The modern Building Management System (BMS) environment demands devices that are not only functional but also aesthetically refined and easy to integrate. Within the iSMA CONTROLLI product portfolio, there are numerous room panel options designed to meet these expectations, combining user comfort, intuitive control, and robust communication capabilities.
Among the most popular choices are the Touch Point and Control Point series. Both panel lines are built upon the same engineering philosophy – open communication, flexibility,
and simplicity of use. Each targets slightly different applications and preferences.
This article explores what connects these two series and what sets them apart, helping integrators, designers, and building owners choose the most suitable solution for their projects
Shared Strengths – What Touch Point and Control Point Have in Common
1. Open Communication with BACnet and Modbus
Both series are open and interoperable, supporting BACnet and Modbus protocols. This ensures effortless integration with almost any Building Management System (BMS) on the market. For shared functions, identical Modbus addresses and BACnet objects are used across both panel series. This unified structure simplifies integration and system maintenance.
This article will guide you through how to assign IP addresses to devices already installed on your site in 6 steps.
2. Smart Plug – Power and Communication in One
Each panel is equipped with Smart Plug technology, combining communication and power supply in a single RJ45 cable. This smart solution simplifies installation and lowers labor costs.
3. Designed to Fit Any Interior
Available in elegant black (TP-DISP-B, CP-DISP-B) or pure white (TP-DISP-W, CP-DISP-W), both panels easily blend with any interior design – from high-end offices to hotels and residential buildings.
4. Flexible Sensor Configurations
Each panel series can be ordered with 3 sensor options: temperature (standard) and optionally with humidity (TP-H-DISP-W, CP-H-DISP-W) and CO2 (TP-C-DISP-B, TP-HC-DISP-W, CP-C-DISP-W, CP-HC-DISP-B). This makes them an ideal choice for applications focused on Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) and energy-efficient comfort control, such as office buildings, schools, and hospitals, where maintaining stable and healthy indoor conditions is essential.
5. Universal Configuration Tools
All panels are configurable using one universal tool – iSMA Configurator. Configuration can also be performed via network protocols. For even greater flexibility, an iC Lib Module (for Niagara Framework) and the iSMA Room Devices kit (for iSMA-B-FCU controllers) are available – making setup and commissioning fast and simple.
6. Daisy-chain connection
With two Smart Plug ports per device, panels can be easily connected in a daisy-chain topology, enabling multiple panels to be linked together without the need for additional power supplies. From a single controller, such as RAC18-IP or VAV14-IP, it is possible to connect up to five panels, using only the power provided by the controller.
7. Environmental building certification
Monitoring indoor air quality is essential for sustainability and well-being certifications such as BREEAM, LEED, and WELL, which focus on energy efficiency and occupant health. Real-time data from Touch Point and Control Point panels help maintain CO₂ and humidity within optimal ranges, while the ECO icon encourages environmentally conscious behavior.
Touch Point vs Control Point – Discover the difference
The Touch Point series embodies a cutting-edge glass design that perfectly fits modern interiors. Its ultra-thin profile (only 14 mm) and capacitive touch buttons create a refined, minimalist look. The panel is available without a display, offering a clean, subtle interface that harmonizes with any interior. It’s the perfect choice wherever design, simplicity,
and technology must go hand in hand.
The Control Point series offers a timeless design with physical buttons and an easy-to-read display with clear icons. CP-VAV version (CP-VAV-DISP-W, CP-VAV-DISP-B) is a dedicated panel with native support for VAV14-IP controller and allows for direct configuration and balancing from the panel or via the USB-C port of the CP-VAV panel. The panel can also be configured
to control alarms, blinds, and lighting, turning the panel into a powerful, multifunctional room interface. It has been designed with the US market in mind, fitting standard US electrical boxes and built from UL94-V0 certified plastic, ensuring durability and safety.
Simplifying Automatic Fan Control
For systems where fan speed is managed automatically by the controller, TP-VAV and CP-VAV models are the ideal choice. The panels focus on controlling the temperature setpoint and monitoring environmental parameters, while the controller manages fan operation based on real-time heating or cooling requirements. This makes TP-VAV and CP-VAV panels suitable for applications where automatic fan regulation is desired, such as offices, hotels, and residential buildings, providing reliable control and consistent comfort without requiring manual intervention.
Plug & Play Integration with iSMA CONTROLLI Controllers
1. Integration with iSMA-B-FCU
The iSMA-B-FCU controller is supplied with a preloaded application that natively supports both Touch Point and Control Point panels, enabling instant Plug & Play operation.
As the controller features an RJ12 connector and the panels use RJ45, dedicated cables are available in different lengths:
- 5 m – iSMA-B-RJ12-RJ45-5
- 10 m – iSMA-B-RJ12-RJ45-10
- 15 m – iSMA-B-RJ12-RJ45-15
- 20 m – iSMA-B-RJ12-RJ45-20
- Integration with RAC18-IP
The RAC18-IP controller can power up to five panels through Smart Plug connections, providing a simple and efficient installation process. With the BACnet discover functionality, integration between the panels and the controller is quick and straightforward, significantly reducing setup time. Additionally, the RAC18-IP controller can be used as an FCU controller with IP interface by using the preloaded example application available for this device. In this configuration, Touch Point and Control Point panels operate plug-and-play, allowing immediate communication without the need for additional programming.
3. Integration with VAV14-IP
The VAV14-IP controller delivers seamless integration and effortless setup with the CP-VAV panels, creating a complete solution for modern VAV applications. With its preloaded application, the controller automatically recognizes and communicates with connected panels, ensuring smooth operation right out of the box. It allows direct configuration and balancing of the VAV system straight from the panel interface or via its USB-C port, giving technicians quick access to essential setup and commissioning functions.
One vision – Two expressions of comfort control
Both Touch Point and Control Point panels represent the essence of iSMA CONTROLLI’s approach to modern room control – a perfect balance between design, technology, and functionality. Although created with different styles and user preferences in mind, they share a common foundation: open communication, seamless integration, and effortless configuration.
These panels are intended to provide flexible and adaptable solutions for controlling comfort and environmental settings, suitable for offices, hotels, residential buildings, and other applications, while maintaining a unified approach across all iSMA CONTROLLI room control solutions.
For more information on the impact of these panels on Indoor Air Quality (IAQ), the article Indoor Air Quality – The Key to Comfort and Energy Efficiency presents detailed insights.
The article explains the importance of monitoring CO₂, humidity, and temperature, demonstrates how real-time data from Touch Point and Control Point panels maintains optimal IAQ, and outlines strategies for energy-efficient operation and improved occupant well-being.