What is an LDT file?
by Zemper
It is the official standard for photometry exchange in Europe. These files store the relative luminous intensities expressed in cd/klm. The total flux of the lamp corresponds to a measurement made around the bare lamp, independent of the luminaire in question. In this way, the efficiency of the luminaire can be obtained by comparing the total flux of the bare lamp versus the flux obtained from the luminaire.
What is stored in LDT documents?
In the LDT (Luminaires Data Transfer) file format, data on luminous intensities and other photometric characteristics of luminaires, such as light distribution, luminous flux, color temperature, etc., are stored. These files are used to exchange photometric data between different lighting and design programs, and can be imported into lighting design programs to simulate luminaire behavior in a specific environment.
LDT files are typically provided by fixture manufacturers so lighting designers can easily integrate fixture features into their designs. They are also used by lighting engineers to perform lighting calculations and simulations in construction and interior design projects.
In summary, the LDT file format is used in the lighting industry to store luminaire photometric data, such as luminous intensities, which is used to design and simulate lighting systems.
What advantages do LDT files offer?
Lighting Design Accuracy: LDT files provide precise and detailed photometric data about luminaires, allowing lighting designers to accurately estimate light level, uniformity, and luminous flux in a given space. This helps prevent under- or over-lighting issues, and ensures that the lighting design meets project-specific standards and requirements.
Time and resource savings: LDT files eliminate the need for lighting designers to perform photometric measurements and tests of each fixture individually. Instead, they can import photometric data directly into their design programs, saving time and resources.
Compatibility between different design programs: LDT files are a standard file format, which means they can be easily imported and exported between different lighting design programs. This allows designers to work with different programs and tools, and seamlessly share data between them.
Luminaire Selection and Comparison: LDT files allow lighting designers to select and compare different luminaires based on their photometric and electrical characteristics. This helps select the right luminaire for a specific project and ensures lighting and power requirements are met.
Comprehensive Technical Documentation: LDT files provide complete technical documentation of luminaires, which is useful for lighting engineers and technicians in the construction and maintenance phase of a lighting project.
What information is in LDT files?
LDT (Luminaires Data Transfer) files are used to store luminaire photometric data, which is used in the lighting industry to design and simulate lighting systems. Photometric data includes information on the light distribution of the luminaire, luminous flux, color temperature, Color Rendering Index (CRI), among others.
In an LDT file, the following information about a luminaire can be found:
- Name and description of the luminaire
- Manufacturer and model reference number
- Information about the light source, such as wattage, type of lamp or LED, and expected life
- Photometric data of the luminaire, such as light distribution and light intensities at different emission angles
- Electrical data, such as current, voltage, and power consumed
- Information about the type of drivers and control options of the luminaire
- Information about the geometry of the luminaire, such as dimensions and weight
The information contained in an LDT file is used to simulate and calculate the lighting in a given space, and allows lighting designers and technicians to select the right luminaires for their projects, and to assess how the lighting will perform in different environments.