Foreword Glossary

Exclusive to Somfy, Radio Technology Somfy™ is the constructionindustry reference forprotected radio controls. Radio Technology Somfy™ covers all applications, from streetgates to garage doors, rollershutters, awnings furniture and indoorblinds. As the world leader, Somfy reliability and motorlife means thatpartners, installers and users benefitfrom a 5 yearwarranty. To meetthis commitment, Radio Technology Somfy™ performance and operational safety levels exceed mostcurrentstandards. This bookletdevoted to Radio Technology Somfy™ reviews the methods Somfy uses to develop innovative, high value added solutions, anticipating long term marketneeds.

FMEA:

Failure Mode and Effects Analysis and the study of criticalities. Method used to analyseand forecastthe risks of failure used in the aerospace industry.

Amplifier:

presentin the transmitter, itboosts the signal from the oscillator(1 mW forremotecontrols). Amplifierperformance is expressed as a range.

Band-width on the receiver:

frequency band between the limits of which amplificationis acceptable. The narrowerthe band-width, the less itis likely to be disturbed by interference.

IEC:

the International Electrotechnical Commission studies electromagnetic compatibility andthe safety of electrical components (EClabel).

CEN:

European Standardisation Committee which determines harmonised standards fortheEuropean Union, defining the technical specifications manufacturers mustrespectto meetthe essential safety requirements stipulated in European Directives.

CENELEC:

the European Electrical Standards Committee, which harmonises electrical safetystandards forthe European Union.

CEPT- ECC:

Electronic Communications Committee of the PostOffice and TelecommunicationsEuropean Conference which examines and proposes normative solutions inside the EuropeanUnion.

Transmitter:

high frequency generatorconnected to an aerial. The aerial transforms the high frequency signal into an electromagnetic wave.

ETSI:

European Telecommunication Standards Institute, which harmonises radio transmissionstandards inside the European Union.

Frequency:

the numberof wave cycles persecond.

Wavelength:

the distance a wave travels during a period.

Radio waves:

they have the same properties as lightwaves because they are both electromagnetic waves. They travel atthe same speed. They do notrequire a material mediumto propagate. Hertzian and infra-red waves are also electromagnetic waves.

Receiver:

the receiveraerial transforms an electromagnetic wave into an electric signal. The receiveramplifies the lowlevel signal up to a usable level. The radio signal is filtered to eliminate as much interference as possible.