is that through it the controller can control the brightness of the lighting, guided by data on the light level obtained from the light sensors.

Power supplies, transformers, converters - these are devices of complex architecture that are designed to change the parameters of the electric current, if necessary, in one or another section of the circuit or throughout the entire circuit.

Power supply from 220 V to 12 V

They are used due to the fact that some consumers are designed for current characteristics other than the alternating 220 V/50 Hz supplied in everyday life in the CIS and Europe. For example, take the same lighting: there are special fluorescent, neon and other highly decorative lighting that operate on 10/12/24 V DC. In order to achieve such characteristics, a 220-10V, 220-12V, 220-24V power supply is mounted on the corresponding section of the circuit. Such devices can operate in one mode, for example 220-24V, or in all three of the above.

What are measuring instruments, gauges and sensors in a smart home system?

These devices are like the senses of smell and touch for a person: they give an idea of what is happening in the environment. Thanks to modern measuring instruments, gauges and sensors (of which the variety is very large today), the smart home system controller receives data on temperature, humidity, degree of illumination and atmospheric pressure outside and inside the room.

The figure shows sensors with elementary functions

There are instrumentation for monitoring the condition of utilities: pressure and metering of water flow and gas leakage with an electronic interface that allows you to transfer this data to an intelligent smart home system, which will generate reports and send them to the owner.

Analog sensors and gauges The traditional type uses low-voltage current up to 24 V as data transmission, as a rule, and small cross-section electrical wiring as the transmission medium. For example, the most basic light sensor contains a photocell with an input and an output through which a phase of low-voltage current passes. This photocell changes resistance when light hits it, thus producing different current parameters at different times of the day.

The figure shows elementary analog sensors that respond to household and carbon dioxide

The controller receives these values, processes them and, accordingly, sends a signal to turn on/off groups of lighting fixtures, as well as regulate the lighting level (if there is a dimmer). A roughly similar system, only with different operating elements, is available in temperature control sensors (based on their data, the intelligent smart home system controls heating), movement and noise (light, alarm), gas and water leaks (control of valves that shut off gas and water) and much more.

Digital sensors and gauges new generation devices have expanded functionality and are smart devices. For example, modern multifunctional motion sensors are capable of not only outputting data to the controller in two parameters: 1 (“yes”, there is movement) or 0 (“no”, there is no movement).

The picture shows a digital air humidity control sensor

They are capable of measuring the distance from the sensor to a moving target, detecting delays in the movement of an object, and much more. All this is processed by a microprocessor built into the sensor and supplied to the controller in the form of digital signals. It is worth distinguishing sensors from control and measuring devices: sensors and sensors detect events, and control and measuring devices detect the physical quantities of the body or object being measured (speed, weight, volume, etc.).

Instrumentation – these are more complex devices, in contrast to simple analog sensors, that incorporate new smart home technologies and control a wide range of parameters, providing their physical units of measurement. Digital barometers, water and gas meters, the same voltage - all these are control and measuring instruments.

Hot water temperature and flow control device

Unlike analog instruments and sensors, modern digital ones have their own calculation system based on a simple microprocessor; they process the signals and supply ready-made data to the smart home controller, thereby partially relieving its processor. Digital instrumentation and sensors use a special interface as a data transmission medium.

What are the elements and methods of managing a smart home system?

The intelligent (smart) home system can be controlled in three ways: local wireless, remote wireless, wired local, remote wired. Control devices are included with the system - these are graphic control panels with touch or push-button input, remote controls with receivers tuned to a specific frequency. Devices not included in the package, such as mobile compact computers (smartphones, tablets), are configured using special software for remote control via worldwide information networks.

The smart home system can be controlled by remote control, control panel and mobile devices

Wireless local control method with a limited radius is carried out using control devices via a local (local) radio signal, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth wireless radio networks. In principle, in this way you can control the system from anywhere in the house and even from a nearby plot. However, in large houses, additional radio points and wireless signal amplifiers may be needed. Control is carried out by remote controls, touch panels, mobile devices (smartphones, tablets, laptops) that have a built-in or externally connected transmitter of one or another Wi-Fi network, Bluetooth or proprietary radio frequency signal.

On the tablet screen - software for monitoring indicators and devices connected to the smart home system

Wireless remote control method available if the smart home system is installed to global networks or communication expansion modules that provide access to them. These networks include GSM/GPRS (control by means of mobile communications), mobile Internet, and a special dedicated radio signal. The presence of an output to the GSM/GPRS network allows the system to send SMS, MMS and audio messages to the phone number of the home owner. It is also theoretically possible to control via voice menu. Tools for managing smart home systems via global networks are, as a rule, smartphones, as well as tablets and laptops with built-in transmitter modules for the mobile Internet.

Wired local control method , depending on the data transfer protocols used, the smart home system may have data transfer media via twisted pair (computer network cable), electrical wiring (X10 system protocol) or some other cable. In each regional and central controller, the smart home control system provides an output for wired communication with control devices, as well as the exchange of information with other smart devices that are “subordinate” to it. If there are several devices, then the interface is expanded using a switch (see “communication expansion modules” above), creating several branches. For the wired local control method, included and separate control panels and switches (push-button and touch) are used, and you can also control via a computer or laptop connected to the cable.

Touch control panel for the smart home system combined with an intercom

Wired remote control method smart home systems are a network larger than the local one, that is, the house is controlled from the outside via a laid cable connected to the internal control network. As a rule, this control method is used in the management of automated processes in building buildings. In general, for home use you don’t need to know this (controlling systems through regional wired networks).

What are actuators of a smart home system?

Unlike relays, which can partly be called actuators (giving a command - the relay closes/opens the circuit), actuators controlled by intelligent equipment for a smart home system are complex electromechanical products, devices designed to test high mechanical loads.

In the image you can see objects that may have built-in actuators of the smart home system

The working body of more complex devices (drives for opening/closing gates, blinds, etc.) is a motor, while for less complex devices (valves, locks) it is a core driven by an electromagnet. Most are controlled from low voltage current up to 24 V inclusive, but there are also high-power drives designed for 220 V.

Electromechanical opening/closing drives gates, gates, doors, windows, blinds and curtains; electromechanical parts built into the furniture, making it motorized. Included they may have a connection interface and a remote control.

A girl controls the window mechanism of a smart home system using a wireless remote control

Advanced drive models have basic automated control systems: built-in sensors and the ability to adjust speeds and extreme opening/closing positions. Today, most often there are autonomous drives for curtains and blinds that are not controlled by an intelligent smart home system: controlled from a remote control of an infrared transmitter, and not having any connection with the smart home controller. However, such devices are also considered separate elements of a smart home.

Low, medium and high pressure valves - these are simpler mechanisms for controlling water supply networks (including fire extinguishing), gas pipes and ventilation. Valves are used in control systems: gas - in gas control systems, water - control of water supply, flood prevention and fire extinguishing.

The image shows a water valve controlled by a smart home system

Very healthy, and worth noting is the ventilation valve system, which is triggered by carbon dioxide (CO2) sensors. The system removes gases harmful to humans and creates a favorable microclimate. Such elementary mechanisms include electromagnetic locks and other elements of access control to the premises that are part of the smart home security system. Such devices generally do not have microprocessors and have only two positions: open and closed.