Choosing a Casambi controller starts with the light you want to control. Two products can both support Casambi while having completely different electrical outputs. Identify the LED load and its control interface first, then select the controller and power supply.
What does a Casambi controller do?
A Casambi-enabled control device connects compatible lighting hardware to the Casambi control system. The ecosystem includes devices for PWM, DALI, 1–10V and phase-cut applications. These interfaces serve different lighting requirements; the Casambi name alone does not establish electrical compatibility. Explore the official Casambi ecosystem.
Start with these three questions
- Does the LED load require constant voltage or constant current, or does its existing driver accept a separate control signal?
- Do you need brightness control, tunable white, colour control or separately controlled circuits?
- What are the load's supply, current and channel requirements?
Record the answers from the luminaire or LED manufacturer's documentation. A controller should meet all three requirements, rather than just the required number of channels.
Match the controller to the lighting load
| Lighting requirement | Product to investigate | Compatibility check |
|---|---|---|
| Constant-voltage LED strips or modules | PWM2 Pro or PWM5 Pro | Supply voltage, channel arrangement and current limits |
| Constant-current LED modules | 4CC LED Controller | LED operating current and required voltage |
| A driver with a DALI control input | Micro Casambi DALI Interface | Driver compatibility, supported operating mode and bus requirements |
Use this table as a shortlist, then confirm the exact product datasheet and wiring diagram. A DALI interface controls a compatible driver; it is not interchangeable with a controller that directly drives an LED load.
When to consider PWM control
For constant-voltage LED strips, a PWM controller sits between a suitable DC power supply and the LED load. LED BY DESIGN's PWM2 Pro has two channels, while PWM5 Pro has five. The extra channels may be useful for more complex channel arrangements, provided the selected device profile supports the intended lighting function.
For a closer comparison, read PWM2 Pro vs PWM5 Pro. Check the individual channel limits as well as the combined limit: unused capacity on one channel does not automatically increase another channel's rating.
When to consider constant-current control
Some LED modules specify an operating current rather than a fixed strip supply voltage. LED BY DESIGN's 4CC controller is intended for constant-current loads and offers one to four channels. Its product page lists adjustable output current from 100 to 700 mA and a 12–48 VDC supply range.
The correct current setting depends on the LED module. Also check the module's voltage requirement against the controller's available output and the proposed supply. Matching the current alone is insufficient.
Plan the whole system before ordering
Prepare a schedule listing each lighting circuit, LED type, required control function, load rating and proposed controller. Include the power supply and intended mounting location. For an existing installation, identify the installed driver before assuming a retrofit controller will work.
Casambi provides the control platform; the individual product's datasheet determines its electrical limits. Features such as colour control, sensors and remote access also depend on the devices and system configuration chosen.
Frequently asked questions
Can one Casambi controller control any LED light?
No. Match its output to the LED load or driver interface. Constant-voltage, constant-current and DALI products fulfil different roles.
Is a five-channel controller always the better choice?
No. Choose enough channels for the application, with suitable electrical ratings and an appropriate device profile.
What information should I send when requesting advice?
Send the luminaire or strip datasheet, quantity, intended lighting effect, available supply and details of any existing driver.
Contact LED BY DESIGN with your project requirements, or browse the Casambi product range.
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