Lutron Rf White Paper

Clear ConnectTM RF Technology By Rich Black Engineering Project Manager Lutron Electronics Company, Inc.

Forward thinking
In 1991, Lutron® identified the need for a completely retrofit light control system (LCS). The retrofit requirement drove the communications to be RF-based. Lutron knew that light control in a home or business was operationally essential, therefore ultimate reliability wasvital. These systems can never stop working; in fact, they can’t even tolerate latency issues. The required performance standard for a light control system is much higher than for many other systems. The company began analyzing the needs in the global marketplace, investigating possible communication topologies, observing and predicting changes and trends in RF technology and usage, and workingthrough the various frequency bands and their regulatory requirements. A groundbreaking retrofit light control system required new communications technology. The mission was defined: design an ultra-reliable RF communications system that works to specification every time— in every installation—today and well into the future. The result? RadioRA® became the first easy-to-install, versatile and reliable RFhome light control system (LCS). In addition to RadioRA, many diverse product lines were developed using this patented technology: HomeWorks®, RadioTouch®, AuroRa®, and Sivoia QED® electronic shading systems. In 2008, after more than a decade of experience and refinement with the system, and with over a million RF devices installed globally, Lutron introduced Clear ConnectTM RF Technology — itslatest advancement in reliable RF communication. Clear Connect has since been deployed in Lutron’s next generation RF systems including Maestro Wireless®, Radio Powr SavrTM sensors, GRAFIK Eye® QS Wireless, Sivoia® QS Wireless, and RadioRA®2. This paper will describe the Lutron requirements, investigations and decisions regarding best methods for RF communications in an LCS. Other availablefrequencies, system topologies, industry standards for RF products, and practical field issues will be discussed. The company’s exhaustive research and unwillingness to compromise on performance led to its leadership in the RF lighting control market. The following pages have been written to present the Lutron perspective on the science of RF light control. Lutron hopes that you will find this informationuseful in determining the parameters for RF systems that meet the unique needs of your clients.

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The requirements
When investigating RF communications, ultimate reliability was key due to the operationally essential nature of a LCS. Beyond ultimate reliability, the system had to be completely “retrofittable” and easy to install. No special tools or workmanship would be required. Ithad to replace existing switches and dimmers

using the existing wiring — calling for dimmers that operate without a neutral wire, which takes significantly more engineering effort and skill. The complete solution would control all load types, have wall-mounted and tapletop keypads and dimmers, controls for the car, and integration devices. Components would have elegant aesthetics and be easy touse and understand — something Lutron has always required of its

products. Many new entrants to the RF light control market miss several of these key elements. A system that provides the ability to control “most” of the lights from “most” locations loses “most” of its value. Having the ability to control table lamps, or provide control from your car, is the difference between ordinary andextraordinary control.

in-wall master keypads

wireless occupancy sensors

tabletop master keypads

Sivoia® QS Wireless Shades

main repeater/processor

Maestro® dimmers

GRAFIK Eye® QS Wireless

PicoTM Wireless Control

tabletop dimmers

With Clear ConnectTM, Lutron’s RF systems are extremely reliable and completely “retrofittable” solutions.

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The investigation...