What is an intelligent fixture?
A light fitting with its own sensing, checking and communication — so it can say how it is doing, not only whether it is on.
An intelligent fixture is an AGL light fitting with built-in electronics that let it measure its own condition, check the readings and report them to the control and monitoring system. It still gives the required light; it can also say how it is doing.
Because each fixture is identified individually, the status of every fixture can be seen and placed on the airfield layout, and a developing problem can be flagged early. The fixture must still meet the lighting requirements for its role. The added electronics are also extra parts that can fail, and can bring cost, compatibility and security questions.
- Light. The LED source and driver produce the required light, at the brightness step the control system sets.
- Sense. Sensors read drive current, temperature, moisture, tilt or impact and light output.
- Think. Local electronics compare readings with limits and flag a fault or a trend.
- Talk. The fixture reports its status and accepts approved commands over a secure link.
- Use. The ALCMS and data platform show fixture health, raise alerts and support maintenance planning.
Gives light. The control system usually sees it only as part of a circuit, so a single fixture problem is found by alarm, inspection or report.
Gives light and reports on itself. Its own status and readings are visible, so a fault can be located and some problems seen before the light fails.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1What is an intelligent fixture?
An intelligent fixture is an AGL light fitting with built-in electronics that let it measure its own condition, check the readings and report them to the control and monitoring system. It still does the job of any fixture, which is to give the required light, but it can also say how it is doing.
Q2How is it different from a standard LED fixture?
A standard LED fixture gives light and is usually seen by the control system only as part of a circuit. An intelligent fixture is identified individually, so its status, readings and faults can be seen fixture by fixture and located on the airfield layout.
Q3What can an intelligent fixture report?
Depending on the product, it may report whether it is on, its drive current, internal temperature, moisture, light output or its decline over time, and a tilt or impact event. It can also flag a fault or a developing trend before the light fails.
Q4How does an intelligent fixture communicate?
It depends on the product and system. Some designs send data over the series circuit cable, others use a separate wired or wireless link. Whatever the method, it needs to work with the ALCMS in use and be protected against unauthorised access.
Q5Does the added electronics affect lighting performance or approval?
The fixture must still meet the photometric, colour, mechanical and electrical requirements for its role, and the extra electronics must not reduce that performance or add a safety risk. Manufacturers show compliance, and the aerodrome operator and regulator decide what may be used.
Q6What should be checked before using intelligent fixtures?
Compatibility with the existing ALCMS and circuits, data security, how alerts will be handled and by whom, how a fixture is replaced and re-registered, spares and training, and what the added electronics mean for cost and maintenance over the fixture’s life.
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