Classification and Characteristics of Smart Homes

Smart homes are equipped with features such as remote control, one-touch scene settings, scheduled control, and voice control. They are mainly classified into three categories, namely, centralized control technology, fieldbus technology, and wireless communication technology. The following will provide a specific introduction to the classification and characteristics of smart homes:

I、Characteristics of Smart Homes

1.Remote Control

Regardless of where you are, you can control your entire home through an app.

2.One-Touch Scene Settings

Customize your ideal scene and activate it with just one click, without having to manually operate each individual device.

3.Scheduled Control

Automatically execute commands at a designated time, for example, automatically turning on the air conditioner at 6:50 PM during hot summer days, so that you can enjoy it when you arrive home.

4.Voice Control

By connecting to an AI voice assistant, you can use voice commands to control your entire home.

5.Real-Time Feedback

When unsafe situations are detected or monitored, they will be reported to the homeowner in real-time.

6.Automatic Rescue

In the event of gas leaks, water leaks, or break-ins, the system will automatically close valves, trigger alarms, and notify the homeowner.

II、Classification of Smart Homes

1.Centralized Control Technology

Smart home systems that use centralized control technology are mainly constructed through a system host with a single-chip microcontroller as its core. The central processing unit (CPU) is responsible for signal processing, and the system motherboard integrates various peripheral interface units, including security alarms, telephone modules, and control circuit input/output (I/O) modules. These types of system host boards generally have 8 channels for controlling lights, appliances, and 8 alarm signal inputs, as well as 3-4 meter reading signal inputs. Due to limitations in system capacity, it is difficult to expand and add control circuits once the system is installed. This type of centralized control technology uses a star wiring method, meaning that all security alarm sensors, lights, and appliance control circuits must be connected to the main control box, resulting in longer and more complicated wiring than traditional indoor wiring. Currently, there are many products of this type on the market.

2.Fieldbus Technology

The fieldbus control system uses a system bus to connect and transmit signals between smart home lighting, appliances, and alarm systems. It employs a decentralized field control technology, where each functional module in the control network can be connected to the bus nearby. Generally, fieldbus technology supports any topology wiring method, including star and loop structures.

Wiring for high-voltage circuits such as lighting and sockets is identical to traditional wiring methods. “One light, multiple controls” is a common application in households, which previously required complex wiring and high cost using “double-linked” or “four-linked” switches. With a fieldbus system, no additional wiring is needed. This is a fully distributed intelligent control network technology, with modules that have bidirectional communication abilities and programmable control components. Typical fieldbus technology uses a twisted-pair bus structure, where each network node can obtain power (24V/DC) from the bus, and the nodes can interconnect and communicate with each other without polarity or topological logic restrictions, with a signal transmission rate and system capacity of 10KBPS and 4G, respectively.

3.Wireless Communication Technology

Currently, wireless smart home systems mainly consist of power line carrier and remote control switch technologies. Remote control switches are divided into two categories: wireless RF remote control technology and infrared IR remote control technology. Remote control switches are mostly manufactured by traditional electrical manufacturers, and in fact, they only add remote control functions to traditional switches. Some products also include timed control settings on the remote control, but due to their limited functionality, they should not be considered as smart home products.

The above information is an introduction to the “Classification and Characteristics of Smart Homes” provided by smart home control module manufacturers. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.