Michael Critchfield celebrates 35 years of KNX with an interesting overview of how the KNX Association's Engineering Tool Software (ETS) is developed and maintained.
By: Michael Critchfield*
ETS is the only software tool for commissioning and maintaining all KNX installations. It's been around for a long time; the first edition was released in 1993 as ETS1. Since then, there have been five generations. The most recent, ETS6, was released in September 2021. It is kept up to date with free updates for all ETS6 customers, and the latest revision was published in May 2025.
Example tab of the first version of ETS for Windows, when KNX was originally known as EIB and new versions were distributed on floppy disks, and later on CDs.
What does ETS do and what are the principles that govern it?
ETS is used to plan, configure, document and maintain any KNX installation. Its fundamental principles are that it should be the only tool that everyone can use, it should be manufacturer-independent and completely backwards compatible with any KNX installation, from the 90s to 2025. This means you can expand your current installation, no matter how old, with the latest devices, either because requirements change or because you want an upgrade to the most advanced products from our member manufacturers.
Evolution of STDs
Compared to today, the first generation, ETS1 Professional, had fewer capabilities. This was because in the early years of KNX the range of certified devices was quite limited. There was only one transmission medium: a cable called KNX Twisted Pair (TP).
Today, there are multiple types of transmission media, all supported within ETS6. These include stranded cable (KNX TP), wireless radio frequency (KNX RF), and media such as Thread and Ethernet used for IP protocol communication (KNXnet/IP and KNX IoT). There are even devices that transmit over the mains (KNX Powerline or PL), although these are mostly legacy products. Basically, whichever medium you choose, KNX supports it.
ETS6 also offers an integrated online catalogue of KNX devices. It supports ETS Apps for extended features, powerful device configuration apps, and even old plugins that still work in "compatibility mode." ETS1 didn't offer any of this, although the basic principles were already there: KNX devices have Objects that bind to Group Addresses.
STD Development
KNX Association has a team of expert developers who are responsible for the maintenance and evolution of ETS. They each have their own field of expertise within ETS and are proud to offer a software suite that has been used by tens of thousands of KNX Partners over the years, and now also welcomes KNX NextGen students.
As the KNX standard evolves, so does the tool. Countless extensions such as TP0 to TP1, RF to RF Multi, KNX plain to KNX IP Secure and KNX Data Secure, and from KNXnet/IP to KNX IoT have been added. Each step in the KNX specification means a new breakthrough for KNX and ETS, making it possible to support new devices from our members. These devices are installed in the field, and over time, expectations and technology evolve, continuing this cycle. Just as ETS1 Professional supported all devices since 1993, ETS6 Professional offers support for the entire KNX legacy until 2025. And it will continue to grow: the best is yet to come.
The ETS6 software is available in three versions adapted to ensure the best experience for each type of user.
Powerful and Safe
ETS is the tool that a KNX Partner can rely on to commission and maintain KNX installations. The latest generation, ETS6, is equipped with all extensions defined by the KNX Association and its members. The latest devices, combined with encrypted communication using KNX Secure and the ability to integrate with existing installations while maintaining workflows, ensure that KNX Partners can apply their knowledge to create robust, reliable and secure installations.
Moving with the times
The development of STDs also depends on external factors, such as the operating system on which it runs. Each new generation of ETS maintains compatibility with the current version of Windows, which at the time of writing is Windows 11. Even the external libraries that ETS uses receive frequent updates. In some cases, we even switch to alternative libraries when vulnerabilities are detected and an immediate fix is not available. Between major versions, which are released every few years, revisions with improvements and fixes are also released. ETS5, for example, was released in 2014 and had 28 revisions before the release of ETS6 in 2021, followed by ETS6.3.0 in 2024. With the recent ETS6.3.1, you can enjoy all the powerful features of ETS6.3.0, with the peace of mind that issues detected in previous versions have been corrected, and your ETS6 training is still valid today.
The current generation of ETS offers a revolutionary user experience, improved security and future compatibility thanks to the integration of KNX IoT and native support for IPv6.
Collaboration
ETS is, by its nature, a collaborative endeavor. KNX Association collects feedback from its members and partners to ensure that ETS remains ahead of the curve. The biggest challenge today is to fully test each version of ETS before it is released. This includes both the software and its compatibility with all KNX certified devices. Although we run thousands of tests, we can't catch every bug, so we rely on our valued ETS beta testers to help us out.
For more information, visit: www.knx.org and www.knxlatinamerica.org
*Michael Critchfield is the ETS Product Manager at KNX Association.
