About SMI

The intelligent Connection between drives and controls.

SMI is the practical key you need for precision and maximum convenience.

What is SMI?

SMI is the abbreviation for Standard Motor Interface. SMI has been developed for the connection of intelligent drives for shutters and sun protection systems. Intelligent drives have integrated electronic controls. SMI enables to transmit telegrams from control system to the drive and vice versa. SMI connects drives and controls from several manufacturers among one another. Now its possible for shutter- and sun protection manufacturers, control manufacturers and planners to combine products from different sources together. The SMI-Interface should spread high value solutions and promote drives and controls on the market. The applications in shutters and sun protection systems require extreme robustness and economic efficiency. SMI has been developed to meet this requirements. 

Robust technology, easy installation

The drive is connected to the control by a 5-core lead with voltage supply and data transfer. Even unusual distances of up to 350 m between the control and the drive can be accommodated. SMI offers a complete polarity reliability to prevent any damage in the event of incorrect connections.

The newly-developed electronic circuit in the drive and control system fulfils all necessary requirement for a robust communication, as well as with regard to overvoltage protection.

New application possibilities

The simple but effective standard commands allow functions to be performed which could not be achieved with conventional drives. For example, there are commands for precise movement to intermediate positions, or feedback of actual positions an diagnosis.

Data with feedback

Data transfer at 2400 bits per second is possible in both directions. The efficient data protocol transfers not only standard but also manufacturer-specific commands.

The format for the drive parameters is also specified, which means that the same configuration tool applied to all products from different manufacturers.

The drive configuration can be flexibly adjusted in the installed state, and the drive status can be called up at any time.

Parallel circuit arrangement reduces overall costs

Depending on the application, up to 16 drives can be connected in parallel and the individual status can still be called up. This means that overall expenditures can be considerably reduced in comparison with present technology. An individual address can be allocated to each of the maximum of 16 drives, but this is not necessary for parallel operation.

Commissioning even without control 

Roller shutters and sun protection systems with SMI drives can easily be taken into operation even without a control unit. The SMI interface is provided with a commissioning mode, which allows for drive units to be activated with commercial switches. 

SMI logo

Drives and controls with the new interface can be identified by the SMI logo. After concluding an agreement, other manufacturers of drives and control systems can also make use of the SMI technology and trademark.

The new Precision Standard

Major European manufacturers put their trust in SMI to ensure compatibility between drives and controls