Zhaga Aims to Enable Independent Interchangeability of LED Modules and Drivers

At present, the Zhaga interface specifications (known as Books) define interchangeable LED light engines (LLEs). Such LLEs may have an integrated driver, or may consist of a driver that is separated from one or more LED modules.

Currently, Zhaga Books exclude the electrical interface between the module and the driver. The consequence is that, for LLEs having a separate driver, it may not be possible to interchange LED modules from different suppliers without also using a different driver, or vice versa.

With this decision, the Zhaga Consortium is responding to the market need for LED modules and LED drivers that are independently interchangeable.

To achieve this independent interchangeability, future editions of Zhaga Books may need to include references to specifications that define the module-driver electrical interface.

In the four years since Zhaga was formed, technical solutions have emerged that make it possible to define module-driver interfaces for specific application segments without limiting innovation in LED module and driver technology.

“The Zhaga Consortium believes that now is the right time to develop specifications for the moduledriver interface and enable independent interchangeability of LED modules and LED drivers,” said Musa Unmehopa, who will replace Menno Treffers as Secretary General of the Zhaga Consortium on April 1, 2014.

Zhaga is identifying other organizations that are also interested in developing driver-module interface specifications. Zhaga’s desire is for these interfaces to be defined quickly and without unnecessary duplication of efforts in the lighting industry.

For additional informatio, please download the Zhaga document about the "Independent Interchangeability of Modules and Drivers" or visit the Zhaga website.

About Zhaga:
The Zhaga Consortium develops interface specifications that enable the interchange of LED light engines manufactured by different companies. Zhaga is a global cooperation, with members that include luminaire makers, lamp manufacturers, LED module makers, and companies that supply components and materials to the lighting industry.
Zhaga’s approach is to specify the interfaces between LED light engines and LED luminaires. Each Book defines the interfaces – mechanical, thermal, photometric, electrical and control – for different categories of LED light engine. Using Zhaga specifications, a luminaire maker can use LED light engines from different suppliers without having to change the design of the luminaire.