In a Building Management System (BMS), you’ll often hear about high-level interfaces (HLI) and low-
level interfaces (LLI). These terms describe how the BMS communicates with other equipment and
systems inside a building. Here’s a breakdown:
🔹 High-Level Interface (HLI)
Definition: A digital/software-level communication between the BMS and third-party systems
using open or proprietary protocols.
Purpose: To exchange large amounts of data efficiently, often bi-directionally, without needing
extra physical wiring for each point.
How it works:
o Uses communication protocols like BACnet, Modbus, LonWorks, KNX, OPC, MQTT,
SNMP, or vendor-specific drivers.
o Data is shared over Ethernet, RS485, IP networks, or serial connections.
Examples:
o BMS integrating with a chiller plant via BACnet/IP.
o Connecting a fire alarm panel via Modbus.
o Linking an access control system or lighting control system through software drivers.
Advantages:
o Fast and scalable integration.
o Reduced wiring and hardware costs.
o Rich data exchange (alarms, trends, setpoints, etc.).
🔹 Low-Level Interface (LLI)
Definition: A hardwired, physical connection between the BMS and equipment, usually through
binary (on/off) signals or analog signals (0–10V, 4–20mA, resistance sensors).
Purpose: Provides simple and reliable point-to-point control or monitoring.
How it works:
o Digital Input (DI): ON/OFF status from equipment (e.g., pump running feedback).
o Digital Output (DO): BMS sends ON/OFF command (e.g., start/stop a fan).
o Analog Input (AI): BMS reads variable values (e.g., temperature sensor, pressure
transducer).
o Analog Output (AO): BMS sends control signals (e.g., modulating a valve 0–10V).
Examples:
o Monitoring smoke detector contacts via DI.
o Controlling a fan coil unit valve via AO.
o Reading a temperature sensor directly via AI.
Advantages:
o Very reliable (direct wiring, less dependent on software).
o Works with older or standalone equipment.
o Good fallback when HLI isn’t available.
🔹 Key Differences:
Aspect High-Level Interface (HLI) Low-Level Interface (LLI)
Connection Software/protocol-based Hardwired I/O
Data Type Complex, multiple points Simple ON/OFF or analog values
Scalability High (many points over one link) Limited (each point needs wiring)
Cost Lower wiring cost, but licensing/drivers may cost Higher wiring cost
Reliability Depends on network & software Very reliable (physical signals)
Use Case Integration with modern systems (chillers, fire, lifts) Basic plant control, local monitoring
✅ In practice:
A chiller might connect via HLI (BACnet/IP) to provide hundreds of points like temperatures,
pressures, alarms.
But the pump connected to that chiller may still have a LLI hardwired start/stop signal to the
BMS for reliability.
🔹 Comparison Table: HLI vs LLI
Aspect High-Level Interface (HLI) Low-Level Interface (LLI)
Software-based integration using communication Hardwired point-to-point
How it Works
protocols (BACnet, Modbus, OPC, etc.) connections (DI, DO, AI, AO)
- Extremely reliable
- Handles hundreds of data points over one link
- Works without complex
- Fast data exchange
software drivers
Pros - Lower wiring costs
- Simple troubleshooting
- Easier expansion & remote access
- Provides fail-safe fallback
- Rich data (alarms, setpoints, logs)
- Compatible with older devices
- High wiring and labor cost
- Requires protocol licenses/drivers - Limited scalability (1 wire = 1
- Can be affected by network issues point)
Cons
- Vendor-specific limitations - More field panels required
- Integration complexity if protocols mismatch - Less detailed data (mostly
ON/OFF or analog values)
- Critical plant equipment
- Modern equipment with protocol support (pumps, valves, fans)
- Centralized data monitoring - Safety interlocks (fire alarms,
Best For - Large buildings with many systems emergency stops)
- Integration of packaged systems (chillers, fire panels, - Older devices with no protocol
lifts) - Backup in case of network
failure
- Pump start/stop signal
- A chiller plant connected to the BMS via BACnet/IP,
hardwired into the BMS I/O.
giving access to 200+ points like temperatures, flow rates,
Real-World - Temperature sensor wired to
alarms.
Example an analog input.
- Fire alarm system sending event logs to BMS via
- Fan run status feedback via
Modbus.
a digital input.
✅ Summary:
Use HLI when you need scalable, detailed, and centralized data.
Use LLI when you need reliable, simple, and critical control/monitoring, especially as a safety
backup.
