The Zhaga Consortium has decided that it will aim to enable LED modules and drivers that are independently interchangeable. This is in addition to Zhaga’s stated aim to enable interchangeability of LED light engines.

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 module-driver 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.

Current situation: According to current Zhaga Books, full interchangeability applies only to the complete LED light engine (LLE). It may not be possible to interchange the LED module(s) without also changing the driver, or vice versa.

Future situation: Zhaga aims to enable full and independent interchangeability of LED modules and drivers.