scope:

This Standard describes a method of digital data transmission between controllers and controlled equipment as described in Clause 1.4 and accessories, including dimmers. It covers electrical characteristics, data format, data protocol, and connector types.

This Standard is intended as a guide for:

1. Equipment manufacturers and system specifiers who wish to integrate systems of lighting equipment and accessories, including dimmers, with controllers made by different manufacturers.

2. Equipment manufacturers seeking to implement a standard digital transmission protocol in their lighting control and accessory products. 3. System specifiers and designers to gain detailed information about allowed connectors and allowed system topologies.

This standard is not intended to replace existing protocols other than USITT DMX512 and DMX512/1990. Cable requirements and premises wiring are not within the scope of this Standard.

Equipment compliant with this Standard will be marked DMX512-A or USITT DMX512-A in order to distinguish it from the previous (informally recognized) versions. Unless otherwise noted, references to DMX512 in this document refer to DMX512-A.