Via LEDsMagazine:  Tridonic is launching a DC-based system architecture for its light engines.  Using a central AC/DC converter makes sense for both reducing the number of components in a system (one power supply vs. a power supply for every fixture) and for increasing conversion efficiency.  Some losses occur due to the lower voltage of the connections, but in my opinion the benefits are clearly compelling:  DC systems fundamentally lead to greater sustainability at lower cost, including lower material usage, simplified fixture designs and the potential to directly connect to lower power generation like solar photo voltaic systems, without the higher-level DC/AC conversion normally used.

Xicato made a similar product launch and pitch for the value of DC architectures at Light + Building with its DC-based XIM module.

The Tridonic system also saves installation issues by combining DALI directly to the DC power wiring through a digital power-line carrier scheme; but clearly this requires using some sort of Tridonic PLC injector or a complete Tridonic power supply.

Still, I’m a bit curious as to why both companies chose DALI?  Why not advance directly to an IP-connected module?  Seems like a huge missed opportunity.