Home automation systems

	The MC-528F63 from China's Shenzhen Maichi controls light intensity, turns on TV sets and music players, locks/unlocks doors and connects to a 4-channel CCTV system.

Technology integration is at the forefront of developments in China’s home automation system industry, with many suppliers incorporating security functions in models.

Designs adopting video door phone features, in particular, are heading toward the mainstream as numerous specialists in the product category enter the line.

The latest releases come with an indoor control console and outdoor camera. Besides managing light fixtures and home appliances, the main tasks of automation systems, these can perform video intercom, door unlock, internal call, call transfer, message broadcasting and image capture functions.

To enhance security further, some versions have CCTV surveillance and intruder alarm capability. One example is the MC-528F63 model from Shenzhen Maichi Intelligent Technology Co. Ltd. The wireless unit comes with a 7in touchscreen panel.

Home automation solutions from China consist of products that control lighting, electrical appliances or security devices. Designs integrating two of these subsystems are also available. Versions featuring the functions of all three are offered as well but these are not yet common and usually developed on request. Units that handle luminaires provide normal, dimmed or timed lighting.

Models for managing home appliances are capable of switching on/off television sets, music players and other
A/V devices, and adjusting window blinds or curtains. Some can even control heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems. Security solutions incorporate video door phone, surveillance and intruder alarm functions.

Regardless of the configuration, China-made home automation systems adopt TCP/IP as the standard network protocol. This allows fast analog and digital transmissions, enables online inspection and reduces cabling costs.

Wired and wireless designs are available. The former mostly employs in-house-made bus communication platforms. Some versions also adopt CEBus of the Electronic Industries Alliance, Echelon’s LonWorks, EIB and X10. Wireless home automation systems run via Wi-Fi and RF technologies. Most models are equipped with the latter because it is less expensive and easier to use. These usually operate on 433MHz and 2.4GHz frequency bands.

Designs with a combination of wired and wireless transmission systems are being manufactured as well. Several China-made products can interact with mobile communication technologies via GPRS, enabling phone call, MMS and SMS functions. To ensure stability and reliability, models are subjected to long-distance transmission, temperature, shock, and simulation testing.

China’s home automation industry consists of specialists and companies that also offer other security devices and electrical appliances. Interviewed makers said the impact of the global financial downturn has been minimal. As such, many have a positive outlook for the rest of the year. This comes as demand from real estate developers has been rising gradually in past months. With economic challenges hitting the construction sector hard, developers are adding value to their properties as a means of reviving sales. Several are installing automation systems in projects because they consider the provision of such security- and comfort-enhancing devices as a selling point for new homes.
Lighting control units top exports
Diverse suppliers make up emerging industry

Lighting control solutions constitute the bulk of home automation system exports from Taiwan. Overseas demand for the line has been strong, thanks to the growing popularity of environment-friendly structures.

In addition, the installation of luminaire-handling models is less complex than for designs incorporating security, multimedia and appliance management functions.

A basic lighting control system consists of a power switch and a remote control. Such products from Tech City Corp. include the CS and LS series that can support local RF protocols.

Taiwan’s home automation industry is largely domestic-driven, as most units require on-site system integration. Exporters consist of large suppliers with overseas branches that provide installation services for foreign buyers.

Products mainly use license-free radio frequencies.

Designs adopting the ZigBee specification, however, are also available. Makers usually source chipset solutions with this network platform from Freescale of the US and local suppliers such as Uniband and CeraMicro.

The island hosts 20 to 30 home automation system suppliers, the majority of which are small and midsize companies. Most makers started as security device specialists, while others were from the telecommunications industry. The latter opted to venture into the line because of their familiarity with the RF wireless technology.

Taiwan’s home automation industry has been gaining ground with the heightened interest in intelligent and “green” buildings worldwide.

	The CG200R ZigBee-enabled remote control from Nicetex of Hong Kong has a backlit LCD.

Home automation is a nascent industry in Hong Kong. The supplier base of about 10 consists of makers, IT design houses, system integrators and trading companies. Some have a security background, while others are in more-distant fields such as portable electronics, A/V devices and cable assemblies.

IT design houses focus on arranging the operational scheme and then subcontracting the actual manufacture and marketing of units. These are small companies fostered in an incubator setting at science parks or enterprises that have strong ties with academic institutions.

System integrators also do not make the products themselves but instead combine outsourced, stand-alone automation devices to create total-solution models. Units are mostly procured in the US and Europe. Volume end-users are the primary clients instead of resellers or OEMs.

Hong Kong suppliers are taking different approaches in developing home automation systems. While many are adopting the ZigBee platform, several makers are turning out designs that operate using Insteon, C-bus and 433MHz or other license-free frequencies. One company releasing ZigBee-enabled products is Nicetex Electronics Ltd. Capital Prospect Ltd, on the other hand, employs the Insteon protocol and 433MHz radio frequency in its home automation systems.