Modulus Distributed Power & Control System

Acuity Brands’ New Standard for Powering, Controlling, and Connecting Luminaires

The Modulus™ low voltage distributed power and control system from Acuity Brands, Inc. provides digital control and network technologies for LED luminaires. It offers the same extensive capabilities as the best of Acuity Brands’ control and driver systems, such as flicker-free dimming, networked lighting controls and embedded sensors, emergency battery back-up, and tunable white.

distributed power
Peerless Renna™ Bi-Direct Suspended Linear with Tunable White

Available in select luminaires from Acuity Brands, the Modulus system uses a single unit for powering a luminaire run of up to 32′ versus requiring a unit every 8′, which reduces the total cost of ownership. This configuration provides flexible lighting design as it allows for Modulus technology to be embedded in a multitude of new luminaire form factors.

“There’s a market need for ever smaller, unobtrusive luminaires used for creating expansive designs in spaces. However, these small luminaire form factors make it difficult to embed existing technology due to spatial constraints,” said Gilles Abrahamse, Acuity Brands Lighting Vice President Digital Luminaire Components. “Modulus is unique in that it provides power and control for luminaires as small as 1″ in depth. We were able to create Modulus by leveraging Acuity Brands’ expertise in developing drivers, sensors, and controls.”

Modulus is versatile and can fit into smaller form factors than conventional power and control systems. It includes an eldoLED® driver that delivers smooth, flicker-free dimming for warm or tunable white; up to five nLight® sensors that enable internal and external communication for management of the lighting; and an IOTA® power pack for backup power specified in emergency applications. Modulus also supports controls systems with open protocols. It is compatible with industry standards of 0V to 10V and DALI protocols for flexibility in overall lighting controls.

The Modulus low voltage distributed power and control system will be initially available within the Renna™ luminaire family from Peerless®. The future vision for luminaires equipped with Modulus technology is that they can be specified with additional nLight networked control devices, which can create smart, connected buildings and facilities. The resulting system can be integrated or unified with additional technologies from Acuity Brands, such as Atrius® IoT systems, to provide indoor location services used for wayfinding, asset tracking, and other building and business applications.