Lonworks - What is Lontalk
The world of building automation and industrial control is full of technical terminology that can often be confusing. In this Jargon Watch, we break down the critical differences between LonWorks and LonTalk.
While these terms are frequently used interchangeably, they represent two distinct parts of the communication ecosystem developed by Echelon.
LonWorks vs. LonTalk: Understanding the Difference
1. LonWorks
LonWorks is a wide-ranging, "umbrella" term. It describes the entire suite of technology developed by Echelon, including the chips (Neuron), the transceivers, the operating system, and the management tools. Because it covers the whole platform, it is often used ambiguously in the industry to refer to any device or network utilizing this hardware.
2. LonTalk
LonTalk is the specific protocol used for data communications within a LonWorks system. Think of LonWorks as the brand and LonTalk as the language. It is a registered trademark of Echelon and serves as the "brand name" for the protocol that allows devices to share information across the network.
International Standards and Compatibility
To promote widespread adoption, Echelon released the LonTalk protocol to be adopted as an open standard. Today, it is recognized globally under several different standard bodies:
- ANSI Standard: EIA/CEA-709.1-A-1999
- ISO/IEC Standard: 14908
- European Standard: EN14908
By adhering to these standards, LonTalk ensures that devices from different manufacturers can coexist and communicate on the same LonWorks network segment.
FAQ – LonWorks Jargon
1) Is LonTalk the same as LonWorks?
No. LonWorks refers to the technology platform and hardware ecosystem, while LonTalk is the specific communication protocol (the language) used by that hardware.
2) Why is LonTalk called an "open" standard?
Because it has been approved by organizations like ANSI and ISO, meaning any manufacturer can develop products that use this protocol to communicate with other LonWorks-certified devices.
3) What is a Neuron chip?
The Neuron chip is the hardware component typically found in LonWorks devices that handles the LonTalk protocol layers and application logic.
Integrating LonWorks with Other Protocols?
Chipkin specializes in bridging LonWorks/LonTalk to other major protocols like Modbus and BACnet. Explore our Modbus solutions to complete your integration:
