Automation Lab – BST® Building Systems Trainer: KNX, DALI, M-Bus, Modbus with ETS5

Lab Objectives

The overall aim of the lab is to offer students a realistic, modular learning environment in which to acquire practical and theoretical knowledge of advanced home automation, building automation and the integration of the main communication protocols for smart buildings. In particular, the lab aims to:

• Familiarise students with centralised building control systems capable of managing lighting, heating, shading, alarms, energy consumption and communications.
• Introduce participants to the integration of multiple protocols such as KNX, DALI, M-Bus, Modbus, MQTT, EnOcean, etc.
• Enable exercises on an interactive, touch-based platform that can be configured via software, without the need for complex programming.
• Develop skills in the diagnostics, documentation, commissioning and maintenance of automated installations using professional software environments (ETS 5 Professional and Lite).

Educational Aims

1. Practical Technical Skills Students will be able to:

• Configure, test and commission a complete system for the automatic management of residential, school and commercial buildings.
• Work on real devices such as actuators, energy meters, LED drivers, glass push-buttons, voice devices and multi-protocol gateways.
• Analyse energy flows and check the quality of the electrical network using advanced measuring instruments (including oscilloscopes and built-in TCP/IP web servers).
• Use the KNX Programming Environment to carry out a complete home automation project: from design to final diagnosis. 2. Cross-disciplinary Skills The package encourages:
• A problem-solving approach to real technical scenarios.
• Reading and interpreting multilingual technical documentation (student/teacher manuals).
• The adoption of safety practices and European regulations on electrical design in educational and professional settings.
• Collaborative and interdisciplinary interaction between electronics, computing and energy management.

Conclusion

The BST® – Building Systems Trainer lab is a new-generation training model that combines technology, ease of use and immediate applicability. Thanks to its modular architecture, multi-platform support, user-friendly interface and full compliance with international standards (KNX, DALI, M-Bus, Modbus, etc.), this training package gives students an all-round view of building automation. The practical implementation of real scenarios, combined with the use of professional software such as ETS 5 and the integration of advanced components (network analysers, VoIP, Alexa, energy meters, voice systems, etc.), prepares participants to enter the job market competitively in the fields of home automation, smart energy and smart building automation technologies. This solution includes technology systems that help foster inclusion and equal opportunities through the use of innovative teaching methods. Designed to promote active and collaborative learning