1. a device which, through hardware plus on-board firmware, can fulfill some particular application functionality (e.g. as a temperature sensor), and which exhibits at the same time the features of one of the standard EIB node profiles;
2. an applet loaded into the device's executable memory (unless the applet is fixed on board, say in ROM); obviously the applet has to fit to the device's EIB profile as well as its functional hardware;
3. the appropriate choice of application parameter values (if any), to further customize device behaviour in each instance;
4. fully configured network resources according to the node profile (e.g. assignment of physical address);
5. fully configured bindings (indirection tables), linking group addresses to group communication objects (thus publishing its value on the network, or subscribing to one).

EIB has worked out a number of metaphors and tools, which hide most of this complexity to the person who has to design an installation, wrapping it into high-level and visual representations – while still maintaining the system's full flexibility.

Specifically the ETS tools cater for the steps (b) through (e).

When the EIB system was designed, the foremost objective was to fulfill all requirements for smooth yet powerful installation and configuration of professional building control networks of any size, without requiring explicit engineering skills.

ETS: the sheer power of PC tools

The pinnacle of EIB installation strength is indeed embodied in the PC tools for the design and configuration of installation projects, which form the heart of the ETS tool suite.

Via its product database library of templates, ETS harnesses all configuration elements from (b) through (e) in the list above. Central to EIB's success is the fact that ETS does so in a way which is independent of the manufacturer providing the hardware and its corresponding product description in the template library.

The product database provides an open repository: each manufacturer can create new product description templates, using ETS's special design tools for product descriptions. No additional programming required!

Note that the EIB Association's certification procedure guarantees the consistency and system compliance – in particular the run-time interworking – of the template library.

Easy Configuration

Together with its partners in the KNX convergence initiative, EIBA has developed a set of methods for the configuration of smaller systems with basic functionality – without the need for a PC-based tools.

These methods constitute a compatible extension of the EIB system. They have been designed to combine maximal ease-of-configuration with maximal interworking across the configuration "modes".

Also, the ETS project tools are being expanded to facilitate seamless integration between "easy" and "full" parts of a single EIB installation.