I am looking for the transmission protocol for EIB [smart home]

For some time now, I’ve been looking for material on EIB transmission (specifically EIB Powernet, though that’s probably just a difference in the medium, with the protocol being the same). So far, I haven’t found anything specific, apart from marketing gibberish, descriptions of control programmes and information for installers. I’ve already downloaded several hundred MB of various documentation and guides, but I haven’t found any specific details anywhere regarding data frames (timing relationships, CRC, responses). I’ve got an idea for my own ‘building blocks’ for a smart home and I’d prefer not to create my own standard for them; apparently, EIB is an open and popular system. There are paid resources on the official websites, but judging by the titles, they also look to me like versions intended for installers.

I hope I’m posting in the right section; if not, please move this thread to the appropriate category.

I can see it’s not easy. The system is supposedly open, but only to those who pay 2000€. Actually, I’ve managed to find what I needed. I’m not closing this thread just yet; perhaps someone who’s already tried something along these lines will get in touch and share some practical advice.

Hello.

It really isn’t easy. I spent several months looking into it myself. I started by buying a kit containing a power supply, a sensor, an actuator and a USB converter. The ETS programme is available online – the starter licence (free) is enough for learning purposes. Once I’d finally managed to get a simple ‘switch the light on/off’ application working, I started monitoring the bus (ETS allows you to do this) and analysing what the data bytes in the frames transmitted over the bus meant. I came to the conclusion that all the information is contained in the application note for the TPUART chip, which is responsible for communication on the EIB/KNX bus; I just hadn’t spotted it at first.
So, to sum up, I suggest you download the datasheet by Googling ‘KNX TPUART’ or by clicking here: http://www.opternus.com/en/siemens/knx-chipset/knx-transceiver-ics-tp-uart-fze1066.html. Then read and analyse it sentence by sentence. Eventually, it will all become clear to you.
If not, there’s always the website www.freebus.org. But more on that in the next post.

Best regards, and I wish you perseverance. Personally, I don’t think EIB/KNX is worth the price, which is why I decided to build all the EIB system devices for my house myself.

So, how’s it going? I’m just getting started myself.

Hello.
I’m actually nearly finished. I’ve made all the actuators and associated equipment I need, such as the EIB-RS485 gateway, sensors, etc. Now I’m finishing off the sensors – including standard buttons, those with displays, and a weather station. I’m planning to use an iPad as the control panel. At the moment, I have an original Merten MT701 LCD panel.
The only problem with my ‘homemade’ equipment is that I can’t programme it via ETS. I hope that’s just for now, as I’ll eventually figure it out. I’m currently writing my own software to programme my system, but it’s proving a bit of a slog – I’d much rather be out on my motorbike.
Best wishes, and I hope everyone stays patient as they get to grips with EIB/KNX.

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Without certification and the necessary funds, you won’t get the KNX mark.
KNX is open, but you have to meet certain conditions to avoid the problems and misunderstandings that arose at the beginning when the standard was first introduced.

That is a fact. I’d be happy to discuss the openness of the system. If it were open, there would certainly be no problems or misunderstandings.

You only need to read the basic KNX course, for example. According to the information it contains, the KNX partnership is based (as one of its objectives) on emphasising the benefits for the customer rather than the costs and technical details involved in carrying out the installation. Of course, why should the customer care how their system works? The important thing is that they’re satisfied and don’t get a shock when they’re presented with a quote for the installation.
And that’s exactly how my adventure with KNX began. Today, I’d say that you don’t need sophisticated technology just to switch on the lights or control the blinds or heating. All you need is a simple controller, the cost of which won’t exceed a normal family’s budget. KNX is a wonderful system, but it’s not quite suited to our current circumstances yet.

Best regards to everyone, and I hope I’m not putting off integrators, suppliers and, ultimately, future buyers and users of KNX.

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The KNX system is open, mate. Anyone can manufacture devices for this system.

You’ve misunderstood me. What I mean is that there are many secrets behind this openness. If that weren’t the case, there would certainly be fewer enquiries about the transmission protocol.
Most posts about the system mainly concern the physical layer. Everyone knows that KNX is based on the ISO/OSI model. It’s a long way from the physical layer to the application layer. Ask forum users what data exchange between the individual layers looks like. If the system is open, you’ll be inundated with information.
Of course, anyone can manufacture KNX equipment – that’s precisely what the system’s openness is all about. Name me some Polish companies, mate, that produce certified and labelled KNX equipment.

I haven’t been here for a long time, but I’ve managed to find the materials I needed. From what I’ve gathered, the system is ‘open’ to those who pay for the documentation or join the organisation (annual membership fee = equivalent to the price of the documentation = 1000€) . The documentation has now appeared on the organisation’s website, but it isn’t as detailed as the paid version (only selected sections are included). I’ve decided to tackle the system in my own way, as I can see that the current trend is towards certifying absolutely everything possible. This may have its advantages, but it’s also killing off small and medium-sized businesses (with these certificates, money comes first, and maintaining standards is just an afterthought).