“Qualified NFC readers” distributed in Italy by RFID Global allow NFC LED driver programming according the standard Zhaga Book 24 and 25: these devices offer new opportunities in programming of LED drivers for luminaires as well as in production of LED drivers and luminaires

RFID Global, the Italian value-added distributor of RFID, NFC and Bluetooth Low Energy systems, announces the compliance of RFID devices with the Zhaga Book 24 and 25 standard, opening these devices to the world of indoor and outdoor LED lighting: Ecco Smart, CPR30+, LR1002, MR102 and PRH101 are the RFID devices – produced by FEIG Electronic and proposed to the Italian market by RFID Global – to generate new services in the standard configuration of LED drivers. NFC programming is faster than traditional methods of LED driver programming, more feature-rich and flexible than resistor-setting or wire strap techniques, and has a reduced training requirement for production-line staff. The application software from the LED driver manufacturer allows to define the optimal driver configuration for every luminaire and application. These parameters can be written or read with the help of the reader in the LED driver with no need to power up.

NFC Readers for Lighting Applications

RFID Global currently offers three “Qualified NFC readers” listed in the standard according to Zhaga Book 24. Depending on the layout of the programming workplace and the required workflow, customers can choose between stationary readers with integrated (ID CPR30-USB) or external antenna (ID MR102-USB) or most flexible handheld readers (ID PRH101-USB).

For LED driver programming customers can choose between NFC programming „one by one“ by using small devices for any kind of workplace and powerful long range applications for bulk programming. Mobile RFID & Barcode scanners as well as a huge product portfolio of stationary HF and UHF readers for further logistical processes in the supply chain complete the product range of FEIG ELECTRONIC.

Long Range Readers for Bulk Programming Processes

Furthermore, RFID Global offers powerful HF Long Range Readers that enable multiple driver programming in packaging, simultaneously. Combining a long range reader like ID LR1002 and long range antennas like ID ANT310/310 is a typical setup to handle packaging units of LED drivers. This bulk programming and the fact that the drivers can remain in their packaging speed up the programming process enormously.

NFC booster for programming LED drivers according to Zhaga book 25 

The mobile NFC readers ECCO Smart HF-BLE and ID ECCO Smart 2D-HF-BLE allow for the first time the programming of LED drivers according to the new Zhaga Standard Book 25. This offers new possibilities in the “field” programming of LED luminaires indoors and outdoors.

In addition to a powerful NFC output stage, the ID ECCO Smart HF-BLE offers a front and a bottom antenna with different detection areas: this means that transponders are identified in a wide variety of orientations even in difficult metallic ambient conditions. The latest Bluetooth LE 5.0 technology makes the device a future-proof investment for current and future mobile applications: it enables frictionless communication between the ECCO Smart and the application software of the various manufacturers of NFC-compatible LED drivers. These apps are usually installed on a smart phone and offer various functions for configuring the LED drivers. In addition, the reader supports the protocol that is compatible with other FEIG readers. The ID ECCO Smart 2D-HF-BLE combines NFC with barcode applications through an additional, powerful 2D barcode reading function. The data of the scanned barcodes can be written directly into an RFID / NFC transponder. The devices are used wherever the range of an NFC smartphone is insufficient for efficient work with barcodes and transponders or the environmental conditions require a more robust device.

Robust readers for indoor and outdoor applications in the lighting industry

Thanks to the double-walled ABS plastic housing with protective rubber coating, the ID ECCO Smart can withstand falls from a height of 1.6 m onto concrete completely undamaged. Its protection class IP54 enables it to be used in dusty and damp environments, making the ID ECCO Smart a mobile NFC reader for almost all environmental conditions. A long-life, high-capacity battery and the large, robust buttons of the ID ECCO Smart enable you to work safely with gloves on during assembly work outdoors.

OSRAM and FEIG Electronic are sharing their expertise in order to optimize and expand this cost-efficient and reliable feature

To meet the requirements of today’s lighting industry, OSRAM offers its comprehensive Tuner4TRONIC software for programming LED drivers, whereas FEIG has developed two new High Power NFC readers with a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) interface.

“By integrating the wired ID ECCO Smart NFC reader into the Tuner4TRONIC software, we unlock new manufacturing and maintenance applications for our customers”, emphasizes Arwed Storm, Product Manager for Tuner4TRONIC at OSRAM. “Especially when it comes to outdoor lighting, driver programming provides huge savings potential in terms of on-site service.”

The compact, wired ID ECCO Smart NFC reader is just about ideal for LED drivers in already installed luminaires. Freely configurable keys, along with the integrated QR code reader in the ID ECCO Smart 2D-HF-BLE, make future Tuner4TRO.